Glenlude provides inspiration

John Hutton from fellow environmental charity, Friends of the Pentlands, reports on an inspiring visit to the John Muir Trust's site in the Scottish Borders at Glenlude.

Twelve of us car-shared from Swanston and arrived at the John Muir Trust's Glenlude estate in beautiful sunshine. Glenlude Manager Karen and Isaac [from Thirlmere in the Lake District] were there to welcome us with tea, coffee and biscuits.

After an introductory orientation, we set off on our morning stroll. Karen and Isaac were constant sources of information about how the environment had changed since 2012, and how it would continue to change. Their enthusiasm was so obvious; what a credit they are to the John Muir Trust.

We heard about larches having to be culled. Brash hedge creation and management. So many different species of native trees planted. How relationships with volunteers have been nurtured. That the number of recorded bird species has doubled, from 22 to 44. Everyone came away a bit wiser (some, like me, more than others!).

We returned to the cabin for our tea and sandwiches and a bit of chat. The sun was in good form and we could have sat there a bit longer, but we had another stroll to do.

We headed through woodland with the open hill rising quite steeply to the other side. We were shown the spot where the remains of a tawny owl were found recently, and looked in hope (but in vain!) for the goshawk believed to be the culprit.

Butterfly-friendly flora were duly noted. Fungi were inspected and pondered over. And we learned about Karen's commitment to traditional methods: the heavy horses she has brought in, a week at a time, to haul logs after felling; the dry stane walling; the scything. And probably more when I wasn't in earshot!

We weren't quite finished and had a quick tour of the tree nursery, polytunnel and outdoor education centre (in the making).

Quite a bit later than scheduled, we eventually trooped back to the cars for the return journey. A grand day all round!

• Read more about the Friends of the Pentlands and the Trust's work at Glenlude.

Photographs courtesy of Hamish Clark and Malcolm Caldwell / Friends of the Pentlands