Paul Gunn shares his thoughts about working at Fallin

Hello, I’m Paul Gunn the TCV Natural Communities trainee working with Buglife. I have been out and about in Fallin this year, talking to members of the community and collecting their stories of Fallin and the former coal mines. The Bing which is the spoil from the coal mine is integral to the history of the village and is now an important brownfield site for wildlife.

The Bing is rich in diversity and is visited by a variety of bees, butterflies, moths and other invertebrates; most notably the hundreds of 6-spot Burnet moths that have been seen at the Bing this summer. But as well as it’s ecological importance within the area, the top of Fallin Bing has some fantastic views of the surrounding villages, Stirling castle, the Wallace monument and the Ochil Hills.

Common blue butterfly are found at the Bing, several were seen this year.

 

We have been out on site leading activities to help enhance the Bing including the wildflower panting and scrub removal documented in previous blogs. As well as this practical work, we would love to hear your stories of the Bing, Fallin itself and your hopes for this site in the future as it takes further steps in its transformation from ‘Coalfield to Brownfield’.

Last Month I interviewed a former miner from the Polmaise Mine, Jock, who told me all about his experiences, from growing up in Fallin’s early years to work as a collier. The dangers they faced on a daily basis and the changes he has seen in his time. Hearing about Fallin’s fascinating past was great but It would also be great to hear what the Bing means to people now, with the mining industry now gone from Fallin and a new generation growing up with wildflower rich grasslands on their doorstep.

The Ochil Hills as seen from the top of Fallin Bing (c) Paul Gunn

 

Come along to our next activity day on Tuesday 1^st October from 10am to 3pm. We will be taking out some more scrub and building bee banks. Feel free to come along and pitch in, or just pop by and share a story of what Fallin Bing means to you. Whilst you’re there, indulge yourself with the fantastic views from the top of the Bing.

Paul Gunn filming at the Coal Mining Museum at Fallin.

If you can’t make an event day and you see me meandering around the bing (much like the above picture), feel free to say hello and share a story or email your story to paul.gunn@buglife.org.uk with the subject ‘Fallin Bing’.