Big money marsh project gets underway in Kilsyth

Work is at last starting at Dumbreck nature reserve to re-naturalise the Garrell River, create new paths and conserve threatened habitats and species.

The £2 million project is being managed by North Lanarkshire Council and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), through the Water Environment Fund, and is expected to be completed by October 2021.

The project was due to start earlier this year, but the coronavirus pandemic meant it had to be postponed.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Action will be taken at two small weirs below the town to allow for the migration of wild fish such as salmon, sea trout and eels.

Some work has already been completed, including resurfacing of paths, replacement of the boardwalk and creation of a longer circular route around the pond. Within the next month, carved wooden sculptures will also be installed.

“The nature reserve is a wonderful facility for local people and children, and our Greenspace Development Team have been working with the Clyde River Foundation and local primary schools to organise visits and activities,” said Councillor Michael McPake, convener of the Environment and Transportation Committee.

“Our plans for Dumbreck will bring substantial benefits for the neighbouring communities with an improved local environment and access to nature for all abilities, opportunities to learn about and see wildlife and local history, as well as improvements to active travel routes for walkers and cyclists.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Francis Hayes, River Restoration Specialist at SEPA, said: “Through close partnership working with North Lanarkshire Council, this project will not only deliver improved amenities for the local community, but help build in resilience to the impacts of climate change by managing river flows at the marsh.”

During the work, as much as possible of the reserve will remain open.

Where closures are required, signed diversions will be in place.

While closures will mean people won’t have the same access to the reserve, they are necessary for public health and safety. Information will be published on our website at https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=6429.

Anyone with stories, interesting facts or photographs about the reserve and the local area is asked to contact the Greenspace Team at [email protected].

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.