Tree-mendous £2.3m for Cuningar Loop expansion
Nature lovers will be able to enjoy a further 21 acres of green space at the award-winning Cuningar Loop, following a £2.3 million funding boost from the Scottish Government.
On Monday, Clyde Gateway announced receipt of the funding package, through the Clyde Mission Fund, which will enable the creation of Phase 2 of Cuningar Loop Woodland Park, extending the forest park on the banks of the Clyde.
In partnership with NatureScot, the next phase will see the transformation of previous derelict and inaccessible land into a new green space which will be designed to enable community engagement, health, wellbeing and lifelong learning as part of the local response to Covid-19.
Cuningar Loop currently spans 37 acres of woodland and has welcomed more than 500,000 visitors since it opened in 2016.
The green infrastructure project will introduce 167 specimen trees, 11,000 sq m of wildflower meadow and grassland, 6990 sq m of new woodland planting, a 400m extension of the existing riverside walkway, and additional linked woodland walkways with seating and picnic areas.
The local economy will also benefit from the creation of 43 opportunities for youth employment and two new jobs during construction.
Alison Thewliss MP, chairperson of Clyde Gateway, said: “I am delighted by this welcome funding and thank the Clyde Mission for their continued support and partnership approach.
“Green recovery will play a vital role in our response to the pandemic and this exciting new development allows the creation of an exemplar for greenspace and low carbon which connects health and nature as a priority and one which will be worthy of being showcased on a worldwide stage.”
Clyde Gateway’s chief executive, Ian Manson, added: “We are pleased to secure Clyde Mission’s funding to unlock this next stage of investment.
“Cuningar Loop Woodland Park has been a focal point for Clyde Gateway. As well as providing an immediate jobs boost in terms of construction, it will help address issues of health inequality, educational attainment and social capital which have been further impacted by Covid-19.”
The additional funding will build on the recent award from the Scottish Government’s Clyde Mission for the creation of a roadway on the Shawfield Regeneration site.