Strathblane Community Development Trust

08/10/2026

Himalayan Balsam spotting update

Thank you to everyone who has shared locations and photos of the Himalayan Balsalm. It has really made a difference having so many people helping to spot where it is. We will stop collecting details on Saturday 10th October but that means that there are still a few more days to submit locations so please do keep spotting!

You can share the information with us via email at [email protected] (provide a ‘what three words’ location, or a street name or just describe the location) or you can mark the spot using the hard copy maps in the library entranceway.

We will then create a map with all the location information and update with the community before Christmas about the map and next steps. Thank you again!

08/10/2026

You are invited to join a grassland fungi walk organised by Clyde and Argyll fungus group.

When: Saturday the 10th of October, starting at 10 am

Where: the meadows north of Dumbrock (Abby's) Loch, meet at Mugdock Country Park main carpark opposite of the entrance gate to Dumbrock Loch.

Please bring along lunch, drinks, weather appropriate clothing and waterproof footwear.

We will be looking for the colourful waxcaps and other grassland associated species and learn how to recognize and identify them.

Please send a reply to this message or an email ([email protected]) if you would like to attend. Attendance is free.

22/09/2026

Wanted: Himalayan Balsam spotters!
Himalayan Balsam is an invasive non-native species, which harms native habitats. The plants disappear completely in winter, leaving the soil bare and subject to erosion, filling watercourses with soil and harming river habitat.
Himalayan_Balsam_2-rotated.jpeg
Our village has increasing amounts of Himalayan Balsam therefore Strathblane Community Development Trust is supporting a group of volunteers to reduce the plant and the negative impact on the local environment.

The first step is to map the location of the balsam in the Strathblane Community Council area. At the moment it’s easy to see because of the purple flowers, which should be visible for a few more weeks.

Once the mapping is complete, and we have taken expert advice, we aim to start a programme next year involving safe removal, ongoing monitoring, and the planting of native species instead.

It is important we find all of it therefore we are looking for Himalayan Balsam spotters in the community to help us track it down!

If you can help, please send the location (a street name, location point on your phone, a grid reference or a ‘what.three.words’ reference) plus a photo showing the balsam coverage to: [email protected] or you can mark the location on paper maps that are available in the library. Thank you.

17/06/2026

SCDT welcomes you this Friday for a free talk at the Community Rooms. Strathblane library.

The Campsie Fells are brimming with insect life, but some are hard to find during the day. Martin Culshaw, County Moth Recorder for Stirlingshire will dive into the captivating world of our local moth species. The talk is on the Friday 19th of June and a ‘field’ workshop will be planned later, weather depending. This talk is timed 8-9:30pm and there will be a licenced bar.

Please sign up using this link:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scdt-campsie-gems-west-stirlingshire-moths-with-martin-culshaw-tickets-1984902753568?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

28/05/2026

This Friday at the library come and listen to a talk by local resident and expert in all things water, Doug Bertram, as he guides you through the remarkable ways water flows through our landscape.

Local expert Dr Doug Bertram guides you through the remarkable ways water flows through our landscape

20/05/2026

DROP-IN Session at Edmonston Hall TODAY . The next phase of Stirling’s Local Development Plan process is open for consultation. Once completed and approved, the next Local Development Plan will set out where development should and should not take place, identify important places and assets that require protection, and include local planning policies to guide decisions on future planning applications.

13/03/2026

Join us at Strathblane Library Community Rooms for an inspiring evening with Dr Davide Dominoni, exploring how city life is shaping the animals and nature around us — and how you can help local wildlife thrive.
📍 Strathblane Library Community Rooms
📅 Tuesday 31 March
⏰ 8:00 – 9:30 PM
Part of the Strathblane Community Development Trust “Campsie Gems” series, this fascinating talk brings cutting-edge research close to home. Perfect for nature lovers, curious minds, and anyone who cares about our village.

✨ Come along, learn something new, and see your neighbourhood wildlife in a whole new way.
Click Eventbright link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scdt-campsie-gems-urban-ecology-by-dr-davide-dominoni-tickets-1984878716673?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

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04/02/2026

Strathblane Community Development Trust brings people together to protect what makes our village special—and to dream up what comes next 💚

Whether you have loads of time or just big ideas, your voice matters.
👋 New members welcome (min £5 annual)
See link on web: www.strathblanecdt.org

📍 Local projects
🤝 Friendly people
🌱 Real impact

👉 Join us and be part of something meaningful.

09/12/2025

Thanks to everyone who came along to our AGM — we really appreciate your support! 💚

If you care about the future of our village, why not become a member of the Strathblane Community Development Trust?

Join us and make a difference right here at home. Email [email protected]✨