New Glasgow nature reserves to be created at sites across city

More than 20 local nature reserves (LNRs) will be identified across the city to encourage residents to get closer to nature in a safe environment.

LNRs, which are areas of natural heritage that are at least of local importance, are designated to give people better opportunities to learn about and enjoy the outdoors close to home.

So far 22 open spaces and woodland areas have been identified for the project which will see the creation of new LNRs or the extension of new ones.

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They include Bingham’s Pond, Bishop Loch, Blairtummock Park, Cadder Wood, Cardown Moss, Castlemilk Woodlands, Cathkin Braes, Claypits, Cleddans Burn, Commonhead Moss, Croftfoot Park, Crookston Wood, Dawsholm Park, Early Braes, Festival Park, Garscadden Burn, Househill Park, Hurlehill, Malls Mire, Red Road and Todd’s Well.

Glasgow already has a network of LNRs made up of 12 sites and 522 hectares of land in total. Designation of the new sites would result in a total of 776 hectares citywide.

An update was presented to the environment and sustainability committee on Tuesday.

SNP councillor Angus Millar, chairman of the environment, Sustainability and carbon reduction committee, said: “Glasgow is home to such a fantastic wealth of nature, but our biodiversity is at risk due to the climate and ecological emergencies facing us.

“We are working to protect our peatlands, wetlands, woodlands and other open spaces – and by identifying 22 potential new or expanded Local Nature Reserves we can ensure that these areas are better protected and can be enjoyed by the public in a safe and accessible way.

“Designating these sites would see over one hectare of Nature Reserves per 1,000 people in Glasgow – a significant increase in land managed for biodiversity and Glaswegians’ enjoyment of nature.”

The local authority is also looking to manage over 50 hectares of meadows in Glasgow for wildflowers and grassland diversity which will help to support plant species, pollinators, other invertebrates, small mammals and birds.

SNP councillor and candidate for Canal ward, Allan Gow, added: “It’s great to see such a range of potential new Local Nature Reserves identified right across Glasgow, and the inclusion of sites like Cadder Wood in my patch in the north of the city will allow us to put the focus on these valued spaces and improve biodiverse habitats.

“Enhancing access to sites so local people can engage with Glasgow’s nature is vital, and I am delighted this will be a key consideration in moving new Reserves forward.

“The next steps are very much about working with local communities and stakeholders in refining these proposals, and I am looking forward to engaging with residents and all interested parties in Canal ward to ensure we make the most of this great opportunity.”