Craigleith Tree Mallow Project
The aim of this project is to clear the invasive Tree Mallow from large parts of the island of Craigleith so the the Puffin can regain access to those areas which have become completely overgrown by this plant.
The above photo shows the two zones where work was carried out on 6th and 7th September 2006. Zone 1 is the gully which fills the middle of the southern side of Craigleith and is easily seen from North Berwick. Zone 2 runs northwards from the cairn on the highest part of the island above the high cliffs on its eastern side. This is hidden from the mainland.
Click on a photo to see a larger version
View of Craigleith, taken in May 2006, showing the extent of the Tree Mallow in zone 1.
Day 1 - 6th September 2006
The volunteers met up at 08:00 at North Berwick harbour for a briefing on the plans for the day. At 09:35 they were ready to go out to the island, just waiting for the boats.
By 10:16 the first boat was arriving at the island.
10:40 and the volunteers are getting to their allotted zone.
10:56 - the volunteers in zone 2 are making a start.
11:27 - cutting the tree mallow continues in
zone 2
13:22 and time for lunch. The volunteers in zone 1 have cleared a track up the middle of the gully and have started working outwards.
13:47. Lunch is over and the film crew are hard at work.
13:49 and the cameras have moved over to another group of volunteers.
15:54 and the sea is getting choppy so work has stopped as the volunteers need to get off the island. The cleared area in zone 1 has increased.
Day 2 - 7th September 2006
10:07 and the volunteers are joined by Bill Bailey, the front man for the TV programme.
10:32 Morning coffee is almost over.
11:53 Another interview scene is being filmed.
13:01 and the cleared area in zone 1 has increased dramatically.
16:23 End of day 2 and time to tidy up.
16:24 Zone 2 was not fully cut, but it is time to leave the island before the forecast change in the weather arrives.
16:35 Leaving the island for the last time.
18:00 From North Berwick harbour the area of Tree Mallow cut in zone 1 is very obvious.
Click here to see photos from the next trip which was made on 14th October 2006
