“Hello, my name’s Mary Konik and I’m the Country Park’s Senior Ranger, I’ve worked here since 1973. I think my mother probably instilled my love of nature, she would take me on long country walks, when I was a child, pointing out the various plants and wild life.
I got a degree in Agricultural Zoology at Glasgow University. I then applied for and got my fi rst job, as assistant ranger at this Country Park! I moved into a cottage in the grounds of the Park in 1975 and have lived there ever since, at one time I shared it with 5 cats. However, now I’m down to 2.
There is no typical day, like nature every day is different. I usually start the day by feeding the fi sh in the visitor centre aquarium and most days we have school visits. Pupils do various projects at the Park; plant types, river studies, different habitats etc. We also help special needs groups. The Park is a wonderful, soothing environment.
Most visitors use the Park to walk and relax, it’s a great tonic for a busy life style. We’re open 7 days a week and it would be nice if more people came and enjoyed this wonderful place. I look forward to being involved in consultation with Stirling Developments, on types of plants and habitat best suited to create new wild life areas within the new Calderwood development.”
Context : The Country Park
Almondell & Calderwood Country Park
Tucked out of sight in the valley of the River Almond, the 230 acre Almondell and Calderwood Country Park is a magnificent local amenity. Originally part of the Earl of Buchan’s, Almondell estate, It was officially designated as West Lothian’s first Country Park in 1971.
The beautiful Country Park is full of historical treasures including The Naysmith Bridge (1800), the Aqueduct (1820), the Viaduct (1885) and the first recorded memorial to Sir William Wallace.
Bottom left is the Visitor Centre which was the original stables and coach house from Almondell House. Kirkhill Astronomical Pillar stands in the foreground. Facilities include an aquarium and exhibition areas for historical and ecology studies.
The deep valley park has a strong landscape boundary, ensuring no unacceptable visual impact from the Calderwood development
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