This event is going to be held 10:00 to 13:00 on Wednesday 12th July 2023.
Parking: Parking is at the listed co-ordinates. Parking is very limited, so if you are able to car share, or meet up with friends either in Dollar or Tillicoultry and then drive to the location this would be great.
There is additional parking in another layby along the main road with a waypoint for access to the Devon Way, this is just a short walk. Please be extremely careful crossing the main road if you use this additional parking.
Work that is required:
Today’s CITO is going to be located on the banks of the River Devon between Tillicoultry and Dollar
This CITO is going to concentrate on the pulling of Himalayan Balsam from the banks of the river.
Himalayan Balsam is an invasive plant that sets its explosive seed in August, so if we are going to get on top of this plant before it chokes out more of our native flora, we need to start as early as possible. The seeds of this plant are not long lived, and its easily uprooted so with a concerted volunteer effort over the next crucial couple of months, we could make a big difference to our river banks. This event is our contribution to the effort to remove as much of this plant as possible from the river bank.
It is expected that some people may be required to go into the river. Therefore, if you have waders then please bring them along.
Straight after a brief we will get started on pulling the Himalayan Balsam, meeting back at the start co-ords. This should take no more than 2 1/2 hours (dependant on numbers that turn up).
It is advised to wear long trousers and boots, as you may be on slopes with loose soil. If you have garden gloves, please bring them along. Also if you have walking poles, then please bring them along to assist whilst on any slopes.
Forth Rivers Trust:
The Forth Rivers Trust aims to engage people with rivers and wildlife that live within the Forth catchment whilst conserving rivers and their important species for future generations. The Trust is involved with many projects ranging from full scale restoration of rivers to engaging communities through organised events.
Made up of 13 river catchments including a number of coastal burns, the Forth catchment is a unique and special place.
From Dunbar and Fife Ness in the East to Balquhidder in the West, to Kinross in the North and the pentlands in the South, the Forth catchment is vast and includes all rivers which flow into the Firth of Forth and Forth Estuary.