TWIC organises a programme of excursions each year, some in conjunction with local recording groups. These excursions are planned primarily to obtain biodiversity data from sites across our region. Priority is usually given to sites proposed as Local Biodiversity Sites (pLBS), as this means that any data generated from the excursions can be used in the site assessment. Recorders of all groups of organisms are welcome. Whether or not you have been on one of our excursions before or are a newcomer you are most welcome to join us.
Please contact the excursion leader beforehand (leaving your contact telephone number) so that they know to expect you. It is rare that we have to cancel an excursion, but should this occur we will endeavor to contact you by phone. Also, please check the website the evening before the outing if possible as any last minute changes will be published there.
This is a joint meeting with the Borders bryophyte group.
Site details: Braidley Burn is situated approximately 11 miles south of Hawick (as the crow flies) in the Scottish Borders (vice-county Roxburghshire 80, site centred on NY472974).
Leader: David Long, email: lammermuir10@gmail.com, phone: 01578 740210.
Aim: We will be recording along in the lower reaches of the Braidley Burn and along the Hermitage Water. Braidley Burn is a proposed Local Biodiversity Site (pLBS) – a site of local/regional conservation interest, and records from the outing will inform the site assessment by the Scottish Borders Council LBS steering group.
There are very few existing vascular plant records for the site, and the site has not been surveyed for bryophytes for some time (1992), so we will aim to address this on the outing.
Meet: Meet at 10:30 am in the yard at the back of Gorrenberry House, Hermitage, Hawick, (postcode approx. TD9 0LT, grid ref. NY469970).
Directions: From the north, take the B6399 south to Hermitage. After the road crosses the Hermitage Water take the first right onto the unclassified road and drive past Hermitage castle. After the turning to Braidlie Farm House, take the second turnoff on the right along the drive to Gorrenberry House – it is signed “Gorrenberry House” on the tree. Take the drive up to the farmhouse. At the top of the drive go left into the yard.
Requirements: Suitable outdoor clothing, walking boots/ stout footwear, drink and lunch and sun protection/ waterproofs (as weather dictates).