Glasgow's Castlemilk Park declared Scotland's 100th Local Nature Reserve by Nature Scot

A park in Glasgow, which was previously described as “unwelcoming”, has been named as Scotland’s 100th Local Nature Reserve.

Castlemilk Park, on Machrie Road, has achieved the designation from Nature Scot after a 15-year project to develop the green space for wildlife and residents.

Home to owls, bats, ancient oak, and butterflies, the park’s new status will help protect its ecosystem.

The project has enhanced wider environmental, community, and economic goals for the local area, supporting a variety of activities within the park such as Health Walks, wildlife conservation, and wellbeing groups.

Cassiltoun Housing Association, who started the plans in 2009, celebrated the milestone by marking the completion of a £134,000 project to upgrade a core path through the park, which will improve accessibility to local services, local transport options, schools, workplaces and leisure facilities.

The path was funded through a grant from the Ian Findlay Path Fund, which was established in memory of Ian Findlay CBE, the late chief officer of Paths for All.

New lighting and flood alleviation measures have been supported by a £90,000 grant from Paths for All with additional funding coming from Glasgow City Council.

Yvonne McLeod, who manages the Ian Findlay Path Fund at Paths for All, said: “This project will make a significant and lasting improvement to the Castlemilk area.

“The improvements made contribute to meaningful social, environmental and physical value to the lives of the local people.”

Clair Malpas, CEO of Cassiltoun Housing Association said: “Improving the pathways and replacing the lighting is transformational for Castlemilk Park and brilliant news for the whole of Castlemilk.

“The improvements in the park, from project ideas to practical work has been delivered and led by the community and has only been possible with their engagement and the support from a wide range of funders and partners.

“Becoming the 100th Local Nature Reserve is a reflection of all the hard work that has gone into developing Castlemilk Park to transform it into a valued community asset and haven for wildlife. This status will ensure that this vital green space is protected and can benefit local communities and the natural world for years to come.”

Councillor Angus Millar, city convener for climate, said the park was previously seen as “unwelcoming and underused”.

He said: “It’s been great to see the work that’s been done to improve Castlemilk Park but also ensure this wonderful natural habitat is protected for both local wildlife and the local community.

“The people of Castlemilk have been crucially important to how the park has developed and evolved since 2009 and I’m so pleased that so many partners, including the council, have been working together to support the local vision for the park.

“From a time when the park was seen as unwelcoming and underused, it is now a much-loved place that hosts countless activities and draws in an incredible volunteering effort from local residents.”