Grow Greener with Garthdee Field Allotments Association

Author: Norman Page 48 of 66

Nesting Boxes

Our Garthdee Field site is a wonderful open space, existing as it does so close to the city centre. It is also a haven for lots of wildlife, not least the very many birds that live on and around it.  It’s been great to see more and more plots encouraging small birds to nest on them – in all sorts and shapes of nest boxes.

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We have all had reason to curse the pigeons and crows that seem to get cleverer every year in the battle for our brassicas, but having the smaller song birds about is a real pleasure.  Not every box can expect to attract residents, but this year Sandy has been doubly lucky with a brood of Bluetits on site by his clematis and, better still, a family of wrens – who have taken up home in the most unusual of nesting spots.

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If anyone who can offer advice on the building of nest boxes and their positioning – it would be great to hear from you.

 

 

New Camera

With funding from Aberdeen Greenspace we have been able to buy a Nikon Coolpix P900. This is a consumer style camera, so easy to use, but especially designed for taking closeup shots of flowers and insects and longer range wildlife photos.  Our bid to AG stressed use to improve the quality of wildlife and nature pictures on our website.

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The P900 can be borrowed and used by any association (GFAA) member willing to take photos for website publication.  If you can help taking some photos please contact Norman (Plot 81) in the first instance to arrange to borrow the P900.  I’ll be pleased to offer a wee introduction to its features if necessary.

BBQ in the Sunshine

We got very lucky with today’s BBQ and the weather stayed fine for the duration.  GFAA was pleased to welcome friends from TAMS and The Macmillan Charity on the day.  The raffle and donations on the day raised £210 for Macmillan funds.  Special thanks go to Gill for all her hard work organising things.

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Kaimhill Primary 2 Visits

We (Stuart, Marion, Gill, Jacqui and Norman) have enjoyed playing host to Mrs McKenzie and her Primary 2 pupils over the summer. Thanks are due too to Vinnie and Michael for their help in preparing and maintaining the revised beds, primary plot and polytunnel.

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It’s been fantastic to see the enthusiasm of the youngsters over the weeks they have been coming and to know they are enjoying learning about the joys and benefits of gardening.

Activities have included:

  • Sowing salad leaves, beans and peas
  • Pricking out and potting up
  • Planting tatties, beans and onions
  • Extensive dung and compost shifting
  • Veggie and fruit identification and tasting tours

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I think we can say a good time has been had by all – although the older members of the GFAA team (no names, no pack drill) seem to need to retreat for a lie down in a darkened room after the sessions!

TAMS 2016

The Allotment Market Stall (TAMS) is about to start up for another season, following on from the success of last year’s record harvest.  GFAA was pleased to welcome Greg from TAMS on site this week to discuss how best we could help each other to increase contributions and so reduce waste and boost earnings from the scheme.

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Volunteer’s Breakfast Event

Aberdeen City Council hosted an excellent volunteers networking opportunity this week as a thank you to all the groups who have contributed to the Council’s It’s Your Neighbourhood efforts.

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The event was hosted in the Duthie Park and featured some exceptionally fine cakes and bakes, or affa fancy peeces if you prefer.

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Page 48 of 66

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