Garden of GARDEN OF theTwHEeWekEEK Early start guarantees benefits later

Cuningar Loop is a new woodland park on the banks of the River Clyde. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the fresh air, exercise or relax. A £5.7 million Legacy project of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, it has transformed 15 hectares of derelict land into a community greenspace.

From 1810 to 1860 the site was the location of reservoirs that provided water to the whole of Glasgow. It was also used as a quarry before becoming a landfill site for the Gorbals demolition. Forest Enterprise Scotland, with Clyde Gateway, redeveloped the site and manages it today. The importing of soil and compost has provided a rich growing environment for plants and trees. More than 15,000 trees grow there including native trees such as oak, silver birch and blossom, along with more exotic trees. These are especially spectacular in the autumn.

Cuningar Loop features a range of activities including a mile-and-a-half path network, adventure play facilities, a bike skills track, woodland workout area, meadow and picnic areas, an outdoor classroom, a riverside boardwalk and Scotland’s first outdoor bouldering park.

Visitors can also see the Cuningar Stones, a permanent public art project found across the park, by Glasgow artist James Winnett. The 15 stones reflect the history of the site. Winnett and fellow artist Rob Mulholland have researched the site’s history, unearthing old objects. They also use other items they find on site, such as sandstone and old glass bottles, to run art workshops with community groups.

Cuningar Loop is accessible all year round, with a pedestrian footbridge linking Cuningar with Dalmarnock, providing easy access to the site from the Glasgow side of the River Clyde. Website: https://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/visit/ cuningar-loop

Telephone: 0300 067 6700

Opening times: Open 24/7. Access by car, public transport, bike or foot. Free car park Admission costs: None

Garden of the Week is in association with Discover Scottish Gardens. For more information, advice and day-out ideas, visit discoverscottishgardens.org

You can prune apple and pear trees at any point in winter as they’re dormant, but an early start has several advantages