Category Archives: Uncategorized

It’s been a while since I wrote something for the blog and today seems a good day for it – with wildlife teeming in the woods on my walk today. I was heading up through the woods, on my way to take out a few Himalayan Balsam plants that survived the cull of last yearContinue reading “Summer is buzzing”

—– Now Fully Booked —– Come and join us for a week with Cross Cut (a cooperative of women who design & build ecological, sustainable structures) taking part in a 5-day supported hut build. We’ll be learning as we construct a small, off-grid, timber-framed hut. We’re building an insulated wooden hut on the site ofContinue reading “Build a Hut Week”

22 April 2022 We’ve got all sorts of rhododendrons at Upper Woodburn. Some specimen ‘nice’ rhododendrons that don’t spread and look beautiful and are generally well behaved. Like this beautiful red one that sets off the sunset behind the roundhouse so nicely and has just flowered this week. Unfortunately we also have plenty of theContinue reading “Good Rhodies – Bad Rhodies!”

25th July 2021 We went badger watching last night. Inspired by the photos of a guest, Lee Mills, who managed to capture some photos of badgers really close up while on a walk through the woods, we decided to go on a stake out. We had the essentials- midge head-nets, snacks and a picnic blanketContinue reading “Badgers!”

5th June 2021 I have a troublesome relationship with rhododendrons. On the one hand Rhododenron ponticum is a highly invasive species that is a particular menace to Scotland’s rare habitats, particularly the west coast’s Atlantic oak woodlands. And on the other hand they are absolutely stunning when in full bloom. But it’s not just theContinue reading “Rhododendrons”

10th May 2021 The bluebells are looking absolutely astounding this week. The ground is so densely covered with them we had to walk really carefully to get these photos. The wood sorrel is also flowering – also called the Alleluia flower because it flowers between Easter and Pentecost…. which I suppose is about this timeContinue reading “An Ocean of Bluebells”

13th April 2021 So excited that the first bluebells are starting to appear in the woodland. It’s been a long winter and it’s still really cold at Upper Woodburn with a dusting of snow on the Campsie Hills a few days ago. Can’t wait until the full blue carpet comes out in a couple ofContinue reading “The First Bluebells are out!”

4 April 2021 I love that the primroses coincide with Easter. They are springing up all over the wood. This one is just overlooking the burn where the waterfall goes down. Have a wonderful easter all and I hope the bunny brings lots of chocolate!

15 March 2021 Today I saw two woodcock – I flushed them out of the fallen leaves in two different parts of the wood. As one of them clattered off I heard a Nuthatch – relative new-comers to Scotland from further south, but they are a particular favourite of mind with their call that IContinue reading “Woodcock walks”