South Lanarkshire residents can enjoy nature on their doorstep thanks to an additional 16 Local Nature Reserves in the area.
There are now a total of 17 Local Nature Reserves across South Lanarkshire, with 16 new ones adding to the existing Langlands Moss.
The sites are locally important areas of natural heritage and are close to towns for residents to enjoy the outdoors.
Executive director of community and enterprise resources, David Booth, said: “By declaring these sites as LNRs, not only do we protect the natural heritage, but it means people can learn about and enjoy nature close to their homes.
“It is fantastic news to have so many LNRs across South Lanarkshire and we will work closely with local communities to develop them over the coming months and years.”
A lot of the sites have local people involved with improvement and the council welcomes anyone who would like to get involved with their local site.
Local volunteers and community groups will continue to be supported with regular work sessions, site improvements, events and activities.
Outdoor play will also be supported with access provided to some groups and funding for training and equipment provided.
The additional new sites include: Backmuir Woods in Hamilton, Blantyre, Bothwell and Uddingston, Cadzow Glen in Hamilton, Fernbrae Meadows in Rutherglen, Gteenhall in Millheugh and Barnhill and Blantyre, Hamilton Low Park, Holmhills Wood Community Park in Cambuslang, James Hamilton Heritage Park in East Kilbride, Jock’s Burn in Carluke, Milton in Carluke, Morgan Glen in Larkhall, Mossneuk in East Kilbride, Neilsland and Earnock in Hamilton, Stonehouse Park in Stonehouse, Udston and Glenlee Woods in Hamilton and Westburn in Cambuslang.
Both Hamilton Low Parks and Backmuir Woods were areas of Common Good Land meaning they were subject to consultation under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 but no adverse comments were made which allowed the areas to become Local Nature Reserves.
Further information on Local Nature Reserves in South Lanarkshire can be found here.
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