Rare wildlife spotted near Glasgow after restoration of nature sites

Cumbernauld Living Landscape (CLL) has been working with local groups to improve more than 260 hectares of natural habitat at nine nature reserves around Cumbernauld, helping to boost biodiversity and enhance outdoor opportunities in the area for people.

CLL aims to improve accessibility to green spaces, connect young people to nature and raise awareness about the health and well-being benefits getting outside can bring.

Over the course of the project, creatures previously absent from the sites have begun to re-appear in the area - including rare species such as pine martens and red kites.

‘Could not be happier’

Jennifer McNulty, project manager at Cumbernauld Living Landscape, said: “The team and I could not be happier with the results of the restoration project so far.

“It’s great that the people who live in and visit Cumbernauld have native Scottish wildlife on their doorstep.

“We’re helping to turn Cumbernauld into a green network for wildlife, a place where species can move around the town and beyond using the green corridors of woodland, wetlands and grasslands the project is developing.”

‘Excellent example’

The work of CLL, led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, has been commended by the team at the Scottish Land Commission’s MyLand.Scot campaign – an initiative that aims to raise awareness of the role and benefits land can play in everyday life.

“The way we own and use land influences many parts of our everyday lives,” said Hamish Trench, chief executive of the Scottish Land Commission.

“Cumbernauld Living Landscape is an excellent example of how bringing the community together to take an active role in how the land is used can transform an area – and all in a sustainable, self-sufficient way.

“It is great to see how the project continues to provide a positive impact in the Cumbernauld area.

“Through MyLand.Scot, we want to raise awareness of the role and benefits land can play in everyday life in Scotland – to encourage people to get involved in conversations about land and take action in their local area.”