Countryside and wildlife

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Countryside and wildlife

GO APE AT BEECRAIGS FROM 27th. MARCH 2010!

Take to the trees and experience an exhilarating course of rope bridges, Tarzan Swings and zip slides up to 12 metres above the forest floor. Go Ape is coming to Beecraigs Country Park from 27th. March this year and will operate daily until the end of October, opening weekends in November.

Share memorable hours of fun and adventure. With the longest zip of 266 metres and total length of crossings 811.3 metres, you'll be talking about your experience for days. Minimum age 10 yr. Minimum height 1.4m. Under 18's must be accompanied by a participating adult. Get more information, watch people Go Ape and book online at www.goape.co.uk (new window)

Beecraigs Country Park

A one thousand-acre Country Park offering a wide range of recreational opportunities including trout fishery, deer attraction, target archery course, orienteering, pioneering, canoeing, kayaking, hillcraft, skiing, 5 day and weekend special interest courses, rock climbing, BBQ and picnic areas, trim course, woodland walks, play area and a caravan/camping site, restaurant with function room and a bar.

There is a Countryside Ranger Service to assist the public in their enjoyment of the countryside. Activities, guided walks, environmental education, illustrated talks and summer events are on offer from the Ranger Service. The Park Centre offers advice, craft sales, trout and venison sales, booking service for facilities and activities, and refreshments and confectionery.

Contacts: The Park Centre, Beecraigs Country Park, Nr Linlithgow, EH49 6PL. Tel. 01506 844516 Fax. 01506 846256 E-mail. mail@beecraigs.com or visit the official Beecraigs Website. (new window)

Almondell and Calderwood Country Park

Almondell and Calderwood Country Park is a 220-acre Country Park in Mid Calder, offering woodland and riverside walks, picnic areas and seating and barbecue facilities (although booking for barbecues is essential). The Park's Visitor Centre also has an aquarium, audio/visual and classroom facilities, a function room and sells refreshments. The Ranger Service based at the Country Park arranges talks, school visits and summer events.

Contacts: The Ranger Service and Visitor Centre can be contacted on 01506 882254. Contact can also be made by e-mail on almondell&calderwood@westlothian.gov.uk

Polkemmet Country Park

Polkemmet Country Park in Whitburn covers 169 acres and offers everything from a nine-hole golf course, driving range and bowling green, to play areas, trails and barbeque and picnic sites. There is also a golf shop and cafe. The Country Park's Ranger Service leads walks and activities.

Contacts: The Ranger Service and Visitor Centre can be contacted on 01501 743905. Contact can also be made by e-mail on polkemmet@westlothian.gov.uk

Frequently Asked Questions

Click a question to see the answer.

Can I take my horse to Beecraigs? Do I need a permit?

No, you do not need a permit. Riding is permitted along all surfaced forest raods and on the Hillhouse Woodland route. Contact the Park Centre on 01506 844516 for further information.

Can I use the Witchcraig Riding Arena at Beecraigs?

Yes, it can be hired for £6.60 per person per hour or £15.45 per group per hour. This can be arranged by contacting the Park Centre on 01506 844516. Please note that horse-riders at both Beecraigs Country Park and Almondell and Calderwood Country Park are asked to be considerate to other user groups by removing horse droppings whenever possible, particularly when riding in groups.

How can I book the bbq site at Beecraigs or Polkemmet and how much will it cost?

You can book the barbecue site through the park's visitor centre. The cost is £18.15 per session per barbecue site. There is a reduced price of £10 on mid-week morning and afternoon summer sessions (Monday - Friday, excluding Public Holidays) for groups of 15 persons or fewer. Please note that disposable barbecues or home barbecue units are not allowed in the Park. BBQ sites are available to hire from April to the end of October. Sessions available from 10am to 2pm/2:30pm to 5:30pm/6:30pm to 11pm To book a barbecue at Polkemmet contact 01501 743905 or e-mail polkemmet@westlothian.gov.uk. To book a barbecue at Beecraigs contact 01506 844516 or e-mail mail@beecraigs.com or visit www.beecraigs.com.

How do I book the caravan and camping site facility at Beecraigs?

Contact the Beecraigs Park Centre on 01506 844516 to book your pitch on the site or online at www.beecraigs.com.

How do I contact Beecraigs Sawmill?

Opening Times: Monday - Thursday: 08:00 - 16:30 Friday: 08:00 - 17:30 Saturday (ring to confirm) 07:00 - 11:00 Tel: 01506 848945 Fax: 01506 846256 Mobile: 07771 911 109 Email: beecraigssawmill@westlothian.gov.uk

How do I contact the Beecraigs Restaurant?

Telephone the Restaurant on 01506 670099 or e-mail at ainsliechef2@aol.com. Further information also available at www.beecraigs.com.

How do I get a fishing permit for Beecraigs?

A fishing permit can be booked through Beecraigs Park Centre on 01506 844516 or online at www.beecraigs.com. Concessions are available to Senior Citizen residents in West Lothian and those in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance. Junior anglers (under the age of 16) may fish free of charge alongside a paying adult (over 21), any fish caught by the junior contributes to the paying adult's catch limit.

How do I make a complaint?

If you want to make a complaint, please do so to a member of staff at the Park Centre. The member of staff will record your complaint and explain to you how it will be processed. A leaflet titled 'Comments and Complaints on West Lothian Council Services' explains how to make comments and complaints, and is available from all Libraries, Council Offices and Park Centres. Almondell & Calderwood Park Centre : 01506 882254 Beecraigs Park Centre: 01506 844516 Polkemmet Park Centre: 01501 743905

How much does it cost to use the bowling green at Polkemmet?

Use of the Bowling Green is FREE to West Lothian resident Senior Citizens (65 for men, 60 for women - proof of residential status will be required). Hire of the bowling green is £2.30 per hour for adults. Hire of the bowling green is £1.70 per hour for juveniles. Hire of the bowling green is £1.70 per hour for concessions. Hire of the bowls is £0.80 per hour. Payment should be made at the Park Centre.

How much does it cost to use the Driving Range at Polkemmet?

5 x 50 ball digicard = £10.30 10 x 50 ball digicard = £20.60 20 x 50 ball digicard = £41.20 25 balls token = £1.20 50 balls token = £2.40 110 balls token = £4.80

Is there a putting green in any of the Country Parks?

Yes, the putting green is available at Polkemmet Country Park, outside the driving range. Prices: Adult: £1 Concession: 75p Club hire: 90p

Is there maps of the parks?

Maps can be found in all of the car parks, in the Park Centres and a map of Beecraigs can also be found on www.beecraigs.com.

What are the opening and closing times of Almondell & Calderwood Country Parks Visitor Centre?

November to March: Open every day from 10am - 4pm (closed for lunch 12:30pm - 1pm) April to October: Open every day from 9am - 5pm (closed for lunch 12:30pm - 1pm)

What are the opening and closing times of Polkemmet Country Park?

April to September: Mon - Fri, 7:00am to 9:00pm Sat - Sun, 7:00am - 9:00pm October to March: Mon - Fri, 10:00am - 6:00pm Sat - Sun, 9:00am - 4:30pm

What are the opening and closing times of the Beecraigs Visitor Centre?

October to March: Mon - Thur 8:45am to 4:30pm Friday 8:45am - 4.00pm Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm Sunday 9:30am - 4:00pm Closed for lunch 12:30 - 1:00pm weekends and 12:00 - 1:00pm during the week. April to September: Mon, Tues & Thurs 8:30am - 5:00pm Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Friday 8:30am - 4:00pm Sat & Sun 9:00am - 5:00pm Closed for lunch 12:30 - 1:00pm weekends and 12:00 - 1:00pm during the week

What type of wildlife can be found in the parks?

Many species of birds and animals can be found at the Country Parks. Call the Ranger Services for more details. Almondell & Calderwood Ranger base - Tel: 01506 882254 E-mail: almondell&calderwood@westlothian.gov.uk Beecraigs Ranger base - Tel: 01506 844516 E-mail: mail@beecraigs.com Livingston Area Ranger - Tel: 07771 911108 E-mail: hugh.ilgunas@westlothian.gov.uk Polkemmet Ranger base - Tel: 01501 743905 E-mail: polkemmet@westlothian.gov.uk

What types of activities are available at Almondell and Calderwood Country Park?

Walks, barbecues, play area for children, cycle routes and ranger-led events and activities. Contact the Park Centre (01506 882254) or email almondell&calderwood@westlothian.gov.uk for further information.

Where can I get further information on Outdoor Pursuit activities at Beecraigs?

Telephone the Team Leader on 01506 844516, or email at beecraigsoutdoors@westlothian.gov.uk. Further information is also available on www.beecraigs.com

Where can I get general information about Almondell and Calderwood Country Parks?