Log Banks, Sledging and an Ancient Fossil Grove
Mark Stephen and Rachel Stewart with stories from the great outdoors.
With Winter upon us, Scotland’s cleverly named salt spreaders are out in full force. Mark goes along to the Amey Depot in Polmadie to meet gritter operative Dominic McMaster and supervisor Gordon Gibney for a tour of a vehicle.
Rachel travels to Tayside, where there is an issue with invasive pond species in the locality. She catches up with Daniele Muir from Perthshire Wildlife and her team of helpers at a pond in Perth.
The Fossil Grove in Glasgow’s Victoria Park is home to a host of fossilised tree stumps, dating over 330 million years old. Mark meets up with David Webster, secretary of the Geological Society of Glasgow for a chat about this ancient grove and the surrounding Fernery.
Robbie Phillips and Alex Moore have recently completed the Long Hope Direct route at St John’s Head in Orkney, one of the toughest climbing challenges there is. Rachel caught up with Robbie in his home city of Edinburgh to hear more about the climb, with all its feisty seabirds and crumbling rock. More on this can be heard on our midweek Scotland Outdoors podcast.
A Log Bank has been set up in Braemar, to provide residents with donated logs in the colder months. We chat with local councillor Geva Blackett about the initiative.
Rachel has taken the elements in her stride, and with the Aberdeenshire roads difficult to manoeuvre due to snowfall, she is out on her sledge instead.
Plus, we have a mystery sound for you!