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Did you know that hedgehogs are the UK’s favourite mammal and one of the most endangered?

Did you know that they’ve moved into Chapelton?

Probably not – because you may never see them! They’re nocturnal which means they will venture out while you sleep in search of food and water. They are a gardener’s friend as they eat the creepy crawlies that like to eat your plants.

Hedgehogs face many dangers and moving into Chapelton while there’s still construction work going on is very perilous for them.  

A few hedgehog facts:

• They’re listed as endangered and at risk of extinction – within 10 years if things don’t improve for them.
• They’re rarer than tigers.
• Hedgehog numbers have fallen by as much as 50% since the year 2000 and it’s estimated that there are less than 1 million hedgehogs in the UK now compared to around 30 million back in the 1950’s.
• They’re one of only 3 mammals in the UK that hibernate.
• They have around 7,000 quills (prickles).
• Their main predators are badgers.
• It’s a myth they carry fleas.
• It’s a myth they love snails and slugs – they’re favourite foods are beetles and caterpillars.
• They can travel up to 2 miles per night in search of food and water.
• They build a mind map of where they live and will always live within the same area.

Here’s some information about how you can help them and make Chapelton a ‘Hedgehog Friendly Town’.

Create at least one entrance into your garden, preferably linking your garden to your neighbour’s – this is what’s known as a ‘hedgehog highway’. They allow hedgehogs to travel freely and safely between gardens away from roads.

Get the kids involved and make a fun entrance like above – they will love it.

Create a wild area in your garden where hedgehogs can forage. A wildlife friendly garden need not be messy – as long as there is some dense planting for them to forage through. Bear in mind that slug pellets, herbicides and pesticides can be harmful to wildlife in your garden.

Get the kids busy making a simple log pile like this:

Dry kitten biscuits are a real favourite with hedgehogs and provide everything they need.

Water is very important! Remember if there’s no puddles then there’s no water for hedgehogs. Once dehydrated they’re unable to eat and will die.

Never offer hedgehogs milk as they’re lactose intolerant.

Hedgehogs love to nest under sheds and decking, but will also use a hedgehog house. If you’re handy you can build your own and remember to include an inner chamber to keep the hedgehog safe from wind, rain and predators.

Place the house in a quiet sheltered spot in the garden, behind a shed or near shrubs is ideal.

The golden rule for hedgehogs is ‘out in the day NOT OK’.

A hedgehog out in the middle of the day is almost always a poorly hedgehog (there are a few exceptions to this rule in summer). If you see one out lying around or looking injured, please put it in a high sided box, (even poorly hedgehogs can be great climbers), cover it over with a hay, straw, an old towel or a sheet of newspaper so it feels safe and seek advice. The New Arc are always happy to advise.

A big thank you to Denise Martin, creator of the Hedgehogs of Portlethen Facebook page, for all of helpful advice. Denise spends her time raising awareness of the plight of endangered hedgehogs.

Father’s Day is the perfect annual reminder to celebrate our dads and grandfathers. We’ve spoke to one of Chapelton’s fathers, Marcus Bean, who has told us all about his life as a dad, and why he loves raising his family in Chapelton.

How long have you lived in Chapelton with your family? 

We have lived in Chapelton for almost five years now. The first couple of years was just my partner Kirsty and I, but now we are a family of four with Oliver who is three years old and Sadie who is one.

How are you spending Father’s Day this year?

For Father’s Day this year, Kirsty has arranged afternoon tea with the four of us and her parents will be joining us. We’re all looking forward to it!

What’s the best gift you’ve ever received as a dad?

I’ve only had three years of Father’s Day gifts so far, but Kirsty always makes really thoughtful cards with hand and foot prints. The best gift was a picture on my first Father’s Day of me holding Oliver when he was just a few days old.

Tell us a bit about fatherhood? 

I always knew I wanted kids. I always imagined what it would feel like but nothing prepares you for the moment you hold your own child for the first time. Parenting is so rewarding but stressful, challenging, trying, tiring but the you wouldn’t change it for the world. I am one of four siblings and I definitely have a new-found respect for my parents. 

What are your favourite things about growing a family in Chapelton? 

This pandemic has seen me working from home for 15 months but in many ways has been a blessing in disguise. I have had so much extra family time that I wouldn’t have otherwise had. Oliver is such a fun age and to see Sadie grow up from a new born and be able to have lunch with them every day and take Oliver to nursery has been great. Chapelton is such a safe and friendly place to raise a family. There are so many other young families at the same point in life which is great.

To all the fathers and grandfathers out there, we hope you have a wonderful Father’s Day 2021!

It’s set to be a sunny summer and what better way to celebrate the end of lockdown with a showstopping BBQ?

To get you back into the hosting spirit, we’ve compiled some of the need-to-know barbecue tips and been in touch with Darren Robertson from the Place to Eat for the perfect summer BBQ recipe to impress your friends and family.

We’ve got our fingers crossed for a few months of lovely warm weather, so it’s time to roll out the barbecue, dust off those deck chairs and get sizzling!

Here are top tips for an unforgettable summer BBQ:

1. Set up your space

When you’re having a barbecue things can get messy, and fast! Make sure your visitors know where to get cutlery, plates and napkins. Having a buffet style set-up can make this process easier, and it also gives your visitors an excellent place to choose their own toppings.

• Know your guests

Has one of your friends become vegetarian or vegan over lockdown? Make sure you know all of your guests’ dietary requirements so that you can cater to everyone. If you’re stuck for veggie inspiration, why don’t you check out these delicious veggie BBQ recipes.

• Comfortable eating is a must!

We’ve all experienced having to awkwardly stand and try to eat at the same time, and it can be a challenge. Make sure you have an area for your guests to sit, eat and socialise – preferably at a table. Your evening will be more relaxed and enjoyable.

• Garden games

Keep the kids happy by having some classic games on hand, such as a football or a Frisbee. This will keep the kids out of your hair while you’re grilling, and can be fun for a post meal activity.

• Enjoy yourself

While hosting may seem like an effort after large periods at home, it can be a great way to re-connect with the people in your life. When you’re finished with the barbecue, make sure to put your feet up and crack open a nice cool drink.

Need some barbecue recipe inspiration?

Fear not! We’ve spoke to Darren Robertson from the Place to Eat to give you exclusive access to his family’s coveted Munro’s Burgeretto:

Ingredients

• 9” flour tortilla wraps
• 4oz handmade steak burger (or your own choice)
• Grated cheddar cheese
• Fresh sliced red onion
• Shredded lettuce
• Sliced tomato
• Tomato salsa (simply made with fresh tomatoes & basil leaves)

Start by cooking the fresh steak burgers on a hot BBQ – this will take around 4-5 minutes on each side. While they’re cooking, chop up the tomatoes, lettuce and red onion.

Divide the salad, salsa and grated cheddar onto the tortilla wraps. Remove the cooked burgers, slice up and add to the wraps.

Gently fold the tortilla wraps together and enjoy.

Established in 2014, the Place to Eat are a small family food business in the heart of Aberdeenshire. Place to Eat brings quality and value hot and cold snacks ranging from tasty breakfast rolls, to fully cooked Scottish breakfasts! You can also try their yummy steak burgers, chilli beef, stovies, macaroni and much more!

The Place to Eat uses local ingredients and suppliers, and are an active part of the community, supporting local schools and fundraisers.

If you are passing Portlethen Pop, make sure to stop in for a tasty treat!

As Chapelton grows in size, so does our community of pets in the town – and as it is National Pet Month, we thought what better way to celebrate than putting the spotlight on Chapelton’s furry friends!

We asked our Facebook community to share pictures of their paws-itively adorable pets – and you all delivered!

So, sit back, and get to know the cats and dogs of Cha-pet-ton!

This Easter in Chapelton, 12 amazing local artists have designed bespoke eggs for our annual Easter egg hunt.

These beautiful creations are set to brighten up the town and have been made with love and care to make this an Easter for your family to remember.

We got in touch with each artist to find out a little bit more about them, and their egg-cellent creations:

Mhairi McDowall

Mhairi is a textile designer and founder of Paper Houses Design, a textiles studio based in Muchalls.

Her bold patterns are inspired by everyday structures and mid-century modern style.

“Over the past 12 months, my main view has been out to the back garden to colourful buoys against a bumpy white wall and the sea. Through designing the egg pattern I wanted to share these views in a joyous way, hence the bold colours and graphic design.”

See more: https://www.paperhousesdesign.com/

Jane Jenson

Jane is an illustrator based in Aberdeen and creates work with her beloved biro pen. Her work focuses on Scottish nature and wildlife and is ever evolving.

“Harvey has a grumpy wee tilt to his mouth so I think someone has hidden his carrots!”

See more: https://www.instagram.com/purplejain/

Morag Stevenson

Findon based artist Morag found inspiration for her egg through her many walks on the Chapelton Trail.

“Often lost in my thoughts, I can hear sounds in the trees, whispers, creaking, squeaking and see little shapes in their trunks formed from knots of wood or where branches have broken off. But perhaps these sounds are the whispering and chattering of the fairy folk, and these shapes in the trees are doors and windows? After all, we don’t know everything, and the enchanted woods can be a magical place!”

See more: http://moragstevenson.com/

Catriona Yates

Working from her home studio in Aberdeen, Catriona’s art uses a combination of design, colour and technique to produce vibrant and imaginative paintings. Her inspiration comes from nature, wildlife and the beautiful Scottish landscape that is all around her.

See more: https://www.catrionayates.com/

Sam Barnett

Influenced by growing up in the Monymusk countryside, Sam enjoys painting woodland scenes and the birds and wildlife found there. For her Easter artwork, Sam thought it would be fun for children to spot a rabbit hiding in the grass!

See more: https://www.sambarnettart.co.uk/

Helen Forrest

An artist based in Fourdon, Helen likes her paintings to leave room for the imagination. In her paintings the figures turn away from you – they look to something outside your range of vision so that you start to make up your own story. Vibrant colour, simple form and a creative use of texture are woven together to give Helen’s paintings their unique quality.

See more: https://helenforrestgallery.co.uk/

Eilidh MacAskill

Eilidh is a Newtonhill-based painter. She takes inspiration from the plants, patterns and colours of coastal environments, mixing landscape pieces and a semi-abstract style. Her egg has been inspired by walks along the Chapelton Trail, combined with the traditional linear patterns on Easter eggs and the mottled surface of real eggs.

See more: http://eilidhmacart.com/

Laura Bremner

Laura is a designer, illustrator and printmaker based nearby in Portlethen. She graduated in graphic design and started her own business, Juniper Press, in 2015. Laura’s work has a distinct monochromatic style. She takes inspiration from the intricacies and detail of Scandinavian and Eastern European folk art, using nature and plants as her subject matter.

See more: https://www.instagram.com/juniper_press/

Pauline Murray

A graduate of Gray’s School of Art, Pauline has taught art & design for many years. She has exhibited widely throughout Scotland with work in collections both here and abroad. From her studio in Newtonhill, Pauline’s work tends to be landscape based or inspired by the small pond in her back garden. These paintings are usually very colourful and upbeat and her Chapelton egg is indicative of this style.

See more: https://www.facebook.com/paulinemurrayart

Val Thomson

Living in Aberdeen, the North East coastline has a strong influence on Val’s work. She uses acrylic paint to add layers and make marks to reflect the character of this corner of Scotland in her paintings. “Flying Home” is inspired by the sense of belonging Val experiences when standing at the shore.”

See more: https://www.valthomson.com/

Karen Hadjitofi

Karen lives and paints from her home in Aberdeen. While taking walks in the local parks and woodlands she gathers images and information for her paintings. She enjoys watching birds fluttering amongst the trees and bushes, particularly when they start to nest.

“These birds came to mind very quickly when thinking about painting my Easter egg and they seemed to be an appropriate subject.”

See more: https://www.karenhadjitofi.com/

Rosy Long

A graduate of Gray’s School of art and based nearby in Muchalls, Rosy is a mixed media artist who enjoys experimenting with new materials and techniques. She works in 2D and 3D using papier-mâché, recycled card and acrylic mirrors. On her egg, Rosy has used collage, including some Victorian scraps to celebrate Eastertime.

See more: http://www.rosy-long.com/

How many can you find in Chapelton? Make sure to send us your pictures of your family on the Chapelton Easter Egg Hunt! Download the map here.

Here in Chapelton, we have been reflecting on the past year in lockdown. It’s remarkable how much our lives have changed in just 12 months, and we’ve become accustomed to staying at home to protect each other and those around us.  

But, it’s important in these difficult times to look after ourselves and our own wellbeing more than ever before. Here, some members of the Chapelton community share how they’ve maintained a routine and positive outlook in the strangest of times.

1. Have a working day routine

Having a routine that is similar if you were in your normal working environment can be hugely advantageous. Chapelton resident Natalia McLeod has run her business from home for many years and tells us how she maintains a routine:

“It takes a lot of discipline but I do find that a routine is very useful. We always start our day with a coffee and making a list of tasks that need to be completed and timescales. It’s also important to take breaks and switch off at a reasonable hour to keep your day structured. Just about every day we head out for a walk at lunchtime – we’re lucky that there are plenty of great walks surrounding Chapelton and it always clears our head a little.”

2. Make time for fresh air

Never underestimate the power of fresh air. Chapelton resident Susan Macgregor has been taking full advantage of Chapelton’s unique position between city and country over lockdown:

“I’ve really enjoyed running and walking along the Chapelton trail – and you’ll often see me on a lunchtime cycle exploring the quiet back roads out by Cookney.

“Even further afield, there are lots of options for great walks when you have more time on your hands. I’ve enjoyed going for walks and runs and with the snowfall in February I was able to ski on the forest tracks at Drumtochty Glen, Durris and Countesswells.”  

Resident Lesley Smith agrees: “The benefits of working from home in Chapelton are the beautiful walks we have on our doorstep. I can just nip out at lunchtime to get some fresh air and I’m surrounded by gorgeous countryside.”

3. Pick up a new hobby

Life has been fairly monotonous, with some of us falling victim to the repetitive nature of lockdown (work – eat – sleep – repeat!). Susan told us how she has been able to start new hobbies in lockdown to keep her brain active, and how she’s looking to keep them up post-lockdown:

“During the summer when lockdown was a little more relaxed, I went rowing with the Catterline Rowing Club at Stonehaven – exploring the cliffs, birds and sea life. I also took up paddle boarding at Knockburn. My big future plan is to ski to the South Pole and my little future plan is to take a fly-fishing lesson. It’s good to stay positive, hopeful and think big!”

Do you have any wellbeing at home tips you’d like to share? Let us know by sending a message to the Chapelton Facebook page or commenting on a recent post.