Habitat Networks: The Seven Lochs Wetland Park
DEVELOPED as part of the new Green Network connecting parklands with surrounding communities, Seven Lochs Wetland Park covers an area of more than 16 sq km and straddles the border between Glasgow and North Lanarkshire.
Now Scotland’s largest urban nature park, the five-year, £6.8million project is a high quality example of delivery of the Blueprint with a well-connected Habitat Network that safeguards and enhances biodiversity within an innovative wetland environment.
Over 40% of Glasgow City Region is comprised of wildlife habitat, but these habitats are not well connected. This park is a perfect place for nature with a patchwork of different types of linked up habitat – glacial lochs, ancient woodland, dense reed beds and flower rich meadows. Overall, it’s an important contribution to the delivery of the Strategic Habitat Network.
There are also almost 50km of paths to explore by bike or on foot, with a range of short, easy nature walks for older and younger generations. Among the highlights is the Seven Lochs Trail, a 10km route linking Drumpellier Country Park on the edge of Coatbridge to Hogganfield Park in Glasgow via paths and short stretches of quiet road.
The trail passes through woodlands and traverses the waterside providing exactly the kind of Green Network envisaged in the Partnership Blueprint. And during open times, visitor centres provide information on wildlife and biodiversity.
The Seven Lochs Wetland Park is an exemplar of Green Network planning and delivery demonstrating how the integration of new green infrastructure into planned development can protect the areas natural resources while delivering a major new visitor attraction.
www.sevenlochs.org/