Almond Valley Nature Action

March Ramble & Chat

Join us on Sunday 08 March for a nature walk with a focus on learning to identify trees. The event is suitable for beginners, and children are welcome when accompanied by a responsible adult.

Meeting point:

We will meet at the path next to Howden House

Google Maps:https://maps.app.goo.gl/frCQV8gLJZTqidGAA
What3words:///length.zoom.elaborate

Time: 14:00 – 15:30

Route: We will follow a circular route, starting near Howden House, following the paths around some pockets of woodland and a stop at Howden Walled Garden.

How to get here: The closest bus stop is near the staff residences at St John’s Hospital. You can check Traveline Scotland to plan your route. If you are traveling by car, please note that charges now apply at the Reconnect Howden Park Centre car park.

Booking: This is a free event, you can book a place on Eventbrite so we know to expect you.

Please check the weather forecast and wear suitable clothing and comfortable walking shoes or boots. Bring a hot drink and a snack if you like.

PHOTOGRAPHY
AVNA members will be taking photographs during the event. These may be shared on Social Media, with our funders, and in other written and online publications. If you do not wish to appear in any photos or videos, please email us at almondvalleynatureaction@gmail.com

February Ramble & Chat

We’re back in Almond Park, Craigshill for our walk this month. We’ll be on the lookout for signs of spring – like snowdrop flowers and tiny hazel catkins – and hoping for a good blether as well.

When: Sunday 8th February, 2-3.30pm

Where: Almond Park in Craigshill. We’ll meet at the bridge below Livingston Rugby Club

What 3 Words: ///enchanted.thud.prune
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mVSZ3KpeqfbpWizH9

How to get there: There are bus stops located a short walk away, on Almond Road to the North and on Bank Street, Midcalder (10 mins) to the South. Lothian Country routes x27 and x28 serve both. Check Traveline Scotland to plan your route.

We’ll keep an eye out for various signs of spring as we go, and you are encouraged to log your observations with Nature’s Calendar from the Woodland Trust and/or the Field Studies Council’s Signs of Spring once you get home.

This walk will include some “off roading” along the woodland walk, but there will be an option to continue on the good paths

Dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes or boots, bring something to drink (and a snack if you’d like)

hazel catkins – notice the tiny female flower with its vase-shaped bud and red filaments sticking out

In these 1-2 hour informal R&C walks, we take the opportunity to notice nature, to chat about things that draw our attention and to share our knowledge. We also participate in Citizen Science projects, and share information about how you can get involved. Our previous walk reports will give you some idea of what we get up to.

We look forward to seeing you there!

PHOTOGRAPHY
AVNA members will be taking photographs during the event. These may be shared on Social Media, with our funders, and in other written and online publications. If you do not wish to appear in any photos or videos, please email us at almondvalleynatureaction@gmail.com

January R&C walk report

What a month January can be! For the first time we had to postpone one of our Ramble&Chats due to a yellow weather warning. We managed to meet up on the following Sunday when it was cold and overcast but at least didn’t rain and we were able to spend an hour watching and identifying lots of different species of birds out on the water at the Almond Pools!

Our list of birds identified were moorhens, coots, teals, little grebes, goldeneye, tufted ducks, heron and a buzzard. We counted the numbers of each species and recorded these using the BirdTrack app, creating permanent biological records of the birds present at the pools on the day. These records can be used to track species over time and this type of information can help aid conservation practices by knowing which species are present in the area.

There were lots of mallards hanging out on a little promontory opposite the viewing platform, occasionally taking a swim in a little group. The other birds tended to stay at the far end of the pools – handy to have binoculars!

Out with the binoculars to identify the birds on the far side!

When we arrived at the ponds we were struck by the amount of litter at the site. It was mostly drinks cans, bottles and plastic wrappers, but there were also plastic tubs, a metal frame and a full bag of rubbish. An impromptu litter picking session then followed after Jane collected her litter picking grabbers from the car and the litter was quickly bagged up.

Bagging and removing the trash prevents harm to wildlife who can become tangled or trapped in it, and prevents accidental ingestion of smaller pieces as they break down over time. Catching the rubbish here also stops it from getting blown into rivers and ending up in the sea. If you’d like to improve your area and want to get involved with litter picking you can find out more about West Lothian’s Litter Pickers at these links here.

Our next Ramble&Chat will be on Sunday 8th February, 2pm at Craigshill in Livingston. More information to follow!

Winter citizen science and nature activities

December can be a busy month for many, and the colder weather and shorter days might provide less opportunities to go out for a walk and explore the green spaces around us. However, there is lots to see, hear and notice even during the winter months. From winter visitors, to winter blooms, taking a short walk in nature can have multiple benefits for both our physical and mental health. This blog post aims to highlight some nature-themed activities, and citizen science you can get involved in this winter.

The Wildlife Trusts 12 Days Wild
- Sign up here to this challenge organised by the Wildlife Trusts. Download a digital pack with ideas to explore winter wildlife, or small acts to help wildlife. Receive daily email reminders from 25 December to 5 January. A gentle motivation to spend some time outside in the coming weeks.
New Year Plant Hunt
- Register to take part in this year’s New Year Plant Hunt, from the 1st to the 4th of January. This is a survey by the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland.
- The task is to take a walk in your local area (no longer than 3 hours), and record on the BSBI’s recording app, any wild and naturalised plants in flower.
- Not confident in your botanical abilities? The survey is designed for botanists of all abilities! Amongst other resources, you can find spotter sheets with the common 10 or 20 plants you may come across in Scotland.
Signs of Spring
- Field Studies Council and the Royal Society of Biology are asking the public to record 10 signs of spring.
- The survey accepts records from 01/12/2025 until 14/06/2026.
Big Garden Birdwatch 2026
- RSPB ‘s big garden birdwatch takes place between the 23-25th January 2026.
- You can sign up here – you have the option to receive a printed guide, if you need to, and also submit your results by post or online.
- It is a good idea to start regularly feeding birds in your garden (if you are not already). The RSPB website offers lots of useful information on how to attract birds in your garden, and how to take care of your bird feeders.

Are you taking part in any of the above? Let us know in the comments.

January 2026 Ramble&Chat

A bird guidebook and binoculars in front of a large river pool

UPDATE: due to a yellow weather warning for snow and ice on Sunday we’ve decided to postpone our Ramble&Chat until the following week. We hope you can join us on the 18th instead, same time and place! These events are free but if you book a place on Eventbrite we’ll know to expect you.

Come birding with us! We’re visiting the River Almond pools for our January outing. Bring along your bird ID books and binoculars (your bins in birding talk!) and we’ll try to identify the different species and contribute some biological records while we’re there.

We’ll use the ornithology trusts app BirdTrack to add a list of all the birds we identify. You can find out more about bird recording using the app: https://www.bto.org/get-involved/volunteer/projects/birdtrack/about-birdtrack-app

These pools have many species of birds such as the beautiful goosanders, teals, mallards, swans and herons. There are two viewing points where the birds can be observed without disturbing them. Please note these are often muddy so please wear suitable grippy boots!

When: Sunday 18th January 2026, 2 – 3 pm

Meeting point: Fraser Road car park, Easter Breich Wood (note this is the Livingston side and not the community woodland!)

How to get there: The No.72 bus stops near the Toll roundabout at Kirkton which is 10 minutes walk from the meeting point car park.

Fraser Road car park off Simpson Parkway at Kirkton

what3words: ///dragon.expose.when
google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ARfciE7RSFnYWdbZ7

This is an easy grade walk on trail paths which can be a little uneven and muddy underfoot – all walks are undertaken at your own risk.

You are very welcome to turn up on the day but if you’d like to register via Eventbrite, we’ll know to expect you. This is a free event. We look forward to seeing you there!

November R&C walk report – looking for aliens at Dechmont Law

When the day of our usual monthly walk fell on the exact anniversary of the Dechmont UFO Incident we had to visit the woods around Dechmont Law, on the lookout for aliens! *

* aka. non-native and invasive species

We met at the Eastwood Park entrance and started with a climb up the side of the Law, following the Dechmont UFO Trail. The paths are good and the hill isn’t too steep, so we made it to the tree line in pretty good time (for us). We hardly stopped to look at anything on the way! (maybe the view… and some birds)

The weather was pretty perfect. Not too cold, with a beautiful blue sky and golden light slanting through the trees. The woods were absolutely full of fungi, we spotted some at every turn. We also noticed flowers already in bloom. No doubt confused by unseasonably warm weather 😕

In between focusing on fungi, we talked about invasive and non-native species, particularly those we’re likely to see in West Lothian. We also chatted about planting native species, gardening for wildlife, and supporting “green corridors”.

We reached the site of the UFO Incident and read the plaque and info board there. It’s a quiet and slightly eerie place at this time of year (and on that day especially) but last time I visited, in springtime, it was bright and full of flowers and birdsong.

We were distracted by more mushrooms for a while, then continued along the circular trail

Before ending our lovely autumnal walk, we spotted a fairy-ring of fungus. No-one was daft enough to step into that circle though 🧚‍♀️

We have no Ramble & Chat scheduled for December. It’s time for our Midwinter Social and AGM. AVNA members should check their inboxes for further details shortly.

We’ll be back to the woods again in January. Our previous walk reports will give you an idea of what we get up to. We look forward to seeing you!

What are invasive non-native species?

Non-native species (NNS) are plants and animals which have been introduced (accidentally or deliberately) outside of their native range through human activity.

images of some non-native and invasive species — some **non-native** and invasive species

Many non-native species contribute positively to our lives, as livestock, crops, timber, garden plants or pets. However, a small proportion (10-15%) of non-native species spread rapidly and cause damage to the environment, economy or human health; these species are known as invasive non-native species (INNS).

Find more info here

November Ramble & Chat – looking for aliens at Dechmont Law

This month the second Sunday falls on the exact anniversary of the Dechmont UFO Incident! So obviously we’re heading to Dechmont Law to search for aliens!!! (aka. non-native and invasive species) 🌳👽🌳

When: Sunday 9th November, 2 to 4pm

Meeting point: Eastwood Park car park, near Deans Community High School, Livingston EH54 8QB

Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/M6XQwX15GfMjEEL67
What 3 Words: ///hulk.young.dining

How to get there: There are bus stops located nearby on North Deans Road or Knightsridge West Road. Livingston North train station is a 10-15 minute walk from Dechmont Law. Check Traveline Scotland to plan your route.

Please note, the route begins with a climb up the side of Dechmont Law. Check the weather forecast and wear suitable clothing and footwear.

You are very welcome to turn up on the day. But if you’d like to register via Eventbrite, we’ll know to expect you.

In these 1-2 hour informal R&C walks, we take the opportunity to notice nature, to chat about things that draw our attention and to share knowledge. We also participate in Citizen Science projects, and share information about how you can get involved. Our previous walk reports will give you some idea of what we get up to.

We look forward to seeing you there!

October Ramble and Chat report

Our October walk took us to Calderwood, a Site of Scientific Interest, near Mid Calder.

Following the marked, circular hazel trail, the group practiced tree identification skills, focusing on autumn nuts and berries as clues. Although, we were too late for any hazelnuts – the squirrels must have got them all already.

The autumn colours were in full display, and the abundant bracken created a beautiful scene. Of course, autumn is also a great season for fungi and our walk did not disappoint!

Members of the group taking a closer look at fly agaric fungi in the bracken

Our next walk will be on Sunday 09 November 2025, look out for details in our events page.

October Ramble & Chat

Autumnal walk in Calderwood

Join us for a slow paced walk in Calderwood, Mid Calder on Sunday 12 October 2025. This is an opportunity to spend some time in nature, exploring this ancient woodland and enjoying the beautiful autumnal colours.

We will meet at the Mid Calder entrance to Almondell and Calderwood Country park, just off the car park. We will then follow the path towards Calderwood and explore the circular, yellow waymarked hazel Trail. Please note, the route includes 2 sets of steps with a wooden banister for support. The woodland paths can be muddy and steep at places.

When: Sunday 12 October, 2-4:00pm

Meeting point: the Mid Calder entrance to Almondell and Calderwood Country Park

Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/D8AkJopDu4VehEZx9
What 3 Words: ///until.wanted.offstage

How to get there: the meeting point is just a few minutes walk from Mid Calder Main street, and it is also on National Cycle Route 75. Check Traveline Scotland to plan your route.

Please check the weather forecast and wear suitable clothing and footwear.

You are very welcome to turn up on the day. But if you’d like to register via Eventbrite, we’ll know to expect you.

In these 1-2 hour informal R&C walks, we take the opportunity to notice nature, to chat about things that draw our attention and to share knowledge. AVNA volunteers will also happily help you develop your wildlife identification skills, with guides and wildlife recording apps always in hand! We also participate in Citizen Science projects, and share information about how you can get involved. Our previous walk reports will give you some idea of what we get up to.

We’re also sharing free wildflower seed packets from our Plant a Pitstop project. Autumn is a great time to plant the wildflower seeds for a beautiful native wildflower display next year!

We look forward to seeing you there!

August Ramble and Chat Report

Learn about pollinators workshop

On Sunday 17/08/2025 we joined Melissa from Buglife -The Invertebrate Conservation Trust, for a pollinator workshop at Almondell Country Park, in East Calder.

The aim of the workshop was to train participants to monitor pollinators by conducting Flower-Insect Timed counts. This 10 minute survey, that can be done in gardens and parks, collects important data on the changes of pollinator numbers visiting flowers.

The first, and trickiest part of the workshop, was to learn to correctly identify pollinator species groups. While we found it easy to class bumblebees and butterflies, other species groups were a bit more challenging. We learnt that a good way to identify flies for example, is to look at the size of their antennae; they are much shorter than a bee or a wasp. Their eyes are also big, compared to bees, and hoverflies are also more colourful than bees and other species of flies.

We practiced our skills with some net sweeping, which was quite fun! Below are some of the photos of the pollinators we identified into species groups.

For the last part of the workshop each participant carried out a Flower-Insect Times Count. For this, we downloaded in advance on our phones the FIT Count app – a user friendly app, that takes you through simple steps of the count methodology. It even sets a countdown timer and shows diagrams of the species groups, to help you identify the insects you need to record.

The sun was shining in the afternoon, and everyone in the group thoroughly enjoyed spending a sunny Sunday afternoon at the park. One of our highlights was spotting a grasshopper while looking out for pollinators visiting flowers.

If you didn’t make it to the workshop, Buglife will be delivering similar events in West Lothian next year. There are a lot of resources online, to help you learn your pollinators and how to conduct a FIT count. Have a look at the UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme website, as you still have time until 30 September to contribute.

Almond Valley Nature Action meets on the second Sunday each month to explore our local green spaces. We look forward to seeing you in our September event, at The Wilderness Wood in Livingston, details of our next walk here.

Do you have suggestions for future walks or workshops? Get in touch, we would love to hear from you.