For current information on WBCWA, please
keep an eye on the news and events pages, as well as the online Village
News.
The creation of Wemyss Bay Community Woodland Association
In
2000 local woman, Jill Vedebrand, became increasingly concerned about
the neglect and degeneration of local Greenspace, Wemyss Bay Woods.
Among the community at large, the wood was developing the reputation
as a place where under-age drinkers and drug addicts “hung out”.
Vandalism, fly tipping and littering were common. The very dense
undergrowth permitted very little light and even dog-walkers, particularly women,
were becoming increasingly reluctant to use the wood.
Jill began to talk
to other local people, motivating them to take an interest in the
wood. In an attempt to raise the profile of the issue and to raise
awareness of the environmental impact that a well-managed Greenspace
could have, she met with the local Community Association, Inverclyde
Council, local schools, other various community groups and relevant
conservation and environmental organisations. These efforts involved
a Questionnaire being delivered to every home in Wemyss Bay, and culminated
in a Public Meeting attended by well over 100 local people in May
2002. Both the questionnaire and the public meeting demonstrated overwhelming
community support for a programme of regeneration of the wood. As
part of the consultation process, Inverclyde Council, acting through
Lower Clyde Greenspace Trust commissioned a feasibility study on the
proposed regeneration plans by Tennant Garmory, Environmental Consultants.
At the public meeting
it was agreed to establish Wemyss Bay Community Woodland Association
(WBCWA), and a core group of volunteers identified to form the committee.
At the first committee meeting elections were held for the posts of
Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary. The committee
have taken forward and developed the proposals and decisions of the
public meeting. All committee meetings are open to members of the
community and are publicised in the local press and Village News.
In addition the local press has carried regular features and updates
on the position and progress of the Association.
The plan for the woods
Using
the initial feasibility study, WBCWA designated areas within the woods
for specific purposes. In addition to providing disabled parking facilities
and wheelchair suitable access to a central glade and seating area,
zones were identified for use by the local schools and youth organisations
for educational purposes. In these areas children will be directly
involved and responsible for the planning, planting and monitoring
of the woodland's flora and fauna, and for the construction
and erection of bird and bat boxes. WBCWA will be working alongside
local authority staff from the Eco-Schools Initiative to provide the
support and resources required to develop the educational potential
of the wood. By capturing the interest of, and involving, children
at an early stage, it is felt that we will be able to retain their
interest and enthusiasm as they grow, thus ensuring the future care
of Wemyss Bay Wood as a community resource.
What about bikes?
As
the local community has developed and grown, over the last thirty
years in particular, resources and facilities have not increased to
reflect the changing need of the population. There is a clear deficiency
of recreation and leisure facilities for teenagers and young people.
Use of the wood by mountain bikers was causing erosion and serious
deterioration of the paths in many areas. As a consequence of consultation
with the young people, a new mountain biking club, “Psyclopath”,
has been formed. This will give young people the opportunity to develop
their skills, while affiliation to national cycling organisations
will provide insurance cover in the event of an accident. Working
with WBCWA, Psyclopath has made suggestions for the creation of a
family cycle path and a mountain bike course within the woods. The
creation of a specific area for the use of cyclists will help minimise
any damage to areas designated for general use. In addition we can
provide a challenging environment for cyclists of all ages and skill
levels. It is anticipated that provision of facilities such as these
will increase activity levels, not only among young people but also
in entire families, with the positive health benefits that this would
bring.
Terraced Gardens
At
the outset it was thought that the area between Cliff Terrace Road
and the cliff was simply a very steep slope overgrown by dense undergrowth.
Initial plans included the clearance of this undergrowth and widespread
planting of bulbs and native wildflowers. Further investigations of
this area however, have uncovered a series of structured terraces
and paths, linked by stone staircases, along with the foundations
of assorted glasshouses, ferneries and summerhouses.
It
transpires that this area formed the terraced gardens of the Wemyss
Castle Estate, family home of the late Lord Inverclyde, and dates
back to the 1850s. Discussions are ongoing and advice is being sought
on the most appropriate course of action for this area, but present
proposals include a long-term sympathetic restoration of the terraced
gardens.
Neighbourwoods Watch
WBCWA recognises the current negative view held by a very small minority within
the community towards the wood and the activities of the Association.
This would appear to be largely due to the use of areas of the
wood by under-age drinkers and the perception, although there is no apparent
evidence, 
that drug addicts use the wood.
Concerns exist that clearance of any undergrowth will make access easier for undesirable activities.
As a means of reassuring the community and discouraging anti-social
behaviour, plans are underway to start a Neighbourwoods watch programme.
In addition to discouraging anti-social behaviour, the volunteers
involved may also have a role in the ongoing monitoring of the fauna
and flora. Volunteers will not be directly involved in confronting
anyone, but it is believed that their presence through frequent
patrols will discourage unwanted behaviour and promote an increased level
of confidence and safety in the woods. If there are any ongoing
problems the Neighbourwoods watch volunteers will be involved in recording
dates and times, and passing this information to the police on
a regular basis. The local community liaison officer for Strathclyde Police
has been involved in discussions in the most appropriate way for
this part of our scheme to operate, and will be giving advice at volunteer
training sessions prior to the launch of the patrols.
What happens now?
In order to progress the scheme in an appropriate and sensible manner it has been decided
to divide the work into three distinct phases, or projects, with the
funds for each part of the scheme being raised separately.
1. Wemyss Bay Woods
The
removal of rhododendron ponticum and Japanese knotweed. Essential
tree surgery on dangerous, seriously diseased or damaged trees. The
construction of paths and creation of a seating area in the central
glade. Applications for grants to carry out much of the work were
successful with over £70,000 being raised in this way. The
money will be used to bring in contractors to carry out the path
work, tree surgery, Japanese knotweed clearance, removal of fly-tipping
and other works. They will begin work during March 2004.
Meanwhile volunteers are responsible for removal of the rhododendron,
litter collection and general clearance of vegetation on both sides
of paths to ensure safe passage. They will also be planting a wide
variety of bulbs and wildflowers. If you would like to help see 'Becoming involved' below.
2. Cycling Areas
The creation of a family cycle path and separate mountain bike
course. The plans are almost finalised and work has been done on costing
this phase. Funding applications are being prepared and it is hoped
that work on this area may be started towards the end of 2003.
3. Terraced Gardens
Advice is still being sought and discussions are ongoing on the
most appropriate course of action. This phase is likely to take a
number of years due to the specialist nature of this work, the detailed
historical research required, and the considerable cost of carrying
out restoration of this nature.
Becoming involved
You and your family can become involved in Wemyss Bay Community
Woodland Association in a variety of ways.
1. Join the Association.
Membership costs £2.00 for an individual or £3.00 for a household
and is valid for a calendar year. The money raised through membership will be used
to meet day-to-day expenses - insurance, stationery, postage etc.
As a member you are entitled to come along to committee meetings.
You are also entitled to attend and vote at the AGM.
2. Monitoring Groups.
We will shortly be setting up groups to monitor and record the
various species of flora and fauna within the wood. Whether you are
interested in birds, animals, insects, butterflies, trees, plants
and flowers or fungi, there will be a group to interest you.
3. Volunteer Working Weekends.
Members of the Association are working regularly in the wood
to clear rhododendron ponticum. As the ground is cleared of this
invasive plant the volunteers are delighted that so many young saplings
(in particular beech, birch, ash, rowan, sycamore) are now being
given some light and the chance to flourish.
In the summer the area is likely to be a riot of colour as foxgloves excel in
newly cleared land, however they will really only be around in the first year
or two until more native ground and shrub-layer plants are re-established.
The Association has also already planted over 1000 bulbs and spring
plants this year (last year over 1000 snowdrops were planted and
they have already flowered), and more planting will take place in coming weeks.
The Association continues to hold fortnightly Rhodi Bashing Sessions and all willing
volunteers will be made most welcome.
One of the regular volunteers is 93 year old Maurice Dawson,
who has not missed a work day in the last year - he puts
many of the others to shame! There are also several 5 - 7
year olds who come along regularly with their parents. No matter
your age there are ways in which you can participate and volunteer.
In addition to working at weekends, the Woodland Association is hoping
to start some weekday sessions and are appealing to anyone who
would be available mid-week to put their name on the contact list. Work sessions
are held fortnightly on both Saturdays and Sundays. If you are
able to help out, even for part of the day, go along anytime between
10am and 3pm to the main entrance to the wood at Ardgowan Road.
The Association will provide gloves, some tools and refreshments. All you require
is warm and waterproof clothing and footwear and plenty of enthusiasm!
4. Other ways of volunteering.
- Help with the historical research.
- Make bird and bat boxes.
- Help dry out and store bulbs for planting in autumn.
Getting in Touch
Whether you would
like to get more involved with the Woodland Association or if you
would simply like more information or the answer to a particular question
you can contact us easily by getting in touch with the secretary.
Wemyss Bay Community Woodland Association
c/o Eila Roberts (secretary)
14 Brueacre Drive
Wemyss Bay
PA18 6HA
Telephone Home: 01475 529375
Mobile: 07970 799859
E-mail: eila@wemyssbay.plus.com
