Entomology in North Fife

For many years I kept hives of honey bees and then I became a bee owner only as they became through genetic shift very aggressive and unmanageable. I now enjoy to watch and appreciate the far less aggressive solitary and bumble bees. I recommend this book which is a detailed and up-to-date account of the behaviour and ecology of bumblebees. This group of relatively large, colourful and familiar insects are a very popular subject of study because their behaviour can be observed without the use of elaborate equipment, enabling amateur and experienced entomologists alike to get close to these colourful and social creatures. Unlike honey bees, bumblebees work on plants with no nectar, and play a crucial role in the pollination of flowers and vegetables. The farming industry relies heavily on these efficient pollinators: few, if any bean flowers, for example, would set pods unless they were pollinated by bumblebees, and many apple, pear and plum trees rely on visits for a bountiful harvest. However, bumblebee populations have recently suffered alarming decline, with three of the UK populations already extinct and another nine on the endangered species list. A further decline in numbers could have a serious economic impact on the farming industry. In light of this, bumblebees have been a source of much interest, and detailed research and field studies over the past decade have brought them into the public eye and raised awareness of their plight. "New Naturalist - Bumblebees" is an entirely new addition to the increasingly popular New Naturalist series, and is written by an expert in the field. Ted Benton combines 15 years of his own field studies of the species with all the latest research and findings, to provide a detailed and comprehensive account of the lives of the 25 species of bumblebee found throughout the UK, which includes: acclaimed colour photographs of the sexes and castes of all species; detailed photographs of the bumblebee habitats; detailed key to help aid identification, and original anatomical line drawings; information on identification features, foraging behaviour and distribution; latest findings on conservation status and habitat requirements.Bumblebees (Collins New Naturalist)

The Environment

The Lichen Hunters is an enthusiastic account of the early years of a burgeoning ecological movement - The British Lichen Society. Formed in 1958 the society created a complete listing of all British lichens. Lichens are like a multitude of small watchmen recording the progress of pollution across the countryside. They are indicators of air-quality, traffic pollution, fertilisers and acid rain. They are also, as far as Oliver Gilbert and his fellow lichenologists are concerned, things of incredible beauty and mystery. His enthusiasm is infectious. Lichenologists bear comparison with the original Victorian plant hunters in their willingness to travel widely, and endure extreme weather in their pursuit of a rare specimen. Part travelogue and part social history of the British Lichen Society, The Lichen Hunters will charm readers and be a valuable addition to the ecological canon.The Lichen Hunters

Fife rocky outcrop

The very varied landscape in North Fife abounds in rich geology which supports all kinds of vegetation. Over the coming weeks I hope to post random examples along with other subjects as may crop up.

Driving from Flisk to Newburgh

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From Flisk to Newburgh along the coast road of the river Tay. We pass Logie Farm cottages followed by a veterinary practice on the left. One mile or so to the right is Ballinbriech farm and Castle, after the woods we rise up to the site of the Battle of Blackearnside where William Wallace defeated the English in 1298. Dropping down we pass Parkhill farm where the steadings are being converted into housing. Followed on the right by the ruins of Lindores Abbey.

St Andrews Golf

The Royal and Ancient St Andrews old course golf club house from the 18th green.

Carpow Long boat

CARPOW LOG-BOAT EXHIBITION OPENS
A COLOURFUL and interesting exhibition of photographs about the now famous Carpow log-boat has opened at the Laing Museum in Newburgh.
At around 3000 years old, the log-boat dates from the late Bronze Age and is the second oldest vessel of its type to be found in Scotland.
It was discovered in 2001 and recovered from the bed of the River Tay last year.
The photographs follow the boat from its discovery in the Tay through the long process of recovery to its eventual arrival in Newburgh, where it was met by a BBC film crew.
The log-boat is currently undergoing extensive conservation work at the National Museums of Scotland and the exhibition offers the opportunity to find out about its progress to date.
The exhibition also contains a number of interesting archaeological finds from the Bronze Age period as well as a selection of objects found in the Newburgh area during excavations or by metal detectorists.
Objects on display include flint arrowheads, stone axeheads, pottery food vessels, funeral urns, brooches and seals.
The exhibition has been put together in conjunction with Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust and runs until September 30, from noon-5 p.m. daily.

Getting Ahead In Newburgh

Fife Arts Co-operative, a group of artists based at the newly developed Steeple in Newburgh, formally the Town Hall is very pleased to announce that Jeanette Sendler has been appointed to be the Steeple’s first Artist in Residence.

Jeanette, was among twenty four applicants for the ‘Plum Job’ post, which is funded through the Scottish Arts Council Partners Scheme. Her post is a year long residency as an artist working with textiles/fibre to explore the past and present relationship of the community to the land in Newburgh.

Jeanette offers many skills as an artist working with textiles including millinery, costume design, felting and knitting. She also has experience of community based residencies in Scotland and further afield.

The residency will also give Jeanette the opportunity to spend a whole year in Newburgh and to develop her own work in response to the Plum Job brief until next spring.

Representatives from community partners including Fife Arts Co-operative, Newburgh Orchard Group, Newburgh Garden Orchard Group, and Newburgh Primary School were involved in the interviewing process and are now looking forward to hearing more about Jeanette’s ideas for the residency.

Scottish Tweed

An extensive range of both popular and rare tweed jackets, including Scottish Tweed. We offer other quality vintage and new items such as suits, overcoats, shooting and equestrian attire, classic and vintage leather, sheepskin jackets and coats, leather briefcases and footwear, and selected fragrances. Although we specialise predominently in items for the discerning gentleman, we also offer a carefully selected range of womenswear. Buy Here.

Flying over the River Tay by Newburgh

Newburgh, a very old burgh which grew out of the presence of Lindores Abbey situated at the east end of the town and on the main road linking Perth to Cupar, the county town of Fife.This aerial view shows the west end start of the High Street from top park.

Flying over the River Tay

Heading East With Mugdrum island lying ahead in the centre off Newburgh. Bottom right shows the confluence of the rivers Tay and Earn where North Fife joins Perthshire.

Scottish Highland Stream

A Scottish Highland stream and bridge.