Feb/March 2011

Bridge completion... 

With the weather gradually getting better, we have finally been able to complete the glen repairs caused by last September’s flood.  Primarily, the bridge we have been working on for months now has finally been completed.  Created using a mix of naturally-sourced and bought-in materials, the massive structure is a testament to the hard work of the ranger team through one of the coldest winters that Kelburn has endured in living memory.

 

 Fraser bridge worries...

With the completion of one project comes the beginning of another.  Another of the bridges in the glen (dubbed ‘Fraser Bridge’ after one of the volunteers who built it) has been a cause for concern of late.  The banking either side of the bridge has been slowly eroding and this has progressed to a point where we will have to replace the bridge with a longer one, to ensure its continuing structural safety.  The ranger team are looking forward to getting their teeth into this project and we will keep you updated on progress.

Pet’s corner revamp...

During some of the wet weather, we have been busy refurbishing Kelburn’s Animal Corner, repairing the old enclosures & repainting them in anticipation of new animals coming to the park.  4 baby rabbits were given to the centre in December, however due to their young age, only 6 weeks, they have been hand-reared by our dedicated ranger team through the winter.  They are all doing well, growing strong and healthy, and will be put out into their new pens upon completion.

 Working with the community...

As part of Kelburn’s goal to provide a workplace environment for people from all walks of life, we have been host to a number of new day volunteers recently.  Some are on placement through their local jobcentre, some through colleges and some are just here to learn new skills and have fun! We wish them all the best both here and in the future.

  

New faces...

With the beginning of the summer work season almost upon us, there will be a change of faces here in the Kelburn ranger team.  Two of our current residential volunteers are moving on to new employers, and two will be continuing here at Kelburn in a more official capacity.  This also means that the ranger cottage will be empty for the first time in over 18 months!  Not for long though, we will soon be welcoming Nat, Emily and Adam into our ranks for the summer as our new batch of residential volunteers. Meet the new volunteers in our April posting!