Ancient and modern side by side as new woodland takes root in Glasgow
A new native woodland is set to take root in Glasgow with 20,000 trees to be planted on former pastureland on the southern edge of the city.
Article Source: Glasgow City Council
Last Updated: 11 September 2020 10:53
Backed by Glasgow City Council and Green Action Trust, the £125k project will see nine different species of native broadleaf trees planted across 15 hectares next to the Cart and Kittoch Valley Site of Special Scientific Interest, near to Carmunnock.
Planted in line with the 45 hectares of ancient woodland that has been preserved and managed at Cart and Kittoch since before the 1750s, the new woodland will also spread towards the existing woods at the adjoining Cathkin Braes Country Park. Once the 20,000 trees begin to mature, it is intended that a network of paths will be installed within the deciduous woodland that will link neighbouring communities and these greenspaces.
The initiative follows a review of the city's landscapes by the council and Green Action Trust in collaboration with communities that found there were significant opportunities for expansion of woodlands and habitats at the southern edge of the city.
Work to prepare the council-owned pastureland for planting is underway and fencing is being erected to keep deer away from saplings that can measure just 50cm in height.
In time, however, the native trees being planted will grow up to 15metres tall and help to create a habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna, including bluebells, primrose and foxgloves to hedgehogs, badgers and birds. With the lifespan of the trees being planted anywhere between 60 and 100 years, it is anticipated that the new woodland will be able to regenerate and continue indefinitely with appropriate management.
Establishing the woodland, which will cover a space the size of 21 football pitches, will also create a store for carbon from the atmosphere and contribute to Glasgow's efforts to tackle the climate emergency.
Councillor Anna Richardson, City Convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction, expressed her hope the new woodland would provide a significant legacy for the local area but also for the city as a whole: “Our woodlands are a huge asset, providing space for recreation and a natural haven within the city environment. Throughout the Covid crisis, our open spaces have been greatly appreciated and so it is vitally important we cultivate these places for future generations to use as much as possible.
“But with the council also declaring a climate and ecological emergency, preserving and enhancing our open spaces also has a practical purpose. Creating a new woodland at Cart and Kittoch will help to support some of thousands of species that exist in Glasgow, but will also add to our carbon reduction efforts.
“The new Cart and Kittoch woodland is a community project and we want to involve the residents and groups at each stage of it development. As the woodland matures we hope it becomes somewhere that is treasured by the community.”
The Green Action Trust, one of Scotland's leading environmental regeneration charities, is driving forward the delivery of Europe's largest greenspace initiative, the Central Scotland Green Network.
Douglas Worrall, Director of Service Delivery at the Green Action Trust, explained the importance of woodland creation projects like these: “There are substantial and long-lasting benefits to investing in tree planting. As well as filtering air pollutants, woodlands sequester carbon and alleviate flooding. They also create a place for people to feel good in an environment which supports healthy lifestyles and well-being.
“With Scottish Forestry's support through its forestry grant scheme, we look forward to working with Glasgow City Council to create this new native woodland that will contribute towards the Central Scotland Green Network vision of enriching the environment of central Scotland, benefiting local communities and wildlife, and helping to mitigate against climate change.”
The plans for the new woodland have been presented to the Linn Area Partnership and staff from the council's Parks Development Team have been linking with Carmunnock Community Council.
John Lawless, Chair of Carmunnock Community Council said: “As a Community Council we welcome the Cart to Kittoch tree planting initiative. We recognise the obvious benefits to the environment in producing oxygen, capturing carbon dioxide and increasing wildlife. Importantly for Carmunnock, the proposed woodland further protects the green belt. There will also be health benefits to future generations as the woodland will provide access to more trails and paths in the local area.”
The species of trees being planted at Cart and Kittoch are Common Alder (10%), Downy Birch (20%), Bird Cherry (10%), Holly (5%), Pendunculate Oak (10%), Sessile Oak (10%),Rowan (20%), Hawthorn (5%),Hazel (10%).
Green Action Trust secured the £125k fund for the project through a grant from Scottish Forestry.
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.
READ MORE
Festive fun on the farm at the National Museum of Rural Life
Celebrate the season with festive fun for the whole family at the National Museum of Rural Life.
READ MORE
Braehead celebrates bright young business stars this Christmas
Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.
READ MORE
Breakout Scots star urges young people to discover new artists IRL at Celtic Connections coffee pop ups
Katie Gregson-MacLeod is urging young Glaswegians to discover new music IRL as Celtic Connections brings free pop-up gigs to Patricia's x SLB, Through The House and Black Pine this Saturday.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!
READ MORE
Calum Bowie gives Barrowland call up to 2 rising stars for landmark 5th December show
Calum Bowie has invited two fresh local talents to support him at his upcoming landmark show in December at The Barrowlands!
READ MORE
Partick Film Festival returns in January with special anniversary screening of Rob Roy
Partick Film Festival returns in January with a range of events including a special 30th anniversary screening of Rob Roy, followed by a Q&A with the director Michael Caton-Jones.
READ MORE
Somewhere by Nico Launches Festive Cocktail Experience
This festive season, Glasgow and Edinburgh relevellers can relive the magic of Christmas past as Somewhere by Nico unveil a brand-new immersive experience!
READ MORE
Beatson Cancer Charity Ambassadog Baxter leads the way at Santa Dash 2025
Beatson Cancer Charity is thrilled to announce that our Ambassadog, Baxter, will be taking part in this year's Santa Dash on Sunday 7th December!
READ MORE
Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year
Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.
READ MORE
Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.
READ MORE
From The Gannet to Eleven Fifty Five: Peter McKenna announces new Argyle Street restaurant
Peter McKenna, chef-owner of The Gannet in Glasgow, along with Kevin Dow, are set to open a new restaurant, Eleven Fifty Five, in its place in Finnieston early next year.
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort to welcome new Mexican restaurant this week
Mezcal, the lively Mexican street-food restaurant, is set to open its doors at Glasgow Fort on Wednesday 26th November, bringing even more choice for visitors ahead of the festive period.
READ MORE
Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland
Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.
READ MORE
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time returns to Glasgow in March 2027
A brand-new staging of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time based on the internationally celebrated novel comes to Glasgow's Theatre Royal in March 2027!
READ MORE
MINISO is coming to Buchanan Street... get ready to explore!
Global lifestyle sensation MINISO is set to bring its signature blend of joy, creativity, and affordable design to Buchanan Street, with a brand-new store opening on 26th November!
READ MORE
Black Friday Savings at Buchanan Galleries
Buchanan Galleries in Glasgow is abuzz with Black Friday deals, offering shoppers incredible discounts across a wide range of products – from fashion and footwear to jewellery, beauty, and homeware.
READ MORE
The Maclean Brothers row onto Celtic Connections bill as new wave of shows announced
The Maclean Brothers are among a wave of exciting new names to join the world-renowned Celtic Connections bill, it has been announced.
READ MORE
BBC CBeebies starts the panto season at Glasgow cinemas
The CBeebies panto Cinderella is coming to the big screen in Glasgow from Friday 21st November.
READ MORE
The Pavilion Theatre is taking part in the largest Black Friday Theatre Sale in the UK
As part of Trafalgar Entertainment, customers can now access some of the best theatre ticket deals for shows at the Pavilion Theatre as well as unmissable productions in the West End.
READ MORE
BBC ALBA Hogmanay Ceilidh to broadcast live from Glasgow
BBC ALBA will bring together some of Gaelic music's biggest names as Cèilidh na Bliadhn' Ùire returns to Glasgow to celebrate Hogmanay and usher in 2026.
READ MORE
Cast Announced for Flora, a new musical coming to The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow
The full cast has been revealed for Flora which sees one of Scotland's most famous daughters, Flora MacDonald, take centre stage to tell her own tale!
READ MORE
Christmas in Edinburgh and Glasgow: Celebrate the festive season with Candlelight Concerts
Featuring classic Christmas carols, this live, multi-sensory musical experience will light up St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral and Merchants House and The Trades Hall for an unforgettable evening.
READ MORE
Innis & Gunn to open the biggest festive beer hall in Glasgow at Winter Wonderland on The Green
Glasgow is getting its largest-ever Christmas beer hall, and it’s all down to award-winning brewer Innis & Gunn.
READ MORE
Find a festive backdrop in Glasgow and the West
From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.
READ MORE
Glaswegians invited to Panto Town as Glasgow 850 finishes with festive flourish
Glaswegians are being urged to embrace the unique spirit of the city's pantomimes with the launch of Get You in Panto Town!
READ MORE
Buchanan Galleries celebrates the season of giving with festive family fun
The magic of Christmas has arrived at Buchanan Galleries, with a heartwarming line-up of festive activities taking place throughout November and December.
READ MORE
Scottish Ballet creates a brand new wee version of the big ballet
Scottish Ballet's Wee Nutcracker is coming to Glasgow's Tramway this December. The beloved festive ballet, The Nutcracker, has been specially adapted for wee ones aged 5+ and their families!
READ MORE
The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz: New adult panto brings comedy to Scotland in January
January needn't be a drag as Scotland's brand-new adult panto, The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz, hits the road, arriving just when the country needs a burst of joy!
READ MORE
Matthew Kelly and George Costigan lead new production of Waiting for Godot at the Citz
Matthew Kelly and George Costigan star as Estragon and Vladimir in a new production of Waiting for Godot, co-produced with Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse and Octagon Theatre Bolton.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links