Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Conservation group delighted by reaction to its summer campaign
IAN BUNTING
A summer campaign to highlight historic land in Monklands has been hailed as a “fantastic success”.
Volunteers from the Woodhall, Faskine and Palacecraig Conservation Group spent months championing the historical and environmental significance of the area that s u r rounds Calderbank, Chapelhall, Brownsburn, Cairnhill, Carnbroe and Sikeside.
The events (a full list of which can be found below) included litter-picking and families making woodland signs and fairy doors.
Michael McBride, of the conservation group, said: “I am so proud of our volunteers, who offer lots of their valuable time to our great cause – to retain a healthy greenbelt area for the people and nature of Airdrie and Coatbridge.
“Our main aim is to develop a country park to provide a healthy environment with clean air and a relaxing atmosphere for people in our local area and for visitors.
“Our area has a wealth of history, wildlife and nature, engineering and industrial heritage, farming and landscape, including the North Calder Water and the Monkland Canal.”
Michael added: “Many health professional from the NHS, and GPs, have repeatedly made comments about the importance of greenbelt areas and country parks.
“The walking routes within them are crucial for our mental and physical health; this must not be ignored at a time when obesity in our society is becoming a danger to many, causing serious ailments.
“Many children and young people are dependent on fastfood, while gaming and social media divert attention away from the healthfulness that can be found throughout nature and the outdoors.
“Our summer campaign was fantastic success; as chairman, I would like to thank everyone in our group, local families and children, businesses, churches and our elected representatives for their support.
“People interested in finding out more about the group can follow us on our Facebook page.”