What do you get when you gather passionate people, a stretch of burn near Hillend, and a decent cup of coffee?
A very productive “Walk and Talk.”
Last month, members and trustees of the Glenmidge Burn Project met for a relaxed walk along the lower stretch of the burn. It wasn’t just a stroll — it was a chance to see, in real time, what has already been done to improve biodiversity and support the health of the burn. There’s something special about standing beside the water and actually seeing conservation in action. No formal agenda. No PowerPoint. Just wellies, fresh air, and plenty of conversation.
During the walk we looked at the landscape and how the burn interacts with the surrounding habitats. After the walk (and a fair bit of enthusiastic pointing at plants and fungi), we gathered for coffee and conversation. And that’s where the ideas really started flowing.
Some exciting suggestions came up – possibly helped by caffeine and cakes!
- Creating a small wetland area
- Establishing a native wildflower patch
- Installing nest boxes
- Exploring more ways to enhance habitats and attract biodiversity in a way that works for the landowner.
The conversation touched on both the hyper local features of the burn and the surrounding land use, the presence or absence of nature corridors and wider natural features. How can we work more closely with surrounding farmers and landowners? How can we encourage participation in a way that supports conservation without compromising their livelihoods?
Conservation works best when it works for everyone.
All in all, it was a simple walk that sparked meaningful conversations, practical ideas, and renewed motivation. Sometimes progress starts with putting one foot in front of the other — preferably along a burn on a good day.
I’m looking forward to seeing these ideas take shape.
Suhaschandra Hegde
MSc Ecology & Environmental Monitoring
University of Glasgow
The Glenmidge Burn Project 