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HABITAT SQUAD ENHANCES SOUTH HEAD
A mixture of young and older local volunteers turned out in force on Sunday to assist with a habitat enhancement scheme at South Head Quarries, Wick harbour.

The project was organised by The Highland Council Planning and Development Service local countryside ranger and was funded by Scottish Natural Heritage and Community Service Volunteer Action Earth Awards. Kind permission for the project was granted by Malcolm Bremner on behalf of the Wick Harbour Trust.

The youngest volunteers, members of the Caithness Critters, planted a mixture of wildflower plugs around the recently created picnic areas. The attractive range of coastal plants such as birds foot trefoil, harebell and kidney vetch will produce bright colours over the summer months and attract insects into the area.

Several members of the local army cadet branch also turned out to lend a hand. The cadets prepared a section of ground for sowing wildflower seed and also helped with planting of the wildflower plugs.

Helpers from the Caithness Countryside Volunteers planted a range of broadleaf trees and shrubs to create shelter and provide a food source for bird life using the area. Some hazel, alder and Whitebeam trees were guarded and planted alongside the prickly sea buckthorn and Rosa species.

Marina Swanson, East Caithness Ranger and event organiser said: "Over 30 volunteers turned out on Sunday to complete the project. It is wonderful to see the support for these community projects as without volunteer help, they simply would not happen. I was especially pleased to see the range of age groups working together on Sunday; from 8 year olds to retirement age - there was a job for everyone. The project will provide useful habitat for wildlife and also will benefit the visiting public by making the area more attractive. Many thanks to everyone who helped on the day and to our funders SNH and CSV."