Note: The RSPB have kindly granted permission to place these caches within their protected area. PLEASE, take extra care not to destroy or disrupt habitats or wildlife.
Nestled in the outskirt of the Barons Haugh trail was a famous bird hut, known for being a hub for young people (who named it birdies). It has been used as such for decades; generations have shared experiences down there. Mums and dads can share advice with their children like some sort of pilgrimage. Although 90% of folk who make the journey do not cause many problems there are a definite few who burn, vandalise and fight.
there have always been complaints about birdies, from homeowners from the local area who face the brunt of the antisocial behaviour. The council usually ignores their complaints and the police do less than that. There is no real reason to act, if anything, birdies keep any bad behaviour and drinking contained in a derelict area, away from the streets or pubs. I have known the police to direct folk to birdies so anything bad did not spill onto the street.
But as of only a few months ago, North Lanarkshire Council have demolished the famous bird hut. They planned on getting rid of all of them but the RSPB and bird watching societies complained. North lan decided to take the scalp of the most famous, or infamous as a compromise.
To many its a victory and others a loss, but if there is anything both sides can agree on... it’s that birdies Will live on, not in our Buckfast or 20 Benson and hedges gold... not in our Facebook groups or useless emails... but in our hearts.
Rest in peace, old enemy, old friend.