Shotts Nature Park
07 August 2009
CSFT have been planting trees at Shotts Nature Park, which is adjacent to its headquarters at Hillhouseridge, for nearly two decades. Now that the woodland is well established, the network of paths and other facilities require improvement.
The park was created in 1990 by CSFT, local schools and members of the community to provide an area for informal outdoor recreation, environmental education and wildlife conservation for the people of Shotts. The site includes surfaced and mown grass paths, native woodland, an arboretum, open space, meadow and wetland areas plus benches and a pond-dipping platform.
Over the years, many of the mown grass paths have become muddy through frequent use and are virtually impassible during wet weather, particularly for the less-able walker.
Following community consultations and funding from, WREN, the Dulverton Trust, North Lanarkshire Council, CSFT and others, the work taking place includes:
- upgrading grass paths to surfaced routes
- creating new circular long and short distance routes
- removing steps to enable access for all
- replacing a vandalisedboardwalk around the wildlife pond
- securing the boundary by replacing fencing and installing gates to minimize unlawful and dangerous use of the site
- improving drainage
The work will take place during August and September 2009 and it is hoped that the easier access and improved facilities will encourage the local community to use and explore the nature park even more.
