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Today I got my completion certificate from the John Muir Way - a nice reminder of a walk that is already fading into memory as I'm back at my desk. I applied for it through their website, telling them a few details about my walk. The same website I bought my passport from (which I got all the stamps for along the way) and my coast-to-coast pin badge (which I didn't allow myself to wear until I reached the end)....if ever there was any doubt that I have some aspects of a completer-finisher personality type! In other news, in looking through my files for something in relation to the remaining 8 days of my Award, I came across this photo from the Sustrans stall which we held at the launch of the John Muir Way in 2014. Three John Muirs planning a cycle trip... :)

We were once again off to the amazing Pollok Park where we would this time be working with Countryside Ranger Gavin and also Glasgow's Senior Countryside Ranger Allison Greig. Our task today was to play our part in the re-covering the Flower Power Poly Tunnel. This was to be our first meeting with Ranger Greig and we were soon to find that the day would be busy and productive in many ways! We had a 'Team Meeting' upon arrival and were each assigned different jobs that we had to do and were shown how to carry out each task in a safe and professional manner. So with tools in hand and our instructions 'planted' in our minds we set to work.....

Some of us worked with Ranger Greig with the tricky job of reinstating the final panel at the rear of the poly tunnel while others trimmed the overspill of polythene sheeting that ran around the outside of the structure. We cleared weeds and re-arranged pots, labels and more so that future groups could benefits from a clean and well ordered environment. We learned the value of keeping busy and sought out additional tasks so as to never be still or idle. We discussed the purpose of our task and linked our activity to the skills we would need in our future work places discussing the importance of Team Work, Time Management, Adaptability to complete tasks as well as the importance of Communication. The team (class) worked tirelessly and soon the end was in sight...

Rails were nailed and polythene trimmed while weeds were pulled and pushed into compost bins! Slabs were brushed and pots of yesterdays compost emptied with pots cleaned, divided and put in order. We learned that working as part of a team with Countryside Ranger Gavin and Senior Ranger Greig could not only get a job done but would boost our Health and Wellbeing at the same time. We talked and laughed throughout the day and were able to link each activity to improving Mental, Emotional, Physical and Social Health. Our comments highlighted mental health being improved by being busy with a 'job well done'. We contributed to a joint goal and talked as we worked promoting our social health while constantly working with a range of physical tasks certainly boosted our physical health, lifting, bending, stretching and more. Emotionally well that one is straight forward and if you look at our faces filled with satisfaction and contentment then we are sure you will appreciate why!!! #ACTIVELEARNINGTHEWAYFORWARD

Our latest adventure into Nature, Learning and the Environment took as once again to the beautiful Springburn Park in Glasgow. With the help of our friends Alice and Peter from the RSPB we set off in in search of as many different birds as possible who call the park home. With the help of the excellent Friends of Springburn Park we were welcomed once more into this incredible green space and were amazed at what we found. With Alice and Peter we talked about Where, When & How to look for birds, looking for warm and sheltered places where birds might live. We 'pondered' on the edge of ponds and gazed up into tall trees and deep into thick bushes in the hope of finding some and find some we did!!!!

Alive and Peter told us that winter is a good time to see birds as the leaves on trees become sparse and camouflage wears thin and bare. We talked of the different shaped beaks and the food that each bird would eat. We learned to use the most amazing binoculars and carefully sought out Plant Easters, those with a love of fine seeds and even those with a taste for small fish and amphibians.....

Staying quiet and still suited us just fine as we made our way around the different ponds and past trees in the park. We listened for distinctive calls and tried our best to identify the smaller birds with their brilliant yellow breasts or red chest with their short or long tails wagging as they darted from branch to branch.