As a Trustee of A Greener Melrose, it’s always a pleasure at our quarterly meetings to read the reports from the Action Groups. It gives a great sense of all the positive energy and activity of our members, as well as flagging up areas that might need a bit of assistance.
Here are just a few snippets from the March reports.
Drygrange:
All plots have now been allocated for the year. A Bug Life survey showed the meadow is increasing in diversity and the discovery of a rare beetle (Golden-bloomed Grey Longhorn) was a real bonus. The pruning workshop in December with Mark Shipperlee was very useful – read some great tips on the noticeboard. We’ve loved hosting four students from Earlston High School. They’ve been helping out on Friday afternoons as part of their Duke Of Edinburgh Award.
Come along to one of our Help Out Days – the last Sat of the month, 10-4.
Plans are in the offing for a Midsummer Gathering and two Apple Days (Sep and Oct). Watch this space.
EBikes4Borderers:
This quarter has seen a period of change in the management structure for the project and also a funding renewal application. Overwinter take-up of free trials reduced which could be due to market saturation or there may be a need for improved promotion. The Partnership with Just Cycle is working well, supporting mechanical checks and the logistics of changeovers. We’re awaiting a decision on our funding application to SEStran. If successful it will lead to some exciting new developments .
Volunteers are always welcome to help out on changeover days – contact us to find out more.
Outreach:
Improvements are being made to the website and we’re trying to keep this vibrant with more regular updates. Café Conversations have started up again with wide ranging and important discussions. We’ll review if changes are needed after the third (16th Apr). We’ve begun to work with young people through the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme at Drygrange. We’ve also been supporting young people at St Mary’s to learn about and influence road verge maintenance regimes. Sounds a bit dry but they hope to see more dandelions blooming by our roadsides. The pupils have carried out their own research, created some wonderful posters and reached out to other schools and youth groups to join their campaign. They plan to meet with BEAR and Transport Scotland in May. It promises to be a lively conversation!
Cycleways Action Group:
A Greener Melrose continues to contribute to this Tweedbank to Eyemouth project. Design surveys are being carried out on two sections. New posters have been designed, website improvements have been made and funding is being sought for a short film.
Fork to Farm:
A Greener Melrose has been contributing to the elaboration of the Regional Food Plan (Council, NHS and Borders Food Forum). There’s potential to contribute to the Borders Food Forum and Scottish Borders Farming 2045 as these partnerships re-establish.
You can contact the groups directly to get involved or to find out more.
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