West Lothian College COP26 Events

Activities at the college will start on Monday, November 1 with a volunteer week providing opportunities for staff and students to get involved with local ecosystems, community groups, biodiversity and to learn about how we can help with climate change.

Throughout the following week from November 8 until November 11 will be a COP26 Market within the college with a variety of small local business showcasing their sustainable products.

The events are as follows:

Polkemmet Park

• Located near Whitburn, this country park offers beautiful woodland and riverside areas.
• This activity will involve students volunteering to work alongside park staff and our partners The Conservation Volunteers to cut down wildflower meadows and beds and bale this up for animal feed or other potential uses. Also, there will be opportunities to cut away some of the invasive species that have grown and bulb planting for next spring!
• The purpose of this activity helps manage biodiversity of the habitat, allowing the wildflowers to grow the following year. Baling up the wildflowers stops the soil becoming nutrient rich and therefore stops other invasive plants species from taking over these areas. Wildflower habitats provide a natural source of food for insects and in turn other wildlife, whilst reducing greenhouse gases and promoting wellbeing for all.
• Students are advised to wear sturdy outdoor shoes so no trainers or soft boots and warm clothing that will keep them dry and are willing to get dirty and bring their own packed lunch.
• Each session is suitable for up to 15 people which would include a member of staff. This site would be OK to attend by all students of all mobility levels. If any students have concerns, please let me know.

Skolie Burns

• This is a protected area that lies between Loganlea and Addiewell, five miles west of Livingston. The site had not been maintained for several years which had resulted in rubbish collecting and invasive species taking over the pasture.
• This activity will involve students working with West Lothian Rangers and The Conservation Volunteers students helping to remove the invasive plant species which are harmful to both wildlife and plant life.  The regeneration of this area will encourage biodiversity and create an area for the local community to use, improving lives and wellbeing for those who visit the area.
• As per request previously, students will need to wear sturdy outdoor shoes and old warm clothing to keep them dry and bring their own packed lunch.
• Each session is suitable for up to 15 people which would include a member of staff. This site would not be suitable for anyone with mobility issues as there is rough hilly terrain and slopes to contend with. If any students have concerns, please let me know.

Creating Wildflower Areas

• This activity will be on campus and involves working with the estates grounds maintenance to create wildflower areas at the raised bed areas outside building no. 5.
• These areas will be prepped so that students will plant and scatter wildflowers, install bird boxes and put up bee and insect hotels produced from recycled material made by our construction students. This will then be ready for next spring.
• Students are advised to wear warm, waterproof clothing if possible.
• Each session is suitable for up to 15 people. This activity would be most suited for students with mobility issues as the activity will be taking place in the college main square.

Creating a new outdoor forest classroom

• This activity will be on campus and involves working in the woodlands to the west side of the college to create a new outdoor forest classroom similar to that on the north side of the college.
• This activity will involve the clearance of some spindly trees, the installation of bird boxes, feeders and insect hotels. It will require the fitting of solar string lights and other activities the childhood practice team would like support with.
• Students are advised to wear warm, waterproof clothing if possible.
• Each session is suitable for up to 15 people and is not ideal for those with mobility issues as the surface is uneven.

The activities will last approximately 3 hours (times to be confirmed). If you would like to take part in an activities please email Vicki Tierney (VTierney@west-lothian.ac.uk) by Thursday, October 21.