It's wilder than you might think.

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As members of the National Trust for Scotland Dumfries and Galloway Countryside Team, we manage properties across Dumfries and Galloway, including Threave Estate and Nature Reserve; Rockcliffe Property; Venniehill; The Murray's Isles and Bruce's Stone. Our task is to conserve and maintain the variety of habitats and species present, at the same time managing the sites for the education and enjoyment of current and future generations.

13 September 2012

Building Bridges:


The ranger team, with the help of our volunteer Barry, have been busy constructing and installing a new bridge for the circular walk around the reserve on the Threave Estate. 
 All the timber used was reclaimed or from off cuts.
The old bridge was not in a good condition and was starting to rot.
During the removal of the old bridge we were easy pickings for the mosquitoes from the ditch. Luckily the water levels were reasonably low on the day that we were working so we didn't get too muddy.
The new bridge had to be firmly anchored to the ground so that it would not float off during the times when the meadow floods.
Our first visitors were Fiona & Neil Bonser from Newark, Nottinghamshire. They ceremonially cut the ribbon (hazard tape) and took the first official crossing of the bridge. I think their happy smiles are evidence of a well made bridge.
The new handrail is also very useful to rest against after a hard days bridge building.






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2 comments:

  1. AnonymousThursday, 13 September, 2012

    Hi Karl and all, great bridge, tried it out yesterday, husband had hands bitten by clegs or mosquitoes, very BIG hands this morning so is on the medication.

    The osprey chicks looked magnificent, said bye bye to them as we may not get chance to see them again before they go.

    Jenny Cartwright - Castle Douglas

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  2. AnonymousSaturday, 15 September, 2012

    New bridge very impressive. Mosquitoes if anything even more so - that's the last time I visit while wearing shorts! My first view of osprey youth this year: difficult to believe such a size of creature was a mere egg just a few months ago. Lucky enough to bump into Ranger Karl - a source of so much information gently but enthusiastically conveyed; much like his astonishingly well-informed young son also there: thanks both.
    John A., Rhonehouse.

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