Gorgie City Farm

As I posted a few months back, Gorgie City Farm found that it needed to raise £100, 000 to stay open. Recently it was confirmed that this total had been reached and this much loved farm will remain open!

Now is an ideal time to visit the farm as there are a number of young animals to see, including the pygmy goat kids

and three lots of piglets, one from this proud Mum

whose piglets are very lively at the moment

and this family who seem much more subdued

It's free to visit the farm, but if you can, please put a donation in one of the donation tins to help ensure the place's future. You can also buy food for the goats, they enjoy being fed! The Farm's produce stall is open again, on an honesty basis, so you put your money in the tin for anything you buy (which may include various fruit and vegetables, firewood, books or items for pets. Sadly the farm cafe has shut......

But even without the cafe, it's a lovely place to visit, whether you have children or not.... 

North Berwick

The beach at North Berwick is particularly beautiful at this time of year

and we found some lovely sea pottery and sea glass too, most of which will make its way into the Crafty Green Magpie Etsy shop

Lots of sand martins were flying round, very low over the beach, probably chasing all the sand hoppers that were hopping all over the beach! Crafty Green Boyfriend got this photo

Wester Craiglockart Hill

Raspberry picking on Wester Craiglockart Hill yesterday - it's a lovely hill that many people don't know is there!

We got nettle stung and scratched by brambles and thistles but we collected a good number of raspberries, most of which Crafty Green Boyfriend's Mum will make into jam, though I ate several of them and they're delicious (though mostly small).

Lots of wildlife around including bullfinches and goldfinches and this warbler, which at first glance I thought might be a wood warbler, but which thought and closer observation showed to be an immature willow warbler. Isn't it a lovely colour? (Thanks to Crafty Green Boyfriend for this photo)

We also saw this very shiny ringlet butterfly

and this Meadow Brown

Thanks Crafty Green Boyfriend for the butterfly photos! 

I've added these two butterfly sightings to the Big Butterfly Count, which is happening until 7 August. You can send in your sightings here.

Left Behind Book 2 : Brave New Planet

Endiron and Harlo, who met sorting recyclables in Left Behind Book One: The Forbidden Voyage are now on their way to the New Planet. Will they be able to sort out the ship's waste disposal system? Will they safely negotiate the meteor showers and other dangers that space throws at them? What will they find on the new planet?

When they land on the new planet, they are met with kindness but also with the news that not all inhabitants of the planet would be kind to them, many would want to cut them open for scientific research, just because they are aliens.

The travellers and the hosts try to overcome their cultural differences and are already discovering they have much in common when the authorities come after them. They escape into the hills to hide, but find themselves being pursued.

This is a road trip through space and across a planet that may seem very familiar. While being an exciting tale of adventure, the story also explores issues around belonging and human rights, our obsessions with aliens (in both senses of the word) and, in fact, what it means to be human.

The characters and situation are engrossing, the story is both entertaining and insightful (and often quite moving) and there are enough unanswered questions in the narrative to ensure the reader will pick up the final book in the trilogy as soon as they can.....

Left Behind Book 2 : Brave New Planet by R Anne Polcastro is available here.


You can read my review of Left Behind Book One: The Forbidden Voyage here.

Sea pottery

Yesterday I gathered some sea pottery from the beach at Musselburgh. I collected quite an impressive array from only a 10-15 minute stroll

When I got them home I sorted through them, and the collection from our Shetland holiday that I've never got round to sorting! I then started adding items to the new Beach Finds section of the Crafty Green Magpie Etsy shop. This is a selection of beach finds from Shetland that is in the shop

 but you can see them all here.

 I've more items to add, including more selections from Musselburgh and then I'll sort through the selections I had in the Beach Finds section of the Crafty Green Poet Etsy shop when that was my only shop.

Proposed Developments for Water of Leith at Slateford

I 've blogged before about the proposals to replace the Blue Goose pub (along with the best beer garden in Edinburgh) with a large development of student flats. 

After Edinburgh Council refused the proposals as they stood, the developers put forward a slightly amended proposal, which you can read about here (there are over 240 documents on this page so there's a lot to read through!).  You can register your objection on the website (if the system is working and will give you a password, which is actually not guaranteed!) or you can email planning@edinburgh.gov.uk or write to your Edinburgh City councillor. The closing date for comments is now 8 August 2016. The reference number for this application is  15/05401/FUL and this number must be quoted in all correspondence. 

I 've copied and pasted my letter of objection below. If you choose to object to the proposals please feel free to use some of my ideas, but please do not copy any part of my letter word for word! I thik you need to live or work in Edinburgh to be able to respond to this planning application. (And sorry for the small font size, blogger isn't letting me post this in a larger font).

**


I wish to object strongly to the amended proposed development 15/05401/ful. Although the site would be not inappropriate for a small scale housing development, I consider the proposals even as amended to be a gross over-development of the site and have listed my concerns below:
 

Ecology and Wildlife While accepting that the land currently occupied by the Blue Goose itself consists mostly of buildings and tarmac and therefore is of little ecological value in and of itself, the site sits at the entrance to the Dells, a local nature reserve of wildife and amenity value. The site therefore needs to be developed in a way that is sensitive to the wider landscape including the nature reserve. The Dells is a beautiful area of ancient woodland, full of wildlife and historic interest. It has recently been made into a Local Nature Reserve, a status that it well deserves, given its importance for wildlife. We need green spaces like the Dells in the city and we need these spaces to be sensitively managed to sustain the wildlife as well as to be areas of recreation. Even as amended, the proposed development is inapppropriately large in scale to sit at the entrance to the Dells, both in the scale of the buildings and in terms of the influx of population it would bring into the area.

The proposed development would extend right up to the site boundary and into the root protection area and canopy spread of existing trees. This may lead to damage to these trees which may be worsened by the construction process. In the future, the trees may be threatened through complaints due to blocked light and fear of damage to property. The trees on the slopes to the south of the river will overshadow the proposed accommodation, blocking sunlight for much of the day. This may lead to future pressure on the Council to carry out tree works or removal due to the inappropriate siting of the new development, a practice not supported by the Council's Tree and Woodland Strategy.

The Dells are home to over 60 species of bird and mammal including roe deer, otters, bats, badgers and kingfishers. Over 130 species of wildflower grow in the Dells as well as many ancient trees. It is also home to an interesting range of fungi, lower plants, insects and other invertebrates. The area is frequently used by otters, which are protected by European law. The site is also very important for bats, also protected by European law, which roost in the viaduct near the Visitor Centre and in the Dells. The increased light and noise emanating from the proposed development would disturb the foraging behaviour of the bats and impact on their survival. Kingfishers are regularly seen along this section of the river. Kingfishers are amber listed in the UK (which means they are of conservation concern) and feature on the City of Edinburgh Council's Biodiversity Action Plan of species of particular conservation concern in and around the city. Kingfishers are “vulnerable to ….habitat degradation through pollution or unsympathetic management of watercourses” (see the RSPB website https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/birdguide/name/k/kingfisher/index.aspx). Grey wagtails are also frequently seen along this stretch of river, a species which has just been added to the red list in the UK, which means it is of particular conservation concern. Song thrushes (red listed in the UK), bullfinches (amber listed) and swifts (amber listed) are often seen in the area, all of which are included in the Edinburgh Biodiversity Action Plan. Spotted flycatchers,(red listed), have been seen in the Dells over the past two years after at least a ten year absence. Sparrowhawks (which are listed in the Edinburgh City Biodiversity Action plan, though they are currently green listed in the UK) nest in the area. Great spotted woodpeckers (again green listed but included in the Edinburgh Biodiversity Action Plan) are regularly heard and seen in the area in springtime. (The red, amber and green listing is explained on the RSPB website here https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/birdguide/status_explained.aspx The Edinburgh Local Biodiversity Action Plan can be accessed from this page of the council's website http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/biodiversity.)

I have personally seen all the above mentioned species in the Dells, many of them close to the proposed development site. The Water of Leith Conservation Trust holds detailed records of sightings of these species (and others) along this stretch of river. The Wildlife Information Centre for Lothians and Borders (http://www.wildlifeinformation.co.uk/) probably holds further records for the area as may also Scottish Ornithologists Club (http://www.the-soc.org.uk/) Edinburgh Natural History Society (http://www.edinburghnaturalhistorysociety.org.uk/) and other organisations. It is strongly to be hoped that such organisations will be fully consulted about the ecology and natural history of the area, before any decisions are made relating to any development of this site. 

 

Streetscape and amenity

The character of this part of Slateford would change entirely if this development goes ahead, as it would be to a much larger scale than the surrounding buildings. The development would make the area more urban in character, obscuring the views of the river and and breaking the visual continuity of the river valley. The Blue Goose has the best beer garden in Edinburgh and as such enables people to enjoy a beer in the surroundings of a beautiful piece of green space. It is also one of the few places to eat and drink in the local area. Would it not be more appropriate to look at a possible community buy out of the Blue Goose Pub? It is considered to be unviable at the moment, but with several housing developments planned in the local area (excluding those for the Blue Goose site itself) then surely once completed these would bring in a large enough influx of people to create a clientele to support the pub?

It is not clear what is meant in the developers' report by 'recreational improvements at the entrance to the Water of Leith Walkway'. Is it proposed that there will be two entrances to the Dells? What will be the relationship between the buildings and the entrance to the walkway? The planned walkway between the buildings and the river doesn't look as though it would be wide enough to both offer pedestrian and cyclist safety and resident security (through passers-by overlooking the lower storey windows). 

 

Scale The Blue Goose pub is moderate in height and small in scale and the site as it currently stands maintains the open aspect of the area. The proposed development would have a larger footprint and stand much higher than the existing building. The proposed development would overshadow the river and the walkway, making the walkway very dark and enclosed, reducing its amenity value. The many windows of the development would also cast noise and light, disturbing the tranquillity of the riverside setting and walkway and having a negative effect on the bats in the area. 

 

Parking The lack of on-site parking spaces included in the proposed development would present problems to local residents. There is not much ‘on street’ parking in the area and many students have cars and will need to park them somewhere, restricting the on-street parking for current residents. 

 

Traffic The lack of parking and manoeuvering space within the developments will cause problems when students are moving in and out or when deliveries are being made. This will cause obstructions and delays on an already very congested road. It would also lead to increased levels of pollution in the area, potentially causing increased rates of respiratory illnesses. 

 

Anti social behaviour Bringing extra residents into the area, would increase the potential for littering and vandalism (already problems in the area) and noise pollution caused by loud music. There would be increased pressure on the sidepath through the Dells, which students would naturally use as a short cut to Napier University, either on foot or by bike. This is not a specific objection to students, it would apply to any influx of people who would use the Dells as a natural short cut between their housing and their place of work or study. An advantage of having students moving into the area could be that they could be recruited as volunteers by the Water of Leith Conservation Trust. 

 

In principle I would be happy for a small scale housing development on the site, if it took account of the surrounding natural environment and included for example bat boxes and swift nest boxes. However, the proposal, even as amended, is inapppropriate and too large in scale. I would also push for investigation into the possibility of a community buy out of the Blue Goose pub.

Lime trees

The scent of lime blossom in the air

Hoverflies dancing everywhere 

The lime blossom is short lived so get out there and give it a sniff, it really is the most beautiful scent. Plenty of lime trees in bloom around Edinburgh at the moment - there are whole streets that smell of lime blossoms not to mention patches of Colinton Dell, where you can smell the lime blossoms before you see the lime trees! (These are linden trees, not the lime trees that produce the citrus fruit). 

The hoverfly in this case is, I think, a Myathropa florea, I'm waiting for confirmation on my identification from the UK Hoverflies Group.

The Brilliant and Forever by Kevin MacNeil

On an invented Scottish island, where half the population is made up of intelligent, literate alpacas, the Brilliant and Forever is an annual literary festival.

Can Archie, the greatest alpaca poet ever win this most prestigious event and prove that alpacas are as good as humans?

This is an entertaining, insightful novel, dealing with issues such as human rights and cultural diversity but also full of humour. I love the idea invented here of haiku-cookery, the rules of which include (I paraphrase):

The first meal of the day contains 5 ingredients
the second meal of the day contains 7 ingredients, and
the third meal of the day includes 5 ingredients
all meals must include seasonal produce

Read this book for an alternative take on Scottish island life and culture. And alpacas.

The Brilliant and Forever by Kevin MacNeil, published by Polygon (2016)

Sunset on Arthurs Seat

We took a late evening walk to Arthurs Seat last night.....

The good and the bad on Corstorphine HIll today

I joined Crafty Green Boyfriend to walk round Corstorphine Hill this lunchtime. We were appalled to see how brutally Edinburgh City Council have cut back the pathside verges of this local nature reserve

At this time of year the plants that normally grow in these verges offer home and food for loads of insects and now they'll be forced to find shelter and nutrients elsewhere!

Thankfully most of the hill still looks its beautiful best

and the rosebay willow herb is in full bloom

We were delighted to see these fresh solitary bee holes (that almost look like they could have been made by miniature bunnies!)

As we came down off the hill we got stung by nettles and scratched by brambles, but it was well worth it as the first raspberries are ripe and they're delicious! (Two weeks later than normal!).

No butterflies on the hill today, so we had nothing to contribute to the Big Butterfly Count. But there's still a couple of weeks to go!

Big Butterfly Count

It was a lovely warm and sunny morning in Musselburgh today. I did my bit for the Big Butterfly Count along the John Muir Walkway. I saw four ringlet butterflies and three meadow browns. Unfortunately no photos as my camera ran out of battery power! The Big Butterfly count lasts until 7 August and I hope to see plenty more butterflies before then. You can find out more about the event here.

As well as the butterflies I was delighted to see loads of sandwich terns! These large terns have 'punk hairstyles' and raucous voices - a flock of 50 certainly makes its presence felt and I saw two flocks of 50 today, one near the estuary of the River Esk and the other on Musselburgh Lagoons.

Plus the lime (linden) trees are in flower and smell wonderful, this is one of my favourite scents of summer and it only lasts for just over a week.

Finally, I find small yellow vetches very difficult to tell apart (there are at least four species that look very similar to me), but this is the time of year when I can at least recognise black medick by its distinctive seed heads

Another pair of curtain ties

I'd collected these orange beads together from old broken vintage jewellery. My idea was immediately to make curtain tie backs with them, but it took a while to find the right contrasting beads to add in, until I found the small dark metallic beads (ignore the blue/green beads in the corner, they're just there for storage at the minute). The round beads are from a collection of similar beads, reclaimed from broken pieces I've made specifically for the purpose of using them in curtain tie backs. I decided not to use the small orange beads that are scattered in the picture, I'll use these for something else.

A word of explanation about where I get my beads from. Many second hand shops sometimes sell cheap bags of jewellery that they've not been able to sell - some of it is in perfect condition (these I usually keep or give to other people who like old jewellery!) but some is broken - either it needs to be restrung or some of the elements are damaged. I buy these bags and rescue the elements that are in good condition to make new items, such as these curtain tie backs.

So when it's all put together, you get two of these

 This pair of curtain tie backs is now in the Crafty Green Poet Etsy shop, you can see them here.

haiku

a white donkey
on the mountainside -
all is lost

a haiku inspired by the film The Sky Trembles and the Earth is Afraid and the Two Eyes are Not Brothers

This film is showing at Edinburgh Filmhouse until tomorrow. 

Loch Leven RSPB Reserve

It was a dull and cool day today but we didn't let that put us off our plan to go up to Loch Leven RSPB Reserve with Crafty Green Boyfriend's Mum and brother. It's a long time since any of us have visited the reserve! Plenty has changed since I was last there! The wildflower beds round the centre (complete with small pond and bird feeders) are lovely at the moment

We were delighted to see this family of swallows hanging out in the eaves, the fledglings just emerged from the nest and been fed regularly by the parents (the picture is poor quality as the light is very low under the eaves on a dull day like today)

We walked part of the way round Loch Leven,

The trail is an easy walk and very pleasantly laid out

part of the trail goes past some beautiful wildflower meadows,

with orchids (common spotted orchids I think though I didn't check the leaves for spots)

and ragged robin - not the best photo in the world, but it is a lovely (and generally rare) flower

and then the trail passes through a lovely area of birch wood

We made friends with some horses,

this one was happy to pose for a profile shot

The air was full of mosquitoes, which were very irritating for us, but kept the swifts very happy. I didn't get photos of the swifts, but Crafty Green Boyfriend did and I hope to add those to this blog post very soon! The mosquitoes weren't the only insects around, I was pleased to get my first ever photo of a footballer hoverfly (Helophilus sp)

and this is a Cheilosia illustrata hoverfly

Our only complaint was that the coffee shop shut at 4pm! So we couldn't get a drink before heading back to Edinburgh!