Cleaning up Restalrig Railway Path

Restalrig Railway Path is a useful link for walkers and cyclists, and a green corridor for wildlife through a busy area of Edinburgh between Leith Academy and Hibernian Football Club. These features are both what make it valuable, and make it in regular need of a clean-up.

Eager Wild Reekians eager to get started

We started at the Easter Road end, with the intention of cleaning up the section to Hawkhill Avenue.

It took a lot longer than we anticipated - we were determined to fish out all those plastic bags buried in the leaf-mould and caught up in the bushes! - and we only got about halfway.

Wild Reekians looking rather less eager after two hours hard work.  

We collected quite a lot more than in the picture, but conceded our haul to a passing bin lorry half way.

I've been thinking about doing something like this ever since I read the article which went round Facebook almost a year ago about the Dutch guy who cleaned up a river bank, called "I did a thing". Well, now we've started a thing.

We started two things actually: we also started a Wild Reekie species list, although between concentrating on litter and lack of knowledge it is a rather short one. Well done to Adam who identified a Redwing from its song. Anyone know what the delicate purple fungus above is?

Not much out in January, but we think this is Cow parsley. I think I've just trodden on it, oh dear.

After all our hard work we went to visit the nearby Lochend Park, with its unexpected lake and spectacular views of Arthur's Seat.

That gave us a few birds for the species list at any rate.

Graylag goose and Tufted ducks

So today's short list is:

• Cow parsley
• Hawthorn
• Woodlouse (Slater)
• Graylag goose
• Canada goose
• Mallard
• Tufted duck
• Coot
• Moorhen
• Black-headed gull

Huge thanks to the guys from Edinburgh Council who brought us the litter-pickers and other equipment. 

And huge well done to the Wild Reekians who took part: it was hard work and not the most enjoyable of trips, but the company was great and I hope you all feel you've done something really worthwhile!

Sign up to be notified of future events at www.meetup.com/Wild-Reekie.

"Truly enjoyed myself! Nice friendly people, great to be outdoors and do something good. Thank you everyone!" 

Have a look also for the Restalrig Road and Railway Path Facebook Group who also organise clean-ups along the path. 

Follow me on Twitter @eleanormharris.