The Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve is celebrating five years of attracting visitors from far and wide, by hosting five free guided walks in September. Click here for details of the guided walks.
In September 2007 the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve (NNR) was enlarged to its present size, almost 320 hectares. The Clyde Valley Woodlands is one of 47 NNRs in Scotland, covering a wide range of habitats from coasts to mountain tops. The Clyde Valley Woodlands NNR includes one of the most important protected habitats in the country right on people's doorsteps.
To celebrate this momentous milestone, the partners are hosting five free guided walks between the 1st and the 13th of September. Rangers will guide visitors both young and old around the spectacular woodlands, introducing people to the wildlife that dwells within.
The Clyde Valley Woodlands is made up of six separate woodlands: Cleghorn Glen, Cartland Crags, the Falls of Clyde, Nethan Gorge, Chatelherault and Mauldslie Woods. These important woodlands are protected by national and international law because of the astonishing variety of wildlife that survives in these largely unknown and undisturbed gorges, etched deep into the Lanarkshire landscape. Many of these woodlands can be described as being ancient, as they are at least 400 years old. This longevity is the principal reason for the incredible diversity of wildlife that thrives in these wooded gorges.
The Clyde Valley Woodlands NNR is owned and managed in partnership by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, South Lanarkshire Council and Scottish Natural Heritage.
Martin Twiss, the Operations Officer for the Clyde Valley Woodlands NNR said:
“Help us celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve by joining us on one of several events we have planned for early September across the valley. Explore and enjoy these ancient and magical woodlands as they begin to move from summer to autumn. The woodlands of the Clyde Valley represent some of the most ecologically important habitats in Scotland – get out and discover their secrets!”
Here are the details of the five guided walks:
New Lanark Circular Walk
Date: 1st Sept 2012
Time: 10:00-15:00
Location: New Lanark, ML11 9DB
Contact: Scottish Wildlife Trust, Falls of Clyde 01555 665262
From the Visitor Centre, we will head up the Clyde Walkway, across Bonnington Bridge, down to Kirkfieldbank, across the river and make our way back to New Lanark. On this six mile route the ranger will show the many interesting natural and historic features of this part of the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve.
Bats at Craignethan Castle
Date: 7th Sept 2012
Time: 19:30-22:00
Location: Craignethan Castle and Lower Nethan Gorge
Contact: Scottish Wildlife Trust, Falls of Clyde 01555 665262
Gather at Craignethan Castle to learn about this fascinating building, and then explore the spectacular setting of the National Nature Reserve looking for bugs, beasties and bats that live here. The walk will be led by the Historic Scotland Ranger and Scottish Wildlife Trust Reserve Manager.
Mouse Water Walk
Date: 8th Sept 2012
Time: 11:00-15:00
Location: TBC
Contact: Scottish Natural Heritage, Lanark 01555 665928
Discover the abundance of wildlife that lives in Lanarkshire’s ancient forests. Visit the spectacular Mouse waterfalls on a guided walk in Cleghorn Glen and Cartland Crags; part of Scotland’s only composite National Nature Reserve.
Chatelherault Circular
Date: 9th Sept 2012
Time: 13:30-16:00
Location: Chatelherault Country Park, ML3 7UE
Contact: South Lanarkshire Council, Chatelherault Country Park 01698 426213
Join the Countryside Rangers on a moderate five mile walk along the Green Bridge Trail. The walk will take in the spectacular Dukes Bridge, Historic Cadzow Castle and the ancient Cadzow Oaks. Along the way we will get the chance to see the unspoiled natural deciduous woodland that cloaks much of the Avon Gorge which gives Chatelherault its place as one of the components of the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve.
Falls of Clyde Moonlit Mammals
Date: 13th Sept 2012
Time: 19:00-21:00
Location: Falls of Clyde, ML11 9DB
Contact: Scottish Wildlife Trust, Falls of Clyde 01555 665262
Experience the Falls of Clyde at night. Learn about some of Lanarkshire’s most iconic mammals: otters, bats and badgers on a guided walk at the breathtaking Falls of Clyde reserve. Remember to wrap up warm. Hot drinks and biscuits will be provided at the end!