The Green Team Blog - the year 2009

Welcome to the Green Team Blog, the place to get the low down on what the Green Team has been up to - if you've been involved in the Green Team, send us your story ...

Been on a Green Team project in the past? Read about the Green Team in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. We've also got a Green Shoots Update page.

1 February 2009 - sent in by Neil
Musselburgh Lagoons

At the start when everyone had met up we had two beanbags and we threw them to each other and said something about ourselves. We then threw the beanbag to someone and said the thing about them. We then went to the Musselburgh lagoons and pulled dead bushes into piles and burned some of them in a
bonfire and had lunch with marshmallows toasted on the fire! We then went to the other side of the lake and put protective tubes over growing small bushes. We also planted lots of different types of bushes along the side of a fence. We then took lots of pairs of binoculars and a telescope to look at the birds in the ponds. Then we said what we liked in the day and what we didn't like so much. After that we got on the bus and went home (Tea and biscuits included).

15 February 2009
Vogrie Country Park

On the 15th of February 2009 a group of courageous conservationists set out on a spectacular journey to protect and develop the environment of Vogrie Park, Tyne Valley. Our journey started at New Parliament House, and after a quick and enthusiastic name game we set off in the minibus. After getting lost a few times we arrived at our destination. It had been snowing heavily the night before and we carefully made our way over the iced paths to where we would be starting our snedding. The task for the day was to clear away the low branches of the surrounding conifer trees. The idea being, that with more space at ground level, lower growing plants and mosses would have a fighting chance to engage in photosynthesis, with the now more available sun light. To achieve this result, we used loppers and bow-saws to clear the low branches. We then made a huge bonfire with the sawn-off branches. We concluded the day by the fire, reflecting on the day’s work. We melted marshmallows and made chocolate bananas and ‘shmores’. All in all, it was a very enjoyable day and I went home tired but feeling I had achieved something very valuable.

1 March 2009 - sent in by Evan
Lord Ancrum's Wood

We met in the morning at the New Parliament Building and waited for everyone to arrive. Once everyone was there we played a game to learn everyone's name (if you've been on a Green Team project you'll know the one I mean). Then we all piled into the Green Team van and set off for Lord Ancrum's Wood.

When we got there we played a game to learn more about everyone. It was fun learning random facts about people.

Then we went into the wood to cut down some invasive rhododendron and snowberry bushes. We also got to start a massive bonfire. We worked hard (obviously) until we had a small break for tea and cookies.

Then we continued working until we stopped for lunch. Once we'd cleared most of the bushes we got to play more games which involved lots of running around. Then we got back to work until it as time for the highlight of any Green Team trip involving a fire, toasting marshmallows!

After this we finished putting things on the fire then put it out. Then we had to take all our tools back to the van and headed back to the New Parliament Building. It was a fun and I enjoyed every aspect of the day.

15 March 2009 - sent in by Georgie and Ellie
Craigmillar Castle Park

Before we left for the park we played some name games to get to know each other a bit better. We also met the camera crew who were going to be filming us for the day. We then left on the Green Team bus. When we got to Craigmillar Park we played some more games such as bears, salmon and midges. Then we went out the part of the park we were going to be working on. We split into two groups. Half of us were going to be pulling up the roots of an invasive species and the other half were taking tree guards off trees as they were restricting the trees’ growth. We had our lunch and then some of us gave an interview to the camera crew to tell them about our Green Team experience. After that we took a nature walk which was very interesting as we learned all about the wildlife in the park. We also visited the adventure play park which was brilliant! We then returned to the Green Team bus and drove back to the Green Team building.

21-22nd March 2009
Linlithgow

On the 21st of March, a group of about 16 volunteers and leaders set off to Linlithgow Loch for a day of conservation. When we arrived, we had a quick tools talk, played some warm up games, and then set to work clearing the surrounding area by the loch for an adventure play ground for nursery age children to play and learn in. This involved clearing brambles and low branches, as well as starting and maintaining a fire. We also began work on a fence by making fence posts out of felled logs. After lunch, we made our way to Linlithgow Palace for a look round and ice creams in the sunshine. After this, it was time to make our way to the Youth Hostel, by the Union Canal, where we were split into duty groups and began making pasta for dinner after some games of cards. After dinner, we were taken star gazing which was really interesting and the sky was beautifully clear. It was also good as we were given information about the constellations before we went outside, so we could recognise far more than usual.
The next morning, we headed to Muiravonside, where we were clearing the invasive species rhododendron, as it is a carrier plant of Southern Oak disease, a deadly disease which has already killed thousands of historic oaks. We built up a fire to keep us warm, and after lunch played some more games, before finishing up and heading home, muddy and tired but happy that we had made a difference. All in all, a great weekend with lovely volunteers and leaders alike.

29 March 2009 - sent in by Shona
Pentland Hills

Today the group went to the Pentland Hills to work in collaboration with the ranger to clear drains. We climbed to the saddle of the hill where we split up into groups of 7 and a group of 8, clearing drains on the way up. It was a lot of fun and we achieved a great deal. During our walk we played way too many games but apart from that, overall it was a great day. On Green Team projects you gain a lot of respect for other people and the environment and a lot of belief and confidence in yourself.

5 April 2009 - sent in by Euan
Craigleith Island

I really enjoyed my day with the Green Team and a couple of folk I know on Craigleith island. We were cutting down tree mallow to clear the land, ensuring the puffin burrows were undisturbed. We all went out on the speed boat from North Berwick, this was great fun as it was choppy as hell. We all saw three differnt types of birds seagulls, a puffin and another bird I forget the name. It was a mellow and fun day out.

25-26 April 2009 - sent in by Stephen
John Muir Country Park

This being my first Green Team project, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, though I certainly wasn't disappointed. Following our introductions to each other and consequent splatting (don't worry, it's a game), we made the journey to John Muir Country Park. There we played several more games before setting about our task of removing invasive sea buckthorn and their rather long roots. Later on we visited John Muir's birthplace entailed by a short tour of Dunbar with ice cream included. Arriving at our home for the night we indulged in more games (this time fighting for spoons), had baked potatoes for tea (sans coleslaw, tragically) and stargazed. Indoors. The next day it was off to a wood somewhere to remove the out-of-control rhododendrons. Games here included sniffing trees for onion traces, tying wool to trees and possibly one of the slowest games of tig ever. By the end of the weekend, despite being very tired and quite sunburnt, we'd all had a great time and managed to contribute to the environment at the same time.

10 May 2009
Roseburn & Blackhall

We spent the day: being efficient and tidy: shifting soil,weeds and various debri off steps being strong: digging being lumberjacks: felling a tree being safety conscious: wearing hard hats being community gardeners: lopping back trees and bushes being cosy: having tea breaks being intellectual: visiting the modern art gallery being problem solvers: getting the whole team over the "electric fence" being flexible(or not so!): doing the limbo being those who help their environment and community: being part of Green Team!

24 May 2009 - sent in by David
Gullane

On Sunday the 24th May the Green Team set out to Gullane. Our task was to tackle a thorny subject of Sea Buckthorn. The plant in question was originally planted to stabilise the dunes but it was now very overgrown and needed to be taken away. When we arrived in Gullane we started the day by playing some games such as Sun and Moon. We then began the task of removing the Buckthorn. It was hot and thirsty work but very satisfying. We stopped and had our lunch on the beach which was very nice. Then we went on a nature walk and returned to the task in hand of getting rid of the Buckthorn. It was a great day and the weather was really good which put everyone in a fab mood. We returned to the Green Team office at the end of a long day, but it was a very enjoyable one.

7 June 2009 - sent in by Greg
Easter Road Cycle Way - This project is supported by the North and Leith Neighbourhood Partnership

We met up at New Parliament House and played a game, then set off for the cycleway that goes from Leith Links eastwards, above Seafield Cemetery, actually parking on Leith Links. When we arrived we played a game then started working, cutting back vegetation from near the path. It was a bit smelly due to being near the sewage works. Once you start cutting a tree down, you can’t leave it, so we ended up having a late lunch! After lunch we played a game then carried on lopping for a bit, watching out for stinging nettles. Later we had a go at using the storm kettles to boil water on fires we made from twigs and newspaper, which was my favourite part of the day! We all got a chance to say what we thought of the day, before we made our return journey.

21 June 2009 sent in by Ross
Burdiehouse Burn - This project is supported by the South Neighbourhood Partnership

On Sunday the Green Team went to clean up Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park. We started the day by playing the traditional Green Team name games. The morning was spent mostly cutting back vegetation. After a lunch break, we had a Green Team game of £1 tig. However, due to recession, we could only afford 2p tig.

After that we went to clean up the burn. Among the items found were a pram, a crocodile, a hoover and a trolley. A great day was had by everyone, and we all learnt a lot about the stuff you find in rivers. I really enjoyed my day with the Green Team, as it was great meeting new people and helping save the environment from river polluting people. I also am really glad that I finally managed to get my prestigious John Muir Award, at discovery level.

24 August 2009 - sent in by Robert
Binning Wood

The original plan was to go to Craigleith Island, but the weather was not permitting so we had to go to Binning Wood instead.

I was one of the first people to arrive. I saw Jamie and was very happy because I had previously got on with him very well. We played the usual, get to know other peoples name, games which are never very good, not that I know better ones.

On the way to Binning Wood we got a call and thought we may still be able to go to the Island but it was a false alarm so we continued our journey to Binning Wood.

When we got there it was raining. So everyone got on their waterproofs and reluctantly got out of the van. Once we'd trundled into the wood a little way we put our bags down and played some run-around games.
Afterwards we set to work cutting down rhododendron with saws and loppers. Then we had a short break and went back to work cutting things down. I had a saw and so did Jamie which was great, taking down all the big rhododendrons. We both got muddy and wet because neither of us had put our jackets back on after the break.

Later on it started to really pour again and the leaders asked if we wanted to just leave because we'd done enough work already. At the beginning, no one said they wanted to leave because we weren't sure what we would do instead. It turned out that we'd just go home. About eight people wanted to leave, and I was one of the ones who wanted to stay because I was wet and muddy already and I was having fun. We got out voted so we went back, and arrived in Edinburgh two hours early.

6 September 2009 sent in by Fiona
Water of Leith

First of all we arrived at New Parliament House and played a name game so we could try to learn the others' names. For the first time I actually managed to remember all the names (most of the time). Then we all piled into the minibus and set off to the Water of Leith near Currie.

Eventually we arrived and met up with David, the ranger. We split up into groups and started clearing vegetation from the sides of the path. After tea-break we began cutting down dead trees and replacing parts of the handrail that were rotting away.

Soon it was lunch and, after going to Somerfield's for the loo, we got back and played the cup game. After lunch we began building fires and trying to light them with one match, the One Match Challenge, which is much harder than it sounds. Eventually we got a good blaze going and roasted some marshmallows.

Time flies when you're having fun and, far too quickly, it was time to head back. We (David) put the fire out and got back into the minibus to get back to the New Parliament House. It was a great day, with lots of interesting and fun things to do.

13 September 2009 - sent in by Hamish and Andrew
Almondell

On the morning of the 13th of September every participant of the Sunday's Project met at New Parliament House as usual. After a few 'ice-breaking' games in which participants became acquainted with each other we set off to Almondell Country Park. After meeting the park ranger we briskly set about our first task, which involved checking and repairing tree shelters. These protect saplings from wild animals such as rabbits. We then drove to the visitor centre where we had luncheon. After eating we then made our way to the forest and began to cut out old fencing. This was demanding work as the foliage was dense making the task of carrying pieces of fencing to the road rather challenging. All in all the day was rewarding and the ranger helped to enrich our understanding and knowledge of the area.

19-20 September 2009 - sent in by Steven
Bonaly Country Park

After setting off for Bonaly Country Park we met Jo, a ranger with the Pentland Hills Ranger Service. We played another few games, one with a rope and human knots another where we split into opposing teams (Dragon’s Tail)-both a brilliant laugh and a good way to get to know the others a little better. A few close fought battles later, Jo led us to the site where we would be clearing Ragwort-a native plant which can spread its seeds far and wide. We were asked to remove the Ragwort as there were sheep grazing nearby and the plant can be poisonous if digested. Afterwards, we set up the tents-it was a camping residential after all!-a bit of a struggle for a newbie to the outdoors like me, but both the other participants and leaders were great in offering support and hands on help with this. A short break for lunch, a few games later and we were onto our next conservation task- helping to clear the drains in order to improve access to the Country Park. This was hard work but satisfying at the same time. The weather took a turn for the worse but all was not lost- there was still the orienteering task to get on with. The course was a challenge, but not an impossible one! It was a brilliant feeling to have fully completed the course and again, great fun and support from the other participants. A BBQ and bonfire later, it was time for bed…

Day two started with a renegade squirrel launching acorns with frightening accuracy towards the group-one can only assume the local squirrel population was protesting against our cooking fires! A short while later we again met the lovely Jo, who took us to a site very close to Hillend ski slopes, where we were charged with clearing Gorse, a plant which is great for creepy crawlies and birds nests, but not so good in allowing the local trees some breathing space. The Gorse clearing was a good task to be involved in- there were a variety of tools and tasks involved from lighting a fire and the controlled burning of the Gorse, to the removal and breaking down of the larger branches. The wind really started to pick up later in the day, which made it difficult to safely control the fire- Gorse pines are incredibly flammable. Because of this we stopped a tad early but all was not lost- a few funny games and creative group poem writing later Jo the ranger was back and really pleased with the progress the group had made. Jo thanked us for our help and explained how the task we had completed would help the resident trees to grow and help to support more diverse wildlife. We finished with a really positive review and a scramble for a comfy seat on the bus.

A big thank you to both the leaders and other participants, who did not forget what it was like on their first weekend away and were happy to help me when I asked!!!

10-11 October 2009 - sent in by Alison
Vogrie Country Park

Bright and early on the 10th October, our group of green-teamers and leaders set off in the minibus for Vogrie Country park. After exploring the brownie house where we would be spending the night, we met up with rangers Jo and Allan who we would be helping over the weekend. We enjoyed a day around the curling pond, building pond dipping platforms and clearing the pond (with plenty tea breaks, games and visits to the play-park/flying fox!). The platforms provide visiting primary children with a safe place to pond-dip, and to discover the habitat and the creatures that live in the pond. We then had the chance to have a go at pond-dipping ourselves in the larger pond, where the habitat is better for small creatures like back water swimmers and newts than the overgrown curling pond. In the evening the park was locked up, leaving us as the only people in it, and after Morgan's macaroni cheese and squashed pudding we set off on a night walk around the deserted park. Back at the brownie house, we made a warming bonfire with marshmallows, played spoons, and had a late night trip to the playground before getting some well needed sleep. The next morning we headed back over to the pond to clear it and to take down overhanging trees and rhododendrons, and soon got another fire going. Our day was rewarded with seeing a dramatic difference in the pond, but before we left Allan took us on a final walk, telling us about the beautiful and varied landscape of Vogrie. All in all, a fantastic weekend with the green team!

7-8 November - sent in by Sam
East Lothian Woodlands

On Sunday, we had to get up early. We had breakfast and packed all of our stuff together. We each had to do a task before we left. I had to sweep the kitchen floor before it was mopped. This didn’t take very long and soon we were all on board the mini-bus and ready to leave. The journey to Pease Bay was not very long, and we soon arrived. When we got off the mini-bus, we played a team-building game, which I really enjoyed. Then we met a man who explained to us the job we had to do. All we had to do was remove some large gorse bushes that had overgrown so that birds and other wildlife could nest in it during the spring. It didn’t look that hard to start with, but as we got stuck in, we realised the job we had taken on was much harder than we had expected. We were using bow saws and loppers to do the job. We worked for a long time, right up until lunch.

We walked down to the beach and had our lunch on some picnic tables facing out to sea. It was quite cold so we had to wrap up warm. When we had finished lunch, we went down to the sea and played some games. The first one was fun but the second was the best. We all had to put our hands into the middle of a circle and grab someone else’s hand. Then we walked apart and had to try to un-tangle ourselves into a ring without breaking the chain. It was great fun. When we had finished, we all decided to call it a day, so we went back to fetch our tools. We all walked back to the mini-bus and squashed in. When we got back to New Parliament House, we had to help put the tools away. And that was the end to a hard but thoroughly enjoyable day. I had a great time and it has definitely made me want to come on some more residential projects.

Thank you Green Team!

15 November
Red Moss

6 December - sent in by Eilidh
Water of Leith

Today we went to the Water of Leith centre, the group was small, only about 8 of us. First we walked along the Water of Leith for 10 minutes until we got to our first task of the day. We cleaned out the drains so the water could flow down to the river. After that job was done we walked further along the river playing several games. We then collected firewood and set it alight. I enjoyed sitting around the fire with our marshmallows and hot chocolate.

Later on we went to take down a den which had been made out of rubbish bags and plastic. We got rid of the rubbish and had a great laugh trying to carry a massive sheet of plastic back along the path. Finally we walked back to the water of Leith centre and headed back home.

The day out was hard work but great fun and I enjoyed meeting new people.