In the autumn of 1986, Jim Rae (Principal Teacher of Biology at Lockerbie Academy ) learned of an old curling pond at Eskrigg, on the outskirts of Lockerbie, from a pupil in his Natural Resources Class. On visiting the site he was impressed by the range of habitats in such a small area - 7 acres (2.83 hectares). One of the habitats, however, amounted to over three acres of a tall reed-grass that supported a very limited fauna. The pond had been drained and the natural succession of vegetation over many years had eliminated all open water. Jim quickly realised that, by digging out much of the reed-grass and repairing the sluice gate, a pond could be re-established thereby increasing the biodiversity and, at the same time, creating a resource for the local community, including his Natural Resources class at the school. He explained his ideas to Sir Rupert Buchanan-Jardine, owner of Castle Milk Estate, then applied for, and was granted in January 1987, a joint, one-year lease of the curling pond with the then shooting tenant Henry Strath. Jim spent the following year getting advice and assistance from many experts in the field of conservation, in order to survey the area to determine future water levels, identify as many plants and animals as possible and draw up a potential management plan.
In August 1987, Jim started a Conservation Class at Lockerbie Academy and together they discussed and worked on the management plan. They also organised a sponsored cycle run to raise the funds needed for digging out part of the 'pond' to recreate an area of open water.
In September 1987, a public meeting was held at Lockerbie Academy at which Jim Rae explained the draft plans to interested members of the local community. His plans received overwhelming approval and that evening a Local Support Group was set up. At the first meeting of the support group, in October 1987, the members decided to form the 'Lockerbie Wildlife Trust' and to name the old curling site ' Eskrigg Reserve'.
In January 1888, Jim Rae took on the sole lease of the pond site for one year and, throughout the spring of '88, continued his research, obtained estimates for digging out the pond and, in discussion with members of the support group determined the objects of the Lockerbie Wildlife Trust. In May 1988, Dalgliesh Brothers dug out the pond area creating islands and banks, the sluice was repaired, an overflow pipe (donated by Express Cheese Factory) was installed and the pond area flooded. Within a month there was good growth on the islands and a wide variety of wildlife in the pond. In the summer of '88, eight weeks of dry weather resulted in the pond drying up. This helped to determine the future management policy for the site. In June, two bird-watching hides were erected by pupils from Lockerbie Academy .
In September 1988, the inaugural meeting of the Lockerbie Wildlife Trust was held and a programme of talks, visits, workshops and fund-raising events was organised for the year ahead. Over the next year, Academy pupils, Scouts, Cubs and students from the Barony College helped Trust members with clearing, construction and maintenance work. During a period of high rainfall the paths became flooded in places and the overflow pipe had to be lowered four inches. A jetty was constructed next to the pond, with a chipping path to it, and a path created behind the sluice dyke to the east-hide. The Barony students later replaced the path with a board-walk.
In January 1989, the lease for the pond site was transferred to Lockerbie Wildlife Trust for an initial term of ten years, subject to review after five. The pond site then became officially recognised as Eskrigg Reserve. Throughout '89 Jim Rae consulted widely and drafted a Constitution for the Trust.
In September 1989, the Trust held its first Annual General Meeting and a Wildlife Quiz. The draft constitution was submitted to the Inland Revenue for consideration. In November '89, the Inland Revenue approved the constitution and an Extra-ordinary General Meeting was called to formally adopt the constitution and accept the charitable status awarded by the Inland Revenue - Scottish Charity 005538.
In December 1989, members of the local Pony Club inadvertently rode through the Reserve and churned up the grass path along the western boundary. The chipping path was then extended, first to the west-hide and later round the whole of the west side and across to the remains of the old curling hut.
In 1990, two former pupils of Lockerbie Academy helped Jim Rae to erect a shelter on the site of the old curling hut. Alan Nelson built the brick foundations, Stewart McMichan did the timber-work, and Jim did the timber treatment and roofing. All timber was donated by John Beattie and Sons and the metal brackets manufactured by Alan Thomson. Shortly afterwards, John Beattie made two seats to go inside the shelter, the cost being met by donations from Drumbreck Insurance Company and Tom Laurie. The metal brackets for the seats were again manufactured by Alan Thomson and fitted by Jim Rae.
(To be continued.)
