CHAIRMAN'S COLUMN
We are fortunate in Fife to have ten reserves open to the public and the management of these is an important aspect of the Trust's activities. All our local reserves are relatively small and very different from each other, from the sand dunes of Dumbarnie Links to the cliffs at Carlingnose Point, from the fen at Barnyards Marsh to the flower-rich pasture at Fleecefaulds Meadow. We are trying through our summer outings and winter meetings to raise the profile of these reserves and to encourage members to visit them. Our website, www.swt-fife.org.uk, includes details of access, habitat types and the plants and animals you could expect to see. I find it very useful to print off the relevant page before visiting a specific reserve. Information on the reserves is also included in the Members' Centre leaflet available at indoor meetings or you can obtain details from any committee member. Any records of plants or animals seen on the reserves are welcomed by the reserve conveners. You can send these to Carolyne or to me and we will pass them on.
Are you interested in undertaking some practical work on one of the reserves or at the tree nursery? Even an hour or two of your time can make a lot of difference and it is interesting to get to know a reserve a little more by working there. Contact Steve Blow (01324 666654) if you are interested in helping on a reserve through his Conservation Task Force or Paul Blackburn (01382 542846) if you would like to help at the tree nursery.
As always, we welcome volunteers to help with all aspects of our activities so even if you do not aspire to tree planting or thistle pulling, you may like to help with activities such as fundraising, local publicity, making coffee for evening meetings etc. We are also seeking someone who could co-ordinate volunteers' activities. Armed with a telephone or e-mail, you need never move from the comfort of your own home! We are keen to hear from you.
I am writing this in late February with a cold northerly wind keeping me out of the garden. However there are signs of spring and our summer programme of outings looks fascinating. I look forward to meeting you on some of these.