An absolutely rubbish day.

Today we had an early start as we needed to beat the tide for a beach clean along a short section of nearby beach. We left the lodge, headed to the bus stop, and, upon arriving earlier than planned, played a game of Splat! whilst we waited.

When we got to Lamlash, we headed to the COAST (Community Of Arran Seabed Trust) centre, where we carried out an in-depth risk assessment and learnt about the history of COAST. After collecting our equipment for the clean, we walked a couple of kilometres along the beach, before turning back to begin picking up things. It was interesting seeing the range of things that washed up along the shore, as well as a variety of wildlife which we may have missed if we weren't looking as closely. Some of the more interesting finds were a grain sack from holland; a bottle plug from glasgow; and a message in a bottle. Amongst the wildlife we encountered was several sites of an otter's dinner (in the form of a smashed crab); two swans and their cygnets; and a gannet's skull.

Upon returning to the centre, we disposed of the collected rubbish and got ourselves a 'shellebratory' ice cream. We then headed back to Brodick where we had a little wander through the town; decided against a game of crazy golf; and had a thrilling tour round Co-op.

When we got back to the lodge, some chilled; some made brownies; and some tested the cleanliness of the carpet. We also finished off our floral research and presented it to the others. Who knew that the thistle was the national symbol of Scotland due to someone stepping on it, or that Foxglove means Fairy Bells?

After an experimental dinner of fajitas and brownies, we are going to have another attempt at spotting some badgers in the woods later this evening