New Canal and Greenspace Development Officer

The Scottish Waterways Trust has appointed a new Canal and Greenspace Development Officer for Falkirk and West Lothian and a host of volunteering opportunities are now available for those who want to help the charity create brighter futures for people living close to the Forth & Clyde and Union canals.

Steven Cole, who is based at the Scottish charity's headquarters at The Falkirk Wheel, will work with community groups, school partners and waterway organisations throughout Falkirk and West Lothian helping more people discover, explore, learn and benefit from walking, cycling and physical activities along the canal and within the woodlands of Callendar Estate and the Helix.

As well as inviting local groups to take part in a wide range of exciting projects, Steven is also looking for volunteers to get involved in planning and delivering the activities which range from guided bike rides and walks through to the Scottish Waterway Trust's 'Adopt a Greenspace' initiative.

The new Canal and Greenspace Development Officer post, which has been funded by Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Canals, the Helix, Callendar Estate and a private donor, will run for two years.

Karen Moore, Chief Executive of the Scottish Waterways Trust, says:

"Steven's appointment opens up some great opportunities for people to get out and about within the fantastic greenspace we have here in Falkirk and West Lothian. With four years of experience working with communities alongside the Forth & Clyde Canal, Steven has developed a host of terrific projects which will really help people enjoy and get involved with the excellent outdoor attractions of Callendar Estate, the Helix and the waterways."

John O'Keefe from Scottish Natural Heritage says: "We are delighted to be able to support this new post as it will help people get active and enjoy the natural heritage near where they live."

Steven adds:

"Over the coming months, we will launch a raft of inspiring and interesting projects to suit all ages, ability and interest.

"Our 'Adopt a Greenspace' initiative, for example, is an ideal opportunity for those wanting to make a difference to their canalside greenspace and learn a little about wildlife conservation along the way. We will also be running a new wildlife survey for adults and children soon as part of the Year of Natural Scotland. Whether it's bats or butterflies, bluebells or beetles, we want to record it.

"For those thinking about volunteering or looking for a new volunteering opportunity, there are lots of rewarding and enjoyable ways in which you can get involved and help make a difference. Whether that's sharing your local knowledge as a guided walk leader or helping deliver a biodiversity project and full support and training will be given to all volunteers."

If you would like to get involved, call Steven Cole for an informal chat on 01324 677817 or 07795 315434.

Discover all about the Scottish Waterways Trust at www.scottishwaterwaystrust.org.uk

 Issued on behalf of the Scottish Waterways Trust by
Joanna Harrison, Mobile 07884 187404

Notes to Editors

The Scottish Waterways Trust (tSWT)

  • tSWT works to create brighter futures for people and places across Scotlandthrough our canals 
  • By connecting people with the heritage, wildlife and green open spaces of the Scottish canals through innovative projects, tSWT inspires people to get active, improve their health and mental well-being, employment prospects and community life.
  • These projects, which connect people with the built, natural and cultural heritage of the canals and include the creation of new and enhanced access, landscaping, interpretation and recreational amenities, help people make positive changes to their life whilst also improving and enhancing their canalside environment.
  • tSWT has five strategic areas of activity: Communities and Regeneration; Learning and Skills Development; Health; Volunteering and Environment and Heritage.
  • Further information on tSWT, including how to get involved or donate, can be found at www.scottishwaterwaystrust.org.uk  You can also keep up to date with news and chat to tSWT on Twitter and Facebook.

Callendar Estate

  • Callendar Estate is Falkirk's largest private land owner with just over 6000 acres of land in around Falkirk, Denny at Whitecross.
  • The Estate's woodlands extend to over 1500 acres managed for timber production, landscape, biodiversity and public access. With over 67 km of promoted public paths including 13km of single track mountain bike trails the woodlands are a well used by local people and increasingly by visitors to the area.
  • In 2012 Callendar Estate recorded 57,400 visits to the Estate by walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
  • For more information about Callendar Estate go to www.callendarestate.co.uk

The Helix