Looking to the future

Chatelherault, one of Scotland’s oldest and greatest designed landscapes, has been reborn.

Breathtaking vistas that have been obscured for decades, by the growth of non-native conifers, have once again been revealed.

The recent removal of the trees was a key objective for the restoration of the country park.

A dramatic and historic panorama can now be viewed over the Avon Gorge and Duke’s Bridge towards Cadzow Castle. The hunting lodge was originally built as an‘eyecatcher’to terminate the views from Hamilton Palace and would have provided a stunning vantage point to overlook the Hamilton High Parks.

Donna Marshall, programme manager for the Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership, said: “The removal of over 18 hectares of non-native conifers to commence a 25-year forest management plan and regenerate the native woodland is part of a wider plan by South Lanarkshire Council and CAVLP to improve recreational access, protect and interpret historical features, and restore the important visual elements of one of Scotland’s finest designed landscapes.

“Path infrastructure work later this year funded by the Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership, Forestry Commission Scotland and income from felled conifer timber will see the most major path infrastructure upgrade programme to happen at Chatelherault in 30 years.”

Malcolm Muir, countryside and greenspace manager at South Lanarkshire Council, has had a connection with Chatelherault since 1990.

He said:“the felled area will be allowed to regenerate naturally from the ancient woodland soils that are rich in nutrients, fungi and other micro-organisms which will help the trees grow.

“Biodiversity will increase as native broad-leaved trees regenerate. First to appear will be birch, willow, ash, and rowan, followed by ash, elm and oak, along with more recent arrivals in Scotland like sycamore and beech.

“As the trees becomes established, bluebells and other woodland flowers will start to colonise the young woodland and wildlife will return to the area. Within five or so years, the young woodland will be alive with birds such as willow warblers in the spring, feeding on the returning insect populations.”