New walkway heralds rebirth of Langlands
Signage erected at fire-damaged Moss
A new woodland walk at fireravaged Langlands Moss is a sure sign that it’s on its way to being blooming marvellous once again.
Two massive fires in the space of two years saw the boardwalk damaged beyond repair, and the charity who run the beauty spot – the Friends of Langlands Moss (FOLM) – were facing an uphill battle.
However, with a new woodland walkway in place that circumvents the damaged boardwalk, which went up in flames again last May, and signage now installed, the Moss is on the path to recovery.
A community grant was spent on wooden bridges which opens out to the woodland next to the Moss – providing a circular route to Auldhouse – and new signage has finished off the walk.
Talks are ongoing between FOLM and funding partners including South Lanarkshire Council into the restoration of the boardwalk.
But if all goes to plan, it could be replaced this year.
Chair of FOLM, Maureen Potter, said: “Our new woodland walk that was funded by Sainsbury’s Olympia is fully finished now with sign age funded by Beechwood Cattery and made by Triple S Signs, Auldhouse in place.
“And the woodland walk is most certainly being well used.
“Also, an ongoing Langlands Moss feasibility study is now published and re commendations are under consideration by various bodies.
“The ‘Bog Squad’ intend on returning to Langlands Moss over the next few weeks to repair the dams damaged in the fires, while the district’s young farmers group have indicated a willingness to assist in this work.
“They helped recently repairing the road into the car park and around the bridges themselves and also helped us paint the fence in the wildflower meadow with the flowers looking great at present.
“Meanwhile, several young lads from 2nd East Kilbride Boys’ Brigade are doing their Duke of Edinburgh awards at Langlands Moss and will be helping us very soon.”
Maureen added: “We have raised about £4000 and have grants of about £20,000.
“Repair work on the section of walkway which was damaged in 2016 was due to start just days after last year’s fire – but thankfully the money for that was ring-fenced.
“South Lanarkshire Council have agreed to make up any shortfall and we are working with various green agencies.”
For more information about what’s happening on the Moss, go to the group’s Facebook page.