News & Events

Keep up to date with the latest news and events in and around the Merkinch Local Nature Reserve. If you wish to add an item to the website please get in touch with us by using our contact page.

For details of all events in the nature reserve check the What's On calendar on the right.

Remember, the website is here for the whole of the Inverness community so please feel free to submit any relevant news items or event information!

Below are our news items. Click the thumbnails to view the full story.
Showing results 1 to 6 of 6.

 

Merkinch Greenspace is working with the British Trust of Conservation Volunteers on a pilot project for a Youth Ranger Scheme in the Merkinch Nature Reserve.
The scheme is intended to educate the participants about local wildlife and wider environmental issues using an informal and enjoyable approach. Each session will have tasks, games and challenges relating to a specific nature and environment theme.

The ‘Young Rangers’ project will be focused on contributing to improvements in the Nature Reserve. The scheme is designed to give young people a sense of ownership of the reserve and to go on to develop into environmentally responsible citizens.

Each challenge completed can contribute towards gaining a Youth Achievement Award. These awards give merit based on roles within a specific project i.e. bronze for participation and gold for helping to support and lead a project.

The pilot project will start in April 2010 and is open to young people aged 10 to 12 years. Sessions will take place fortnightly.

For more information on the project contact Anne Sutherland on 01463 718989.

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Since the beginning of the year there have been some improvements carried out in the Reserve as well as ongoing maintenance work.

The regular risk assessments were carried out by Highland Council Ranger Katy Martin and Greenspace director Garry Wells.

The visitscotland brown signage has now been erected at 4 locations, it's very exciting to see the Reserve advertised and promoted in this way.

Access improvements have been carried out by British Waterways at the canal end of the Reserve - the path has been widened and resurfaced and a handrail has been installed.

Work is ongoing on an Interpretation Plan for the interior of the old ferry ticket office which is being relaunched as a base for the Reserve. The draft Plan will be available shortly.

Planning is about to get underway for the Reserve Celebration Day on 14th August. Last year's event was a great success and was well attended by the local community. Anyone wishing to get involved in the Celebration Day should contact Merkinch Project Officer Anne Sutherland on 01463 718989.
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The Green Gym volunteers have been carrying on their Wednesday morning sessions, despite the bad weather over the winter months.

Activities have included a litter pick, path maintenance, clearing the snowberry at the canal end of the Reserve (there are plans to install a picnic table and benches at this site), tree planting, clearing shrubs from the Welcome Point area of the Reserve and painting the boardwalk.

The Green Gym is free and is open to people of all ages and fitness levels (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult). No experience is necessary as all training is provided, but you should bring working clothes and stout footwear.

For more information on the Green Gym contact Karen Harper on 01463 811560. + Add a Comment

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A public meeting to form a Merkinch Allotments Association will take place on Tuesday 23rd March at 7.00pm in Merkinch Community Centre.

The meeting will be chaired by Greenspace Chairperson Ali Locke and facilitated by Central Ward Manager Jimmy Flint and Highland Council Policy Officer Keith Walker.

At the meeting a committee will be formed, office bearers elected and a constitution adopted. + Add a Comment

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Starting on the 1st of March and running until the 31st of March Inverness Art Gallery and Musuem will be hosting an exhibtion showing various photos and pictures from around the reserve.

Hope to see you there. + Add a Comment

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This years open day will be held on Saturday the 14th of August. Mark it in your diaries now and we will keep you posted on the planned activities, along with a very unique event.

Watch This Space . . . . + Add a Comment

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Showing results 1 to 6 of 6