| Sauchenhall Farm |
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Sauchenhall Farm is located on a quiet rural road running from Westfield Industrial Estate in Cumbernauld to Waterside just outside Kirkintilloch. The land is predominantly improved grassland and is grazed by horses, with the Luggie Water flowing east-west through the holding. A 2009 feasibility study identified suitable sites, with willing landowners, on which riparian (alongside water) woodland expansion could occur. The project will create 2.73km of new riparian woodland along a 1.2km stretch of the Luggie Water and field edges at Sauchenhall Farm in East Dunbartonshire. It will link into other existing wooded areas and important habitats, enhancing strategic wildlife corridors.
As the land involved is improved grassland, with little of habitat or biodiversity interest, the new planting will create new woodland habitats that will support a greater variety of species, eg Kingfisher and Tree Sparrow and create sheltered areas for European Protected Species, eg Otter and Salmon.
Project aims:
Waterside areas will be planted with riparian tree species, eg ash, alder and willow. Those areas connecting with existing woodland will be planted with primarily oak and ash. All areas will include a component of hazel, rowan, gean and birch. A 5 year maintenance programme will ensure the woodlands become adequately established. The project will help to meet the government’s demand for woodland creation, as well as local priorities for native woodland expansion.
Total cost £36,000 funded by: Biffawards (Landfill Communities Fund) East Dunbartonshire Biodiversity Grant Scheme Scottish Rural Development Programme |
