Boundaries for an additional 16 Local Nature Reserves across South Lanarkshire have been approved by councillors.
At yesterday’s planning committee meeting, elected members welcomed the proposals for the Local Nature Reserves and approved the boundaries of each reserve.
There is currently only one Local Nature Reserve in South Lanarkshire, which is Langlands Moss in East Kilbride.
Plans to establish the additional Local Nature Reserves have been previously approved by councillors, however precise boundaries were not established. The proposed plan received public consultation and was welcomed by councillors on the planning committee.
Councillor John Ross (Hamilton South) said: “I really welcome this. I consider myself to be very lucky to be living in South Lanarkshire and to be able to afford the opportunity to so many of our residents to share in the nature parts we have here, and I’m very happy to do anything we can to help sustain that going forward.”
Councillor Alistair Fulton (Cambuslang East): “I welcome this report and it’s good to see that there’s been a nature reserve earmarked for Cambuslang East area, which is more than welcome after a few years of increasing residential developments in the area.”
Councillor Mary Donnelly (Hamilton West and Earnock) asked: “ I want to know if the communities will be involved in the nature trails?”
Tony Finn, area manager of planning and building and standards, confirmed that community groups were involved in draft management plans and the council is active in engaging with local groups.
The additional Local Nature Reserves will be: Blackmuir Woods; Blantyre, Bothwell and Uddingston; Cadzow Glen; Fernbrae Meadows; Greenhall, Millheugh and Barnhill; Hamilton Low Parks; Holmhills Wood Community Park; James Hamilton Heritage Park; Jock’s Burn; Milton; Morgan Glen; Mossneuk;, Neilsland and Earnock; Stonehouse Park; Udston and Glenlee Woods; and Westburn.
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