Bloghttp://www.waterofleith.org.uk/blog/en-US2010-03-12T23:35:51ZSquarespace Site Server v5.9.2 (http://www.squarespace.com/)Tree Planting Postponedhttp://www.waterofleith.org.uk/blog/2010/2/23/tree-planting-postponed.htmlCharlotte2010-02-23T16:25:11ZClean-ups Events Wildlife & ConservationDue to bad weather tree planting event has been postponed.  We will keep you posted.

]]>Call for Clean-up Volunteers and Tree Plantershttp://www.waterofleith.org.uk/blog/2010/2/15/call-for-clean-up-volunteers-and-tree-planters.htmlHelen2010-02-15T12:02:25ZWe have 2 practical tasks happening in the next week or two. Details below, do let us know if you plan to attend the clean-up and contact the Ranger Service for the Tree Planting Event.

Sunday 21st February: 10am – 12.30pm.  Clean-up at Redbrae’s Weir.  According to patrol reports this area is suffering since the big thaw.  Depending on numbers there is also scope to get some of the trolleys out of the river at Warriston.  Meet at Redbraes Grove where there is a reasonable amount of parking.  For a map follow this link;

 http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=325889&Y=675707&A=Y&Z=110

 

Wednesday 24th February - Tree Planting at Wester Coates - 10.30

Tree planting with The Countryside Rangers along a section of the Water of Leith Walkway near Bell's Mill.
Meet at the Wester Coates Avenue access to the Walkway, behind Donaldson's School. If you are lost, please phone Jessica Morgado on 077 853 73 927.
What time: The event will start at 10.30am and will finish at 3pm. You are welcome to join the team any time you want, for as long as you want. 
What to bring: A pair of wellies or sturdy footwear as it will be muddy. Dress for the outdoor. Bring your lunch pack and water with you. We will provide necessary tools and protective equipment you will require for the activity. We will even offer you a hot cuppa to keep you going!
Booking: If you intend to come along, please, e-mail Jessica.Morgado@edinburgh.gov.uk or phone the Ranger Service on 0131 447 7145 so that they can prepare enough equipment for all to take part!
 

 ]]>Under the Bridge edition 50!http://www.waterofleith.org.uk/blog/2010/2/8/under-the-bridge-edition-50.htmlHelen2010-02-08T10:14:33ZUnder The BridgePlease read our latest newsletter Under the Bridge

 

]]>Council Fundinghttp://www.waterofleith.org.uk/blog/2010/2/8/council-funding.htmlHelen2010-02-08T10:05:31ZFundraisingMany of you may have seen articles in the local papers about funding cuts to community organisations from City of Edinburgh Council. We were earmarked for a 32% cut (£8,500) from the grant we usually receive from the Council. This would have been devastating for a small organisation such as ourselves as revenue funding is really hard to come by. We have been lobbying in the last month to try and get this decision reversed and we are now hopeful that Service for Communities department will be taking on our whole grant. There are important meetings this week and fingers crossed we will have the more positive news confirmed. In the meantime you are welcome to add you voice to the e petition set up on line to boost support for our case.

 

]]>Ice traps interesting dumping!!http://www.waterofleith.org.uk/blog/2010/1/23/ice-traps-interesting-dumping.htmlHelen2010-01-23T15:16:11ZI though I would pass on this photo taken by one of our river patrol volunteers of the ice in Leith. Just outside the Plumbline store on Sandport Place, this loo, seat and cistern had been strewn onto the ice. May look amusing in the picture but this will be a very ticky item to retrieve.

]]>Otters Spottedhttp://www.waterofleith.org.uk/blog/2010/1/23/otters-spotted.htmlHelen2010-01-23T15:14:12ZWildlife & ConservationThe otter is out and about again, just this week we have had evening sightings in Saughton and Stockbridge, so keep you eyes pealed and do not forget if you are lucky enough to spot the otter let us know.

]]>Swishing at the Water of Leith Centrehttp://www.waterofleith.org.uk/blog/2010/1/23/swishing-at-the-water-of-leith-centre.htmlHelen2010-01-23T15:09:05ZNext friday evening 29th Jan we are hosting a Swishing Clothes Exchange evening for Craiglockhart Community Council. What is Swishing I hear you cry? Well bring along 3 or more good quality items of clothing, jewellery or accessories and exchange them for 3 new items. Enjoy a glass of wine while you browse the rails. It's a great opportunity to recycle unwanteds goods and bag yourself a bargain. Starting at 7 pm the evening is a fundraising event for the 'One More Spring' public art sculpture for Happy Valley. Tickets are £10 (£3 for under 16's) available from Angela on 0131 441 2960 email angmtun@hotmail.com

]]>Dramatic Rescue of Eeyorehttp://www.waterofleith.org.uk/blog/2010/1/11/dramatic-rescue-of-eeyore.htmlHelen2010-01-11T10:04:38ZThis report is from a local resident whose dog Eeyore had a lucky rescue from the icy river.

 "This afternoon I was walking my English setters along the Water of Leith walkway when one of my dogs strayed onto an ice shelf in the river and crashed through the ice. He was clinging on to the ice with his forepaws but unable to climb out. By extreme good fortune some honorary water bailiffs were right by the spot where he fell in and putting themselves in some considerable danger proceeded to rescue eeyore from the very icy waters. Without their quick thinking and teamwork I doubt Eeyore would have survived."

I think this has to go out as a warning to dog owners, in these icy conditions please keep dogs on leads and away from the water. The Water of Leith is very deep in parts and the ice is unlikely to be very thick as it is a fast flowing little river. Our thanks to the Volunteers who helped out. Here is Eeyore enjoying spring, which he will now see again.

]]>Water of Leith Freezes overhttp://www.waterofleith.org.uk/blog/2010/1/11/water-of-leith-freezes-over.htmlHelen2010-01-11T09:57:32Z

 

Only the second time the river has frozen in Leith since 1990. Great Pictures Thank you Greener Leith.

 

 

 

 

  

]]>Winter Wonderland, great for wildlife spottinghttp://www.waterofleith.org.uk/blog/2010/1/5/winter-wonderland-great-for-wildlife-spotting.htmlHelen2010-01-05T10:43:30ZWildlife & ConservationThe unbelievable weather is still with us, and I have now developed an unhealthy addiction to the met office website, watching radar images of where snow is falling. The Centre is now back open for business, so why not take a walk and call in for one of Sandie's famous hot chocolates. The snow make spotting wildlife simple, here is a list of just some of the birds seen this week. Also I have posted a fantastic picture of a Woodcock taken by Gavin in the Dells. This is the first sighting of this elusive bird along the river, one to watch out for.

Wildlife Spotted;

Dipper, Heron, Kingfisher, Cormorant, Heron, Woodcock, Redwings, Fieldfares, Goosander, Moorhen, Treecreeper, Little Grebe, Sparrowhawk, Bullfinch.

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