A transformative new programme, the Green Skills John Muir Way initiative, is currently underway in East Dunbartonshire, bringing together six green-fingered trainees in its first intake.

The collaborative project, led by The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is specifically designed to tackle unemployment, social inequality, and biodiversity loss along the famous John Muir Way trail.

Since the trainees started in April, they have been engaged in extensive practical work and accredited training covering urban greenspace management, wildlife conservation, and access maintenance. The council noted that a total of 18 trainees are expected to benefit over three years, receiving skills and opportunities essential for thriving in the green economy.

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Councillor Paul Ferretti, Convener of the Council’s Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets Committee, highlighted the project's impact, stating it will help "deliver impactful environmental, social, and economic change" through hands-on nature restoration.

The trainees' work is directly linked to the East Dunbartonshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan. Key activities have included:

• Invasive Species Removal: Identifying and removing invasive non-native species, such as rhododendron and Himalayan balsam, from woodland and freshwater ecosystems.

• Surveys and Planting: Conducting monthly surveys of wetland bird species for the British Trust of Ornithology and planting over 1,000 wildflower plug plants.

• Management: Carrying out path clearance, woodland thinning, amenity grassland management, and drainage maintenance along the path network.

Daniel McEwan, Green Skills Leader at TCV, expressed delight at being part of the project, which aims to enrich local greenspaces while helping "passionate trainees gain vital green skills to help bridge the regional skills gap."