CAVLP Programme A project sheets

Programme A A1 Managing NNR and Reserves A2 Supporting Successful Stewardship A3 Buildings Features and Structures A4 Biodiversity in the Landscape

A

Managing NNR and Reserves

A1

The Clyde and Avon Valley contains a number of important nature reserves, including the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve (NNR), which encompasses six semi natural valley woodlands. The six component NNR sites, within the project area, provide prime examples of the range of woodlands found within the valleys and each site demonstrates how man and environment have influenced each other in creating the landscape we see today. As the name suggests, the woodlands are nationally important for nature conservation and their sustainability is deeply dependent on management of the resource, maintenance of the biodiversity of the woodland, which ensures natural regeneration, and ecological interest and their contribution to the character of the landscape. The Landscape Partnership Area also contains other designated areas, including Chatelherault Country Park and designed landscape, the RSPB reserve at Baron’s Haugh, and New Lanark World Heritage Site. The aims of this work stream are to preserve, conserve and enhance the reserves for their ecological and biodiversity value, including preparation of management plans, and physical works to manage the woodlands.

Managing NNR and Reserves Projects in this work stream include:

A1

A1.1

Falls of Clyde: Wildlife Reserve Enhancement

A1.2

Garrion Gill: Wildlife Reserve Enhancement

A1.3

Lower Nethan Gorge: Wildlife Reserve Enhancement

A1.4

Upper Nethan Gorge: Wildlife Reserve Enhancement

A1.5

Chatelherault: Wildlife Reserve Enhancement A1.5.1 A1.5.2

A1.6

Cartland Craigs and Cleghorn Glen: Wildlife Reserve Enhancement A1.6.1 A1.6.2 A1.6.3

A1.7

Habitat Management Boundary Eutrophication Wildlife survey

Mauldslie: Wildlife Reserve Enhancement A1.7.1 A1.7.2

A1.8

Managing the Heritage Resource Woodland Management

Managing the Heritage Resource Woodland Management Demonstrations

RSPB Baron’s Haugh: Wildlife Reserve Enhancement A1.8.1 A1.8.2

Wildlife Enhancement Activities Welfare Facilities

A1.9

Setting the Scene: New Lanark Woodland Enhancement

A1.10

Dalzell Estate: Woodland Management

A1.11

Woodland Management Plans for SWT Reserves

A1.1

FALLS OF CLYDE WILDLIFE RESERVE ENHANCEMENT

Context This project aims to enhance the Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve.

The Proposals 

Conifer removal

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Non-native invasive tree control

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Control invasive shrubs

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Prevent non-native tree regeneration

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Bonnington Tree Nursery management

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Portable forestry equipment for use across NNR partners

Benefits and Justification The work will enhance visitors’ enjoyment and appreciation of the reserve. Enhancement of the woodland habitat through PAWS restoration will increase the native component of the woodland canopy and create areas for the expansion of native ground flora. The provision of native broadleaved trees of local provenance will increase the area of native woodland in the landscape partnership area.

Risks A reduction in the biodiversity of the reserve if non-native trees and shrubs are not controlled.

Audience: Reserve visitors, SWT volunteers Outputs: Thinning and extraction of conifers in a 5ha block of woodland Control of non-native invasive trees throughout the reserve Control of invasive shrubs on the reserve Growing 500 native trees for use in local projects as part of the landscape partnership.

Portable forestry equipment Media outputs: Press coverage of the woodland management.

Training and education: SWT is the lead and delivery will be through the SWT Reserve Project Group, volunteers or contractors depending on the task.

Partners:.

Private land involvement: N/A

A1.2

GARRION GILL WILDLIFE RESERVE ENHANCEMENT

Context Garrion Gill Wildlife Reserve is a small woodland reserve on the southern slopes of the gill situated between Law village and Overtown. The site is designated as a SSSI and SAC and supports a broad diversity of flora and fauna. A footpath through the reserve forms part of a link between the two communities and a small area of species rich grassland is found on the edge of the wood.

The Proposals 

Selective felling of non-native invasive trees

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Control non-native tree regeneration

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Scrub removal from species rich grassland

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Fence construction

Benefits and Justification This project will help conserve and enhance the biodiversity of the Garrion Gill Wildlife Reserve.

Risks The native woodland flora and fauna would be negatively affected if non-native invasive tree species such as beech and sycamore were allowed to regenerate freely, so control through selective felling and control of the regeneration is necessary. New fencing is required to protect the woodland from unauthorised grazing. The species rich grassland will become rank and species poor without appropriate management.

Audience: Reserve visitors and local communities of Law and Overtown. SWT volunteers, Outputs: Control of invasive non-native trees over 5ha.

Control of invasive non-native tree seedlings over 5ha Replacement of 600m of old boundary fence to protect the woodland from grazing and to allow natural regeneration Scrub removal from species rich grassland meadow Cutting and collection of the arising from 1ha of species rich grassland Media outputs: Press about work achieved Training and education: Training in practical conservation and access works for the trainees on the SWT Conservation Team.

Partners: SWT is the lead and delivery will be through the SWT Conservation Training Team for the practical conservation work. Fencing work may be delivered by CCI as a training opportunity.

Private land involvement: N/A

A1.3

LOWER NETHAN GORGE WILDLIFE RESERVE ENHANCEMENT

Context Lower Nethan Gorge Wildlife Reserve is part of the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve. A fantastically diverse woodland, it clings to the sheer sides of the Nethan Gorge between the village of Crossford and the historic Craignethan Castle. A long history of sustainable woodland management through coppicing was replaced by coal mining in the 19th Century, which has since disappeared. Some evidence remains, but nature has reclaimed the gorge and it is now home to raven, woodpecker, otter and a rich assemblage of dead wood invertebrates.

The Proposals 

Selective felling of non-native trees

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Riverside invasive species removal

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Install bat boxes

Benefits and Justification To enhance the biodiversity of the reserve by reducing the number of sycamore and beech on the reserve.

Provision of nesting and roosting boxes to benefit the small bird and bat populations.

Risks Loss of native species if sycamore and beech are allowed to regenerate unchecked.

Audience: Reserve visitors Outputs: Sycamore and beech controlled over 8haof the reserve 25 bat boxes installed Media outputs: none Training and education: Training in practical conservation work for the volunteers on the SWT Reserve Project Group.

Partners: SWT is the lead and delivery will be through the SWT Reserve Project Group and specialist contractors will be required for the selective felling and regen control due to the steepness of the gorge sides.

Private land involvement: N/A

A1.4

UPPER NETHAN GORGE: WILDLIFE RESERVE ENHANCEMENT

Context The Upper Nethan Gorge Wildlife Reserve is a SSSI and SAC woodland that clings to the steep slopes above the River Nethan. The main footpath follows the route of an old railway line and forms part of the local community footpath network, joining Lesmahagow with Crossford.

The metal bridge provides a link to the southern end of the reserve for the community in Auchenheath and for access to carry out grassland management.

The Proposals 

Selective felling of non-native invasive trees

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Control non-native invasive tree regeneration

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Control of non-native invasive plants

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Cut meadows and collect cuttings

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Fencing

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Bird and bat boxes

Benefits and Justification This work will reduce the quantity of non-native invasive trees and plants (beech, sycamore, Himalayan balsam and Japanese knotweed) found on the reserve, which shade out native species if left unchecked. We will also maintain the species rich grassland by cutting and collecting the cuttings to reduce the nutrient value of the soils.

Risks Without control, non-native invasive species dominate the native vegetation, having a detrimental impact on the important habitats and species.

Audience: Reserve visitors and local communities, SWT volunteers Outputs: 20 hectares selective thinning 260m fencing 30 bird and bat boxes Control of sycamore and beech over 3ha of the reserve Control of balsam and knotweed over 2ha of the reserve Media outputs: none Training and education: Training in practical conservation and access works for the trainees on the SWT Conservation Team.

Partners: SWT is the lead and delivery will be through the SWT Conservation Training Team for the practical conservation work.

Private land involvement: N/A

A1.5

CHATELHERAULT: WILDLIFE RESERVE ENHANCEMENT

Context Chatelherault is an important site within CAVLP. It has historic importance as a designed landscape, and comprises an extensive woodland resource. Its management as a country park makes it further significant as a recreational resource and visitor attraction. Within this context, two project proposals have been identified for Chatelherault.

The Project Proposals

A1.5.1 Managing the Heritage Resource: Chatelherault A1.5.2 Chatelherault: Woodland Management Benefits and Justification The development of a management plan for Chatelherault will provide a strategic vision for the country park and a framework for future management activities. The development of the management plan within the wider programme of the Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership will provide an important opportunity to streamline with the vision, aims and objectives of the Landscape Partnership and contribute positively to the project proposals through providing opportunities for community engagement and involvement in the management of the area.

The management of the woodlands at Chatelherault is significant in terms of their contribution to the historic landscape and the nature conservation value of the Avon gorge.

Together, these projects will secure the positive long-term management of Chatelherault Country Park contributing to the aim of reinforcing and restoring historic landscape patterns within the CAVLP area.

Risks Without these two strands of work, there is a risk that Chatelherault would play a lesser role in the landscape and biodiversity of the area.

A1.5.1

MANAGING THE HERITAGE RESOURCE: CHATELHERAULT

Context Chatelherault is a very important site within the CAVLP. The importance is recognised through the number of designations it is afforded which recognise the importance of the site for recreation, landscape and nature conservation. The site is an ‘anchor point’ for the CAVLP area, located at the most northerly extent and pinpointing the confluence of the rivers Clyde and Avon on the outskirts of Hamilton. The site is owned by South Lanarkshire Council, and is managed jointly by SLC and South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture Trust Ltd. The Proposals 

Review existing management plans and identify key management issues, including consultation with the managing bodies

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Develop a management plan for the site for a 10 year period in accordance with the HLF guidance ‘Conservation Management Planning’ April 2008, and with reference to ‘Gardens and Designed Landscapes: an owners guide to planning their management and conservation’ CCS 1989. Identify appropriate funding streams, delivery mechanisms and priorities within the plan.

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Deliver the management plan to the managing bodies for implementation.

Benefits and Justification Chatelherault is a large and important site, which has been identified as requiring a substantial body of work to the woodlands, which have been neglected over the past 20 years. Public Body landowners are in the best position to offer land and sites on which other community and training projects will take place; without the land to operate on, other projects across the ‘softer’ programmes cannot be delivered. This offers a real opportunity for raising awareness about the site and its importance to local communities encouraging active involvement in the management of the resource.

Risks Risks are related to programme slippage through the procurement process and failure of the appointed consultant to deliver outputs by the date required by the contract.

Audience: Land Managers, funding organisations Outputs: A management plan supported by research, a report, action plan and list of priorities for action. The action plan should include identification of work suitable for implementation by four distinct groups: the land managing organisation; training teams; volunteers (including those sourced by delivery partners); and community groups (whether geographic or special interest).

Media outputs: hard and electronic copies of the management and action plan Training and education: training and learning opportunities will be identified for future action and implementation Partners: South Lanarkshire Council, South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture Trust Ltd, Scottish Natural Heritage Private land involvement: Private land to be used for access to sites.

A1.5.2

CHATELHERAULT: WOODLAND MANAGEMENT

Context Chatelherault Country Park includes some 170ha of ancient woodland in the gorge of the Avon water between Hamilton and Larkhall. The area was the core of the Hamilton High parks; originally a hunting park of the Kings of Strathclyde and Scotland and, subsequently, the Dukes of Hamilton. Under native woodland until the 1940s, much of the park was progressively cleared and replaced with plantation conifers. The removal of these conifers is now a priority to regenerate a key link in the nationally important native woodlands of Avondale. The park has SSSI and SAC designations and is also part of the Clyde Valley Woodlands NNR. The Proposals To remove plantation conifers, wherever practicable, and commence delivery of a twenty five year management plan to regenerate the native woodland, protect biodiversity, improve recreational access, protect and interpret historical features and restore a key visual element of what was once one of Scotland’s finest designed landscapes and a key factor in the location of the William Adam designed hunting lodge at Chatelherault. 

Develop and begin implementation a 25 year Longterm Forest Plan (LTFP)

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Use the recommendations of the Conservation Management Plan (A1.5.1) to inform the LTFP and ensure that woodland management support wider biodiversity, landscape and heritage objectives.

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Integrate the Chatelherault Recreation Management Plan with the LTFP to direct the development of a sustainable access network and outdoor recreation opportunities as a legacy of woodland management operations.

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Remove, non-native conifers from the gorge woodland

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Manage and monitor regeneration of native woodland

Benefits and Justification This project will begin the ecological and visual regeneration of a major component of the Clyde and Avon Valleys Forest habitat network and an integral part of the 18th century “Great Design” surrounding Hamilton Palace. The site is highly accessible from the neighbouring conurbation and is the northern “gateway” to the Clyde Valley. Site has SSSI and SAC designation and is part of the CVW NNR. Risks Without early action, there is an increasing risk of catastrophic wind throw in the plantation conifers: this would compromise the landscape and biodiversity value and make the cost of restoration prohibitive.

Audience: Visitors to Chatelherault and local residents Outputs: Felling and removal of plantation conifers; Restoration and improvement of the access infrastructure; management of natural regeneration towards productive, native woodland.

Media outputs: High profile project with media coverage proposed from consultation through to completion of felling operations; funders’ logos displayed on promotional and interpretative material Training and education: Training and development of volunteers; interpretation in park visitor centre; publicity and interpretation of CVWNNR. Partners: SLC, SLLCT, CSFT, FCS, SNH. Private land involvement: Timber extraction access agreements established with neighbouring landowners.

A1.6

CARTLAND CRAIGS AND CLEGHORN GLEN: WILDLIFE RESERVE ENHANCEMENT

Context Cartland Craigs and Cleghorn Glen are part of the Clyde Valley Woods NNR and the Clyde Valley Woods Special Area of Conservation. The semi natural gorge woodlands represent one of the key landscape characteristics of the Clyde and Avon Valley. The management of these reserves is important to maintain their landscape character and biodiversity value.

The Project Proposals

A1.6.1 Cleghorn Glen and Cartland Craigs: Habitat Management A1.6.2 Cartland Craigs NNR: Boundary Eutrophication A1.6.3 Cleghorn Glen and Cartland Craigs: Wildlife Survey Benefits and Justification The woodlands are significant for their biodiversity and landscape value and the projects outlined above have been identified in order to improve the information base to inform future management and to help the reserves achieve favourable conservation status, as required by their designation as Special Areas of Conservation.

Together, these projects will secure the positive long-term management of Cleghorn Glen and Cartland Craigs, contributing to protection of the biodiversity and landscape within the CAVLP area.

Risks Without these strands of work, there is a risk that the management of the NNR woodlands would not be based on a sufficient information base to best inform future management decisions and that the conservation and landscape value of the reserves would decline.

A1.6.1

CLEGHORN GLEN AND CARTLAND CRAIGS: HABITAT MANAGEMENT

Context Cleghorn Glen and Cartland Craigs are both parts of the Clyde Valley Woodlands NNR. Both woodlands are also SSSIs and part of the Clyde Valley Woods Special Area of Conservation (SAC); as such SNH has a responsibility to bring these sites into favourable conservation status. At present, both woodlands are failing as a consequence of the proportion of non-native species (mostly beech and sycamore) found within them.

This project would allow SNH to plan a schedule of works over several years to gradually reduce the proportion of non-native trees within these woodlands.

This would help the woodlands to attain favourable conservation status and reduce the impact and influence of these species on the ecology and landscape of the area.

The Proposals 

Selective felling of non-native trees

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Control non-native invasive tree regeneration

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Strimming

Benefits and Justification This work will reduce the quantity and adverse ecological impacts of non-native invasive trees. If left unchecked these species will impact negatively on the biodiversity of these woodlands along with the attendant landscape changes that this will cause.

Risks In the absence of effective control, these non-native invasive species will compromise the ecological integrity and landscape character of these woodlands and the wider project area.

Audience: Reserve visitors and local communities Outputs: Control of sycamore and beech in these two SSSI woodlands.

Media outputs: N/A Training and education: N/A Partners: SNH to lead, with contractors.

Private land involvement: Land owned or leased (Nature Reserve Agreement) by SNH

A1.6.2

CARTLAND CRAIGS NNR: BOUNDARY EUTROPHICATION

Context SNH has concerns that nutrient runoff and seepage from an agricultural midden immediately to the north of the Cartland Craigs SSSI / SAC / NNR may be changing the character and composition of the vegetation along this northern edge of the Reserve, with the attendant threat to the biodiversity and ecological integrity of this SSSI. The Proposals 

Appoint a consultant to gauge the impacts of agricultural runoff on the ecological integrity of the Reserve

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Produce a report with recommendations on how best to manage any impacts.

Benefits and Justification To protect the biodiversity of the Reserve and to help attain favourable conservation status on this SSSI.

Risks Should this work not be carried out, there is a risk that any on-going adverse impacts will continue to threaten the integrity of the reserve; in time, potentially damaging the interest of the NNR/SSSI/SAC over an ever wider area.

Audience: Reserve managers.

Outputs: A report with practical management recommendations.

Media outputs: N/A Training and education: N/A Partners: SNH Private land involvement: N/A

A1.6.3

CLEGHORN GLEN AND CARTLAND CRAIGS: WILDLIFE SURVEY

Context Cleghorn Glen and Cartland Craigs are part of the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve (NNR) and yet no detailed surveys of the flora and fauna of these special woodlands has taken place for over 20 years.

We have a broad understanding of the ecology of these important woodlands, but more detailed, up to date information would greatly assist and inform our management works. Our knowledge gaps are particularly acute in the areas of invertebrates, which could help us understanding the rich biodiversity of these gorge woodlands.

The Proposals 

Invertebrate survey

Benefits and Justification To enhance the biodiversity of the reserve and to increase our knowledge of the flora and fauna of the NNR, thereby improving the quality of our management.

Risks A potential loss of biodiversity if we fail to understand the ecological range and dynamics of the reserve and potentially inappropriate management proposals.

Audience: Reserve visitors Outputs: More comprehensive, current information to inform appropriate management decisions.

Media outputs: N/A Training and education: N/A Partners: SNH to lead with specialist contractors / consultants.

Private land involvement: N/A

A1.7

MAULDSLIE: WILDLIFE RESERVE ENHANCEMENT

Context Maudslie is a significant site within the Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership with historic landscape interest and nature conservation value. It is a remnant designed landscape and comprises part of the Clyde Valley Woodlands NNR. Within this context, two project proposals have been identified for Maudslie.

The Project Proposals

A1.7.1 Managing the Heritage Resource: Mauldslie Wood A1.7.2 Mauldslie Woods: Woodland Management Demonstrations Benefits and Justification The development of a management plan for Maudslie will provide a strategic vision for the area and a framework for future management activities. The development of the management plan within the wider programme of the Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership will provide an important opportunity to streamline with the vision, aims and objectives of the Landscape Partnership and contribute positively to the project proposals through providing opportunities for community engagement and involvement in the management of the area. In particular Maudslie provides opportunity to provide a range of activities and demonstrations that could not take place on sites with greater levels of conservation protection.

The management of the woodlands at Maudslie is significant in terms of their contribution to the historic landscape and the nature conservation value of the gorge.

Together, these projects will secure the positive long-term management of Maudslie Woods contributing to the aim of reinforcing and restoring historic landscape patterns within the CAVLP area.

Risks Without these two elements of work, there is a risk that Maudslie Woods would play a lesser role in contributing to the historic landscape and biodiversity value of the area, in particular as its historic landscape value is not recognised by formal designation.

A1.7.1

MANAGING THE HERITAGE RESOURCE: MAULDSLIE WOOD

Context Mauldslie Wood is one of the six component parts of the Clyde Valley Woodlands NNR. Unlike the other woodland in the suite, it does not benefit from other designations as, in comparison to these other sites, the conservation interest is not of national or international significance.

Although a remnant of the designed landscape of Mauldslie Castle (now demolished), this estate is not of sufficient importance to merit listing in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes. Nonetheless, Mauldslie does make a significant contribution to the landscape character within the Clyde Valley and offers opportunities for a range of activities and demonstrations that could not take place in sites afforded greater levels of conservation protection, and in so doing, adopt a management regime that aims to increase the landscape, conservation and recreational value of the woodland.

The Proposals 

Review existing management plans and identify key management issues, including consultation with the managing bodies



Develop a management plan for the site for a 10 year period in accordance with the HLF guidance ‘Conservation Management Planning’ April 2008, and with reference to ‘Gardens and Designed Landscapes: an owners guide to planning their management and conservation’ CCS 1989. Identify appropriate funding streams, delivery mechanisms and priorities within the plan.



Deliver the management plan to the managing bodies for implementation.

Benefits and Justification Mauldslie wood requires a significant body of management works due to under investment over the past 20 years. Public Body landowners are in the best position to offer land and sites on which other community and training projects will take place; without the land to operate on, other projects across the ‘softer’ programmes cannot be delivered. This arrangement also offers a real opportunity for raising awareness about the site and its importance and features to local communities encouraging involvement in the management of the resource.

Risks Risks are related to programme slippage through the procurement process and failure of the appointed consultant to deliver outputs by the date required by the contract

Audience: Land Managers, funding organisations Outputs: A management plan supported by research, a report, action plan and list of priorities for action. The action plan should include identification of work suitable for implementation by four distinct groups: the land managing organisation; training teams; volunteers (including those sourced by delivery partners); and community groups (whether geographic or special interest).

Media outputs: hard and electronic copies of the management and action plan.

Training and education: training and learning opportunities will be identified for future action and implementation Partners: South Lanarkshire Council, Scottish Natural Heritage

Private land involvement: discussions with adjoining owners may be required.

A1.7.2

MAULDSLIE: WOODLAND MANAGEMENT DEMONSTRATIONS

Context Mauldslie Woodincludes some 32ha of woodland in the Clyde Valley between Rosebank and Garrion Bridge. The area is separated into two units (Mauldslie Wood and West Brownlee Wood). These units previously formed part of the larger Mauldslie Estate, but are now owned by South Lanarkshire Council and form part of the Clyde Valley Woodlands NNR.

The Proposals 

Develop and implement a 25 year Long term Forest Plan, informed by A1.7.2 Conservation Management Plan

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Remove non-native conifers from the woodland

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Manage and monitor regeneration of native woodland

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Establish a series of trials (selective thinning and coppice) to demonstrate the economics of management for small woodland products, within a high value biodiversity site (NNR).

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Mauldslie Wood: Remove larch crop; Establish coppice trials

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West Brownlee Wood: Remove mature Riverside sitka crop; remove slope mixed conifer plantation, keeping the oak clusters and manage natural regeneration in remainder

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Conservation of Maudslie estate parkland

Benefits and Justification This project will establish the demonstration of management systems that enable sustainable harvesting of small woodland products from high value biodiversity

sites. These demonstrations will be widely applicable in the woodlands of the Clyde and Avon Valleys.

Risks Without accessible sites with relevant and demonstrable action, there is a high likelihood that few of the woodlands in the area will be actively managed: this would compromise their current landscape and biodiversity value in the medium and long term.

Audience: Woodland owners and managers in the CAVLP area Outputs: A long-term (25 year) Forest Plan.

Felling and removal of c. 4ha of plantation of maturing mixed conifers at West Brownlee Wood, and c5ha of mature larch at Mauldslie Wood; Establish c5 management demonstration plots at Mauldslie Wood, including selective felling and coppice regimes Thinning of parkland area and plant replacement.

Media outputs: High profile project with media coverage proposed from consultation through to completion of felling operations; funders’ logos displayed on promotional and interpretative material Training and education: Training and development of woodland owners/managers; training and development of volunteers; publicity and interpretation of CVWNNR. Partners: SLC, CSFT, FCS, SNH. Private land involvement: Widespread applicability to landowners, who have similar woodland to manage.

A1.8

RSPB BARON’S HAUGH RESERVE: WILDLIFE ENHANCEMENT

Context Baron’s Haugh is an urban fringe reserve bounded on the north by Motherwell town centre and to the south by the River Clyde. It is easily accessible to both the local community and with excellent transport links for those travelling from further afield. It is noted for its variety of habitats and diversity of wildlife all of which can be experienced in a relatively small area.

The reserve includes wetland (the haughland), woodland, parkland and riverside habitats and species which you might encounter on a visit are such as nuthatches, woodpeckers, a wide variety of wading birds and wildfowl and the comma butterfly. The site is easily accessible to a large proportion of the population of central Scotland by most forms of transport and entry is free of charge.

The reserve is perfectly located for the public to make use of the facilities of the site being surrounded by the Lanarkshire towns of Motherwell, Hamilton and Wishaw with an integrated set of pathways and cycle routes running through the site from each of these towns. The Clyde Walkway also runs through the site allowing pedestrian or cycle traffic to travel all the way from the west end of Glasgow to the Falls of Clyde in Lanark. The Clyde Walkway is designated as a Core Path in the North Lanarkshire Council area.

The Project Proposals

A1.8.1 Baron’s Haugh: Wildife Enhancement Activities A1.8.2 Baron’s Haugh: Welfare Facilities Benefits and Justification The work will improve the biodiversity value of the site and will benefit a range of wildlife including waterbirds such as lapwing (UK BAP species and Red Listed Bird of Conservation Concern (BoCC)), gadwall and wigeon (both Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC)), soprano pipistrelle bats (UK BAP species protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981), and a diversity of invertebrates, which provide an important food source for the bats and many of the bird species.

Risks Risks to the project are relatively low given existing research and feasibility studies already undertaken in each element of the project. RSPB has vast experience of undertaking similar projects throughout other locations in the UK and therefore able to bring that experience to reduce risk levels. The main risk would be inability to attract match funding but again RSPB has considerable experience of funding acquisition

A1.8.1

RSPB BARON’S HAUGH RESERVE: WILDLIFE ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITIES

Context Enhancement of the habitat within the reserve will help to preserve, consolidate and improve on the existing variety of wildlife and also help to attract new species not already found there. In addition the proposed projects are likely to offer opportunities for increased community engagement by way of volunteering, work experience and training together with improved facilities for educational engagement.

These projects focus on enhancing wildlife through mediating river erosion issues and creating new habitats.

The Proposals 

A: Re-instatement of Clyde River embankment and Clyde Walkway (a Core Path)

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B: Habitat recreation in the area of the Cemetery Marsh

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C: Various works to secure re-generation of the parkland, haugh (wetland) and orchard

Benefits and Justification Securing the integrity of the Clyde embankment ensures that the haugh is protected which is home to a variety of wildfowl and breeding waders, many of which are endangered species. Enhancement of the habitats within the reserve generally will have direct ecological benefits together with the ability to provide a substantially increased level people engagement and educational opportunities.

Risks Risks to the project are relatively low given existing research and feasibility studies already undertaken in each element of the project. The main risk would be inability to attract match funding but again RSPB has considerable experience of funding acquisition.

Audience: Local communities Outputs: Enhancement of all habitat types within the reserve. (36Ha of wood pasture, 15Ha of lowland fen, 1Ha of traditional orchard); Increased wildlife spectacle; Engagement with a greater variety of community groups and schools Volunteering and training opportunities – previous experience on this reserve would suggest a minimum of 20 person places per annum would be available.

Media outputs: Regular press releases on progress of each project element will be issued to an agreed timetable.

Training and education: Volunteer on the job, and certificated training in a variety of tasks such as fence building, chain saw work, path building etc.

Partners: RSBB will be the project lead. Possible overlap or sharing of volunteer force with other Partners.

Private land involvement: RSPB owns the majority of land which forms the reserve. Small area (car park only) is leased from North Lanarkshire Council but will not be affected by the project proposals.

A1.8.2

RSPB BARON’S HAUGH RESERVE: WELFARE FACILITIES

Context The Reserve presently has no meeting or welfare facilities for staff, volunteers and visiting parties. The associated projects for the Baron’s Haugh involvement in the Partnership will encourage more volunteer and education activities. This proposal provides facilitaties to encourage and sustain these activities.

The Proposals 

Welfare Facilities

Benefits and Justification The lack of welfare facilities has obvious Health & Safety implications but also seriously restricts the types of activities, which may be undertaken on site. The Reserve has a burgeoning volunteer force with various projects underway In addition we are unable to offer any meaningful educational engagement as schools can only visit the site in very small numbers and for very limited time periods.

The Reserve has huge potential to increase its level of engagement with a variety of groups at all levels and just as important is the ability of our own staff to work much more efficiently by way being able to spend much more time on site. The increased presence of staff and visitors on site creates positive pressure in relation to reducing anti-social behaviour and vandalism on site, which whilst reducing in recent years is still very much an issue.

Risks The Reserve has moved on hugely in recent years due to the efforts of our staff but it is impossible to take matters further without relevant facilities.

Audience: Volunteers, schools Outputs: Green roof welfare facility Media outputs: Officially opening and media release Training and education: Venue for these elements of our work Partners: RSBB will be the project lead working with contractor Private land involvement: RSPB owns the majority of land which forms the reserve. Small area (car park only) is leased from North Lanarkshire Council but will not be affected by the project proposals.

A1.9

SETTING THE SCENE: NEW LANARK WOODLAND ENHANCEMENT

Context New Lanark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was founded as a new industrial settlement in 1785. It was during the ownership and management of the social reformer Robert Owen between 1800 and 1825 that many of the unique social characteristics of the place were established.

Robert Owen was responsible for directing many landscape changes as paintings of New Lanark from this period demonstrate (see attached). The earliest images of New Lanark mills show a bare hillside above the village, while those of the 1820s show the woodlands and avenues of tree planted out by Robert Owen.

Owen recognised the rejuvenating effects of trees and woodlands and planted the slopes above New Lanark to provide recreational opportunities to enhance the wellbeing of the workforce.

This project aims to conserve and improve the woodland habitat at New Lanark and to enhance visitors’ experience of the heritage site by improving historic paths and providing interpretative material to teach people about the historic, cultural and social significance of the woodland setting.

The Proposals Woodland and access improvements include: 

Thinning woodland blocks and planting native trees to increase the age and diversity of the woodland.

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Upgrading historic paths and strengthening linkages with the Falls of Clyde.

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Signage.

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Interpretation.

Benefits and Justification As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, New Lanark draws visitors from around the world. The built heritage of the site is well interpreted but there is currently no information about the historical significance of the woodland and avenues of trees. This project will enhance visitors’ enjoyment and appreciation of the woodland and New Lanark.

Maintaining the character of the wooded landscape is an essential part of the wider New Lanark experience. The recreational potential of the network of historic paths that crisscross through the woodland is untapped and developing and raising awareness of this hidden path network would provide visitors with an alternative experience of the site.

Strengthening access linkages with the Falls of Clyde Reserve would also enhance visitors’ experience of the built and natural heritage of the area.

Risks The woodland habitat will continue to degrade if intervention is not taken as the trees lack age diversity. On-site interpretation may be vandalised. Unsuccessful with securing FCS grant.

Audience: Visitors to the World Heritage Site, New Lanark residents Outputs:          

13.2 ha of woodland managed At least 250 native trees planted to improve bio-diversity At least 280 metres of path up-graded At least 590 metres of path improved 8 way-markers installed 2 new benches installed at key viewpoints 2 interpretation boards designed and installed 50,000 leaflets designed and produced (25,000 in 2012 and 25,000 in 2013) Ecological survey and report Tree Safety survey and report

Media outputs: Press coverage of the woodland and access improvement work and promotion of the path network in the local press and through NLT/CAVLP website.

Training and education: Opportunities for volunteers to undertake woodland management work, New Lanark Primary could be engaged produce an interpretative leaflet, interpretative material would be produced to educate people about the historic significance of the woodland.

Partners: NLT, SLC, Private land involvement: N/A

A1.10

DALZELL ESTATE: WOODLAND MANAGEMENT

Context Dalzell Estate is a unique designed landscape of remarkable quality and maturity. The local heritage includes built, industrial, cultural, and natural features.

Originally a royal hunting forest, the estate provides the setting for the only category A listed house in North Lanarkshire – originally founded by the Dalzell family in 843 until it was sold in 1647 to James Hamilton.

It is the woodlands which give the estate such a rich setting so valued by local people. It is home to an abundance of wildlife, including badger, roe deer, sparrowhawk, nuthatch, and several species of bat. It also includes an arboretum and fine specimen trees throughout.

The Proposals 

Submit WIAT application to Forestry Commission for funds to carry out management of woodland areas within Estate to promote biodiversity, landscape value, and public access.

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Remove invasive non native species.

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Silvicultural thinning.

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Clearance of path corridors.

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Tree safety work.

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Enrichment planting.

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Arboretum/parkland tree work.

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Arboretum/parkland planting.

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Remedial path works.

Benefits and Justification Woodland management is urgently required to improve the structure of the woodlands and create a better age/species balance. It will help to ensure the continued development of this significant designed landscape. It will improve biodiversity, and make for a more enjoyable visitor experience.

Risks If we are not successful in obtaining FC WIAT funding and this work is not done the landscape will degenerate as particular species such as ash and Norway maple become too dominant and young trees and other plants are inhibited by invasive non-native species.

Biodiversity may decrease. Visitors will use less of the resource and antisocial elements become more prevalent.

Audience: Local communities and visitors from further afield.

Outputs: Physical improvements to woodland better public usage.

Media outputs: Local press and friends groups, visitors, and local contacts kept informed of progress.

Training and education: There are currently volunteer activities in the Estate, it is a Countryside Ranger stewardship site, and there is an active programme of training with the Phoenix Futures addiction charity. All of these will continue or be enhanced as part of this project.

Partners: Forestry Commission, CAVLP Private land involvement: Work closely with RSPB Scotland who own neighbouring Baron’s Haugh Reserve.

A1.11

WOODLAND MANAGEMENT SWT RESERVES

Context Scottish Wildife Trust manages four nature reserves in the Landscape Partnership area. Falls of Clyde and Lower Nethan are components of the Clyde valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve. All four offer have a high biodiversity value, outlined in their individual enhancements projects A1.1. to A1.4.

The Proposals 

Woodland Habitat surveys

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Forestry Outcome Plans detailing how the woodland management proposals will be implemented;

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Maps and plans supporting the above;

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Proposed works and estimated cost estimates for future woodland management on the reserves.

Benefits and Justification To inform the delivery of projects A1.1 to A1.4 and achieve their outcomes to enhance the biodiversity of each reserve. To support funding applications for match to deliver projects. To increase our knowledge of the wildlife living there Risks Without well planned control, non-native invasive species dominate the native vegetation, having a detrimental impact on the important habitats and species Audience: Reserve visitors Outputs: 4 FCS approved Woodland Management Plans Media outputs: none Training and education: n/a Partners: SWT is the lead and project management will be through CSFT. Specialist contractors will be required for the work.

Private land involvement: N/A

Supporting Successful Stewardship

A2

The Clyde and Avon Valley contains a number of designed landscapes including five landscapes listed in the Historic Scotland Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes. The Landscape Partnership area also includes many non-inventory listed remnant designed landscapes, which together contribute to the landscape character of the area. The pattern of orchards within the landscape is also an important characteristic of the area. Many of the designed landscapes and orchards are on private land and under threat of further decline, which would further erode the landscape character of the area.

The aims of this work stream are to preserve, conserve and enhance the landscape features, which contribute to the character of the landscape, including hedgerows and shelterbelts, policy woodlands and orchards.

Projects in this work stream include: A2.1

Designs in the Landscape

A2.1.1 A2.1.2

A2.2

Designs in the landscape: Consultancy Agricultural Landscape: Boundaries (including Landowner Grant scheme)

Reviving the Clyde Valley Orchards A2.2.1 A2.2.2

Knowledge base Enterprise Development

A2.1

DESIGNS IN THE LANDSCAPE

Context The patterns of woodland and tree planting within CAVLP are the most significant contribution to the scenic value and character of the landscape. Having been a key influence on the decision for powerful landowners to settle in the valley, the management of the woodland resource and the augmentation of it have resulted in the range of woodland types and habitats we see today. Degrees of enclosure, texture, pattern, colour and visual appeal are all provided by the planting patterns, tree species and ownership pattern.

The landowner survey has confirmed earlier views that the management of woodland by current owners is not seen as a priority, primarily due to changes in timber markets, changing in agricultural practices that mean shelter and enclosure are not required for livestock or fruit and vegetables, and perhaps most importantly, changes in agricultural payments to farmers. However, the majority of the land within CAVLP is in private ownership and the sustainability and health of the landscape is dependent on their stewardship.

The Woodland Action Plan provided an analysis of the current woodland resource that will enable resources to be targeted to key woodland areas where woodlands are key features of the landscape. Increasing the woodland cover throughout the CAVLP area without a framework could be detrimental to the landscape character and visual experience and could result in an imbalance of land cover that may erode the scenic quality that is enjoyed by local people and visitors.

The number of estates and gardens within CAVLP is surprisingly high – designed and planned estates sit cheek by jowl along the north bank of the Clyde between Lanark and Hamilton. The historic management regimes of these estates are long forgotten; few, if any, estates are managed in the way originally intended when they were established. Although farmers who were interviewed as part of the landowner survey own some estates, the larger and more important estates are mainly owned by private individuals and discussion with this stakeholder group has yet to take place (eg Milton Lockhart, Lee Castle, Stonebyres, Falls of Clyde sites. Some sites, however, are owned and/or are managed by CAVLP partners (Chatelherault, Falls of Clyde, Dalzell, Cambusnethan) and are important recreational resources.

Using the information provided by the Historic Development of the Landscape study, it is intended to begin discussions with owners who may be willing to participate in conserving the landscape with a view to restoration of original designs that can be interpreted, enjoyed and accessed by the wider public The Project Proposals

A2.1.1

Designs in the Landscape: Consultancy Work

A2.1.2

Agricultural Landscape: Boundaries (incorporating Landowner Grant scheme)

Benefits and Justification The remnant designed landscapes and designed landscape features are located throughout the Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership area and currently lack coherence in their maintenance and management. The project proposals seek to improve the information base on designed landscapes, provide an overarching strategy and coordinate management activities to enhance the value of the designed landscape features.

Together, these projects will secure the positive long-term management of remnant designed landscapes contributing to the aim of reinforcing and restoring historic landscape patterns within the CAVLP area.

Risks Without the project proposals identified, there is a risk of further deterioration of the historic landscape features within the Clyde and Avon Valley, leading to a loss of landscape character and historic information.

A2.1.1

DESIGNS IN THE LANDSCAPE: CONSULTANCY WORK

Context Designed landscapes make a significant contribution to the landscape character of the partnership area, with at least 41 individual sites being recognised in the Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Historical Development Study (June 2011). Despite their importance, only five sites (including one composite site of four individual designed landscapes) are currently listed on the Historic Scotland Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland.

Very little is known about the remaining sites. This project will involve an in-depth study of the non-inventory designed landscapes identified, through the establishment of a local study group and the provision of training in research and survey skills. The study results, combined with existing knowledge about the Inventory landscapes, will be used to develop a strategy for the conservation of designed landscapes within the valleys and to consider practical conservation works. These projects may be completed through local training and volunteer initiatives or taken forward as possible Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) projects.

The Proposals 

Recruit local volunteers to form a local study group to research and survey local noninventory designed landscapes identified through the Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Historical Development Study (June 2011). Provide group with specialist training in historic landscape research and surveying skills. Liaison with the Garden History Society of Scotland.

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Document and record historic landscape history on the cultural hub for the partnership area.

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Develop a conservation strategy for designed landscapes within the partnership area and consider opportunities to undertake and complete necessary conservation works in communication with local landowners.

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Provide an advice note to inform the future management of designed landscapes within the valleys to help ensure their conservation.

Benefits and Justification Local study group established bringing together interested volunteers. Specialist training provided and local people involved in researching and recording the area’s important landscape history. Development of a conservation strategy to ensure better long-term management and appreciation of the contribution non-inventory designed landscapes make to the area. Interpretation material developed to tell the story and highlight the importance of

designed landscapes within the valleys. Local training and volunteer conservation work opportunities.

Risks Risks to the project include insufficient volunteer interest to support the completion of research and surveys and the carrying out of training and lack of support for project from landowners.

Audience: Local history groups and interested individuals, training opportunities, local communities.

Outputs: local people trained in historic landscape research and surveying, conservation strategy produced, interpretation materials produced, SRDP applications informed by research, possible training and volunteer opportunities to complete conservation works.

Media outputs: News stories associated with designed landscapes the Valleys.

Promotion of the project more widely e.g. to other landscape partnerships and by historic conservation bodies for example.

Training and education: specialist training in research and survey techniques, possible conservation training opportunities.

Partners: Private land involvement: Non-inventory designed landscapes privately owned.

A2.1.2

AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPE: BOUNDARIES

Context Agricultural Landscape project includes the repair/rebuilding of stone dykes and repair/replanting of hedges/hedgerows/trees to conserve and enhance the heritage of field boundaries which are a significant part of the Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape. A site assessment of field boundaries would be required and a grant scheme would then encourage owners to undertake repairs to conserve and enhance the boundaries.

The Proposals •

Undertake site assessment of field boundaries and prepare advice.

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Prioritise areas where there would be the greatest benefit for the area.

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Implement grant scheme.

Benefits and Justification The grant scheme for stone dykes and hedgerows/trees will improve the understanding of the community for the conservation of the historical features of the landscape, and through grant aid it will encourage the retention and enhancement of the field boundaries.

Risks Risks to the project include insufficient take up of the grant and the lack of implementation within the appropriate locations to maximise benefit for the area.

Audience: Land owners/ local community Outputs: A number of metres of stone dykes and hedgerows/trees repaired/replanted. The number of meters will be determined following the site assessment of field boundaries.

Media outputs: Promotion of grant scheme through newsletters/ newspaper articles.

Training and education: improve the understanding of historic landscape features Partners: Private land involvement: Work to be undertaken on private and public land

A2.2

REVIVING THE CLYDE VALLEY ORCHARDS

Context A key feature of the landscape is the orchards within the Clyde Valley. They make a significant contribution to the scenic value, whilst the distinctive patterns and shapes add texture and character to the landscape. Managing the orchards not only brings benefits for the landscape but also has the potential to provide a local, sustainable fruit source for local communities. The longevity of the orchards is really only practical if they are managed to provide an economic return for the owners that makes it worthwhile maintaining them, or at least ensuring that the fruit produced is put to good use at markets or for local people to enjoy. Orchards have been identified by local people and visitors as one of the most cherished features of the Clyde Valley (see community perception study and other community engagement events), and they are also treasured by owners who wish to see them sustained in the longer term, however there are key issues that need to be addressed in order to secure their future, as identified within the orchards study as they have experienced decline due to a lack of active management in recent decades. These issues have shaped the projects for the LCAP. The Project Proposals

A2.2.1 Reviving the Clyde Valley Orchards: Knowledge Base A2.2.2 Reviving the Clyde Valley Orchards: Enterprise Development Benefits and Justification The project proposals bring forward two complimentary strands of work. Developing the knowledge base around the existing orchard resource will provide a sound baseline of evidence on which to take forward future management. Enterprise development will help to ensure the future vitality of the orchards by supporting their productive management and reinforce the links between the products produced and the landscape and heritage. The orchards require active management in order to survive, and the Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership provides the strategic framework for the revitalisation of the orchards.

These projects will contribute to the aim of reinforcing and restoring the historic landscape patterns of the Clyde Valley.

Risks Without the projects identified, the orchards are at risk of further decline through a lack of information to inform their value, a lack of management and a lack of a cohesive strategy for the sale and marketing of the produce. This would result in a loss of the landscape character contributed by the orchards and a loss of their history and cultural value to the Clyde Valley.

A2.2.1

REVIVING THE CLYDE VALLEY ORCHARDS: DEVELOP THE KNOWLEDGE BASE

Context The decline of the orchards of the Clyde Valley is a relatively recent story, played out over the last two to three decades. In other parts of Scotland, commercial orchards ceased to be worked around 50 years ago, and their decline began well before that.

Part of the reason that the orchards of the Clyde Valley were worked much later than elsewhere, could the predominance of plums, which is not found elsewhere.

The Clyde Valley changed from apples to plum in the late Victorian era, and many orchards were planted with the Victoria Plum that only became commercially available in 1844. The plum market was perhaps less susceptible to foreign competition because the fresh fruit is so perishable compared to fresh apples and pears. Records show that apples have been shipped to and from Scotland for centuries, and thus competition has been more intense for longer. The critical mass of growers in the Clyde Valley, their skills, the unsuitability of the land for arable crops and the diversity of fruit and horticultural crops grown are all likely to have contributed to the endurance of working orchards in the Clyde Valley.

Many orchards in the Clyde Valley find themselves with their proprietors retired, or sold to new owners, many of whom are also retired. There are currently only a handful of orchards that are worked semi-commercially for plums. Over the last decade the decline of the orchards has continued, albeit good work has been done to raise awareness regarding their value.

Experience shows elsewhere that unless orchards are worked, they will not survive in the local term. The fate that awaits them is either woodland, with the orchard trees being engulfed by younger and more vigorous broadleaf trees; or grassland, with all orchard trees finally having fallen and rotted.

The Proposals 

Orchard mapping and GIS Project: Although we have significant information on orchards that are being worked and CVOG member orchards, we need a mechanism to collect information on the wider orchard resource and encourage engagement from non-group members. A virtual orchard map will be created via the CAVLP web site that allows orchard owners to upload information about their orchard and engage with CAVLP. This will include DNA analysis data currently being collected as a national project. £15k

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Biodiversity Information: Building on existing biodiversity research to train and facilitate a pool of volunteer recorders to collect and collate information on flora and fauna, including focus on birds. £10k

• Orchard Management Guide: To prepare a best practice guide on orchard management, pruning techniques, appropriate varieties and habitat maintenance.

This can be published in hard copy and on the web and will include the production of short video clips. £10k Benefits and Justification It is important the CAVLP engages across a wide range of landowners and promotes orchard development and management. Robust baseline information is needed upon which progress can be monitored to understand potential yields in order that new markets for produce can be accessed and to measure performance and success of CAVLP investments.

Risks Risks to the project include lack of interest from orchard owners that leads to a lack of critical mass of activity and insufficient volunteer interest in training to support the on-going recording of biodiversity and yield information.

Audience: Orchard owners, valley residents, BAPs. Outputs: Interactive web based engagement tool created, baseline info, including mapped records collected for 40 orchards, best practice guide published, 20 people trained.

Media outputs: Info placed on website.

Training and education: recording skills Partners: To be led by RDT and CVOG Private land involvement: Private land to be used for access to sites.

A2.2.2

REVIVING THE CLYDE VALLEY ORCHARDS: ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT

Context The surest way to ensure survival of healthy traditional orchards, is to create and facilitate conditions that mean the orchards are worked, and the orchard produce is appreciated widely. This means working in the extensive sense, not intensively but working nevertheless - rather than being museum pieces. The orchards need to form the basis of businesses that are economically sustainable and do not rely on grants to survive.

Creating a brand is an important part of establishing a presence in the market place. Part of the purpose is to discriminate between the niche high-value product from the Clyde Valley, and a mass-produced generic product, for example apple juice. What is being sold is as much the Clyde Valley landscape and heritage, as it is the product in the package. The brand needs to capture the essence of this intangible element.

The Proposals 

CAVLP Orchard Products Market Study, Incorporating an examination of establishing the Clyde Valley as a Brand. Study to identify specific potential markets and products for a Clyde Valley brand, and identify key markets for orchard products. £11,120

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Community Business & Orchard Products development: Create community business, and facilitate its development. Examine business options and support the establishment of an appropriate enterprise. This will create the capacity and expertise to produce and market orchard products (entrepreneurship skills developed) . £20,000

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Tourism development study: How tourism can be better enabled; identifying places to go, places to stop, interpretation, orchard walks, web resources to alert people to e.g. best times to visit and what to look out for. £ 10,000

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Orchard Development Scheme: Competitive, discretionary grant fund targeted at new and existing orchard owners undertaking an orchard establishment or restoration project that: 1] Replant existing or new orchards 2] Introduce management schemes that reflect the importance of bio-diversity and improving productivity. Support is based on individual management plans and maintenance agreement. £43,240

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Community Orchard Development: Kirkfieldbank Orchard The community orchard is on 1.65 ha of public land adjacent to the National Tourist Route through the Clyde Valley. There are already around 20 heritage variety trees on the site and the project will provide a much needed opportunity to plant modern and more productive varieties of fruit trees to support the development of new orchard business ventures. Having a dedicated orchard for community engagement

and training activities has been a long-held aspiration of the CVOG. To date, training and volunteering activities have been restricted to orchards in private ownership but creating an orchard on publically owned land provides a real opportunity to widen community engagement activities and provide a dedicated site for training and demonstration. The site offers outstanding views of the River Clyde and surrounding landscape while the unique combination of heritage and modern trees will make an ideal venue for training, demonstration and awareness-raising events.ÂŁ54k Benefits and Justification Working the orchards will ensure their survival. The facilitation of a return to a working mode of being, is the key outcome and a new dynamic core of activity needs to be created, built around a new social enterprise based on orchard fruit. The purpose of the new social enterprise is to act as a vehicle for implementing on the ground the vision of a working future for the Clyde Valley orchards. It is proposed that the business should focus primarily on collectively producing and marketing juice from the orchards, and to a secondary extent some fruit products and non-fruit orchard products. The picking of fruit should be coordinated by the new body, and in this respect it should engage collaboratively with an existing soft fruit producer to facilitate seasonal labour. Coming together in common marketing of juice and other fruit products builds resilience and strength. Creating branding, trademark, and Protected Geographical Name will build a strong and secure image for the products.

Risks All this requires engagement and buy-in from orchard owners. They need to be genuine stakeholders in the new business and take ownership of the ideas coming out of the commissioned research.

Audience: Orchard owners, food consumers, food service sector Outputs: Marketing study identifying appropriate product range, establish Clyde valley brand, establish 3 social business, people training in business start-up skills, tourism development study completed, 30 orchard development grants, 1000 new fruit trees planted, community orchard established as training venue.

Media outputs: Press release opportunities Training and education: Orchard products training, marketing training.

Partners: RDT Private land involvement: Private land to be used for access to sites.

Building Features and Structures

A3

The Clyde and Avon Valley contains a rich built heritage which includes visible and hidden archaeological features, bridges, built structures and historic viewpoints.

Although many of these features are catalogued and known, there is also opportunity for further investigation and research.

Many built features were destinations for travellers, whilst others were specifically to be viewed and enjoyed by the owners of the large estates and their guests. In addition, the chain of small villages along the valley bottoms have historic origins, and have a key part to play in experiencing a longer journey or as features in the countryside. Siting has in the past been constrained by topography or need to be in a particular location; subsequent development has often ignored the natural constraints, however, whilst new developments are not constrained by availability of local materials or a local or vernacular style. The role of features in the landscape is important to provide focal points, whilst viewpoints provide the opportunity to see the landscape from some of the best vantage points.

Associated with settlements and the estates, the importance of mausoleums, historic graveyards and kirkyards as key features in the landscape has also been confirmed by the Historic survey and there is a strong interest in these from local historical groups, those interested in genealogy, and clear links with the Covenanting history of Lanarkshire.

The aims of this work stream are to research, preserve, conserve and enhance the built heritage features which contribute to the character of the landscape include kirkyards, bridges, viewpoints, conservation areas and individual buildings and structures.

Building Features and Structures

A3

Projects in this work stream include:

A3.1 Structures and Features A3.1.1 A3.1.2

Kirkyard Conservation: Establishing the Resource Dalzell Kirkyard Restorations

A3.2 Uncovering the Past A3.2.1 A3.2.2

Cartland Craigs: Archaeological Investigation of Castle Qua Capturing Our Industrial, Horticultural and Agricultural Past

A3.3 Viewpoints and Landmarks A3.3.1 A3.3.2

Corra Linn viewpoint Restoration work to the North Lodge Bridge at North Lanark

A3.4 Villages and Farmsteads

A3.4.1

Engaging with the Built Heritage

A3.1

STRUCTURES AND FEATURES

Context A range of historic structures and features contribute overall to the landscape character of the Clyde and Avon Valley. These contribute not only to the landscape character, but also to the cultural and social history of the area. Their value relies on their accessibility, use and interpretation. A key element of these is the historic graveyards, which provide a living museum, as excellent places for biodiversity, of the past for communities to explore.

The Project Proposals

A3.1.1 Kirkyard Conservation: Establishing the Resource A3.1.2 Dalzell Kirkyard Restorations Benefits and Justification The project proposals bring forward projects, which seek to preserve and enhance these historic features within the landscape. Kirkyards provide an important link to the social and cultural history of the area providing an information source for those researching genealogy and information on the professions and lives of the area’s residents. However, older kirkyards can suffer from a lack of management which can compromise their use and interpretation. These projects will support the maintenance of these features, which contribute to the historic value of the landscape.

These projects will contribute to the aim of reinforcing and restoring historic landscape patterns through maintaining the built character. In particular, this reflects the cultural importance and scenic value of structures and buildings in the landscape.

Risks Without future management there is a risk of these resources degrading further and being lost to current generations. This would result in a loss of cultural information and context for the residents of the area.

A3.1.1

KIRKYARD CONSERVATION: ESTABLISHING THE RESOURCE

Context A number of community and interest groups have undertaken historical research for their local kirkyards and burial grounds. This aim of this project is to work with existing local interest groups to share and build on their knowledge through new research and training in analysis and recording skills. The information will be used to create interpretation materials and to develop a regional conservation strategy for the area’s kirkyards and burial grounds. An important part of this will be to review conservation needs within the cemeteries.

The Proposals  

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Work with existing interest groups to collate and review burial ground research for the area to date and to consider the need for further research and specialist training.

Record kirkyard and burial ground histories on the cultural hub for the Landscape Partnership area and develop interpretation materials so this important history can be told and shared between interest groups and fully appreciated by local people.

Develop a regional conservation strategy for the burial grounds and kirkyards within the Partnership area to inform their long-term management and maintenance and consider conservation needs.

Develop a conservation works action programme and consider volunteer and training opportunities in undertaking and completing this work.

Benefits and Justification Development of a detailed kirkyard and burial grounds history with interpretation material for the project area, providing greater understanding and appreciation of local cultural heritage.

Skills training for volunteers and sharing of information between existing interest groups.

Development of a regional conservation strategy for the partnership area to help ensure these sites are managed and conserved appropriately in response to their historic landscape, cultural and biodiversity value.

Risks Risks to the project include insufficient volunteer interest to record and digitise existing site histories or complete any further research that might be required. Some smaller burial grounds are located on private land, so it will be necessary to maintain continued support for the project amongst these landowners.

Audience: Local history groups with an interest in kirkyards, private burial ground owners and the local community.

Outputs: local interest groups trained in research and recording skills as necessary, kirkyard and burial ground histories recorded on the ‘cultural hub’ and interpretation materials produced, regional conservation strategy produced and a conservation works programme (individual Conservation management plans for at least 3 sites) developed for the area.

Media outputs: News stories associated with kirkyards and burial grounds in the Valleys.

Promotion of the project more widely e.g. to other landscape partnerships and by historic conservation bodies for example.

Training and education: historic research and recording skills, local history interpretation material, possible conservation training and volunteer opportunities.

Partners: Project to be co-ordinated by community engagement officer, with specialist support provided by a consultant. Project partners include local historical societies (Stonehouse Historical Society and Motherwell Heritage Society) New Lanark Trust, North and South Lanarkshire Councils.

Private land involvement: Kirkyards and burial grounds under different ownership and management: including North and South Lanarkshire Councils (Cambusnethan Cemetery, Stonehouse Cemetery, Glassford Kirkyard, Dalserf Kirkyard, and St.Patrick’s Kirkyard in Dalzell Estate), and New Lanark Trust (New Lanark Burial Ground), Maudslie Estate (Winston Churchill’s sister’s private family burial ground), individual Covenanter graves on private ground and other private grounds highlighted through further research.

A3.1.2

DALZELL KIRKYARD RESTORATIONS

Context St. Patrick’s Graveyard is the site of the first Christian Church in the Motherwell area. It houses the mausoleum of the Hamilton of Dalzell family as well as the graves of local people dating back many centuries. The mausoleum has been restored as part of a previous project but has recently been vandalised. However the graveyard has had little recent attention.

Parts of it have become very fragile and the surrounding wall is in need of significant repair.

The Proposals 

Repair cemetery wall.

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Fell poor condition trees and inappropriate tree regeneration.

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Re–erect fallen grave stones.

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Repair damage to mausoleum.

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Interpret local history by focussing on graveyard.

Benefits and Justification The cemetery is of great local importance but is in poor condition. It could be a focus for local history.

Risks Risks to the project include further deterioration if the graveyard so that it becomes unsafe and priceless history is lost.

Audience: Local communities and history societies.

Outputs: The graveyard brought back to a safe and useable condition.

Media outputs: Local Newspapers and outlets for interpretation.

Training and education: There are currently volunteer activities in the Estate, it is a Countryside Ranger stewardship site, and there is an active programme of training with the Phoenix Futures addiction charity. All of these will continue or be enhanced as part of this project.

Partners: Potential involvement with Motherwell Heritage Society, and the Lanarkshire Family History Society who have been active in historical surveying of the graveyard.

Private land involvement: N/A.

A3.2

UNCOVERING THE PAST

Context The Clyde and Avon Valley has a rich heritage resulting from its importance for industry from mining to fruit growing, and its settlement from Neolithic times. This is evidenced through the range of features identified within the landscape and reflected in the project proposals.

The Project Proposals

A3.2.1 Cartland Craigs: Archaeological Investigation of Castle Qua A3.2.2 Capturing our Industrial, Horticultural and Agricultural Past Benefits and Justification There is limited information on the earthwork at Cartland Craigs known as Castle Qua, and investigation of this site will yield important information. This will allow future management of the site to reflect and provide opportunities for interpretation for visitors. Wider research to catalogue the development of the Clyde and Avon Valleys’ landscape through time will provide a resource for guiding future work, interpretation opportunities and scope for local volunteers to become involved in the projects.

These projects contribute to the aim of reinforcing and restoring historic landscape patterns and maintaining the built character and landscape setting of settlements through recognising and enhancing the cultural importance and scenic value of structures and buildings.

Risks Without these projects, there is a risk that information on the history of the landscape would not be recorded and interpreted resulting in a potential loss of historical information through future landscape change.

A3.2.1

CARTLAND CRAIGS: ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF CASTLE QUA

Context The Cartland Craigs section of the National Nature Reserve (NNR) contains the historical ‘monument’ of Castle Qua. This is a medieval earthworks at a spectacular location on the edge of the precipitous gorge, thought to date back to around 1100. Little is known about the castle, other than there was a souteraine (an underground living space) inside it at some point.

The castle is a part of the cultural and historical heritage of the NNR and the Reserve Plan proposes that we appoint qualified archaeologists to undertake an initial study of the feature, to hopefully be followed by a more detailed archaeological investigation into the site. It would be hoped that local historical and archaeological societies can also take part in the investigation and be key players in any subsequent interpretation of the castle for the benefit of Reserve visitors.

The Proposals 

Appoint archaeological consultants to undertake an initial site investigation.

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Archaeological investigation used as a training programme to build capacity for local community.

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Archaeological investigation undertaken by consultants, with support from community where possible.

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The production of an archaeological report to describe the findings of the investigation and propose how best to manage and protect the castle in the future.

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The production of (on-site) interpretation about the castle for visitors to the NNR.

Benefits and Justification We currently know extremely little about this important feature on the NNR; this project will add colour and interest to the historical and cultural story of the reserve and inform our future management of the castle.

Members of local historical societies will have the opportunity to contribute to the research.

Risks Not getting scheduled monument consent. Any excavations will have to be undertaken in a sensitive manner by fully qualified archaeologists and the site restored to an appropriate condition upon completion of the project.

Audience: Reserve visitors and historians / archaeologists.

Outputs: A report into the status and history of Castle Qua. On site interpretation, a programme of training and information events both on and off site, website content Media outputs: Potential press story, website content.

Training and education: Training in a variety of skills required to undertake and archaeological investigation of a site from research to post-excavation.

Partners: SNH to lead with consultants, in collaboration with Historic Scotland and local groups.

Private land involvement: N/A

A3.2.2

CAPTURING OUR INDUSTRIAL, HORTICULTURAL AND AGRICULTURAL PAST

Context The Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Historical Development Study (June 2011) confirmed the importance of past and present industries – horticulture, fruit growing, agriculture, brick and clay manufacture, quarrying, milling – in shaping the Landscape Partnership area. This project will capture this development and change through oral histories, historical research, photography and re-photography. The project will record this important history on the Cultural hub. It will develop interpretation materials and hold a series of small exhibitions to tell the story of change in the valleys and celebrate the industrial, horticultural and agricultural legacy of the area. The information will be used to inform the derelict land strategy for the area and to consider conservation and re-use opportunities.

The Proposals 

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Oral history project capturing a potted history of working life in the valleys and how this has shaped that landscape of today: former industries (quarrying, clay extraction and brick manufacture, milling, fruit growing and market gardening, estate work, agriculture and changing farming practices). Oral histories will be recorded on the Landscape Partnership’s cultural hub and used in interpretation, tourism and storytelling materials.

Photography and re-photography project to capture the working landscape of the past and to compare it to shots of the present day in order to celebrate the industrial, horticultural and agricultural legacy. Photography will be recorded on the cultural hub, used in interpretation and tourism material and exhibited at events throughout the area.

Work to identify and map all the existing and former industry sites within the Partnership area (quarries, clay pits, nurseries etc.) from OS and other sources, followed by a field assessment of their current status and condition, with a view to identifying the potential for conservation, enhancement, reclamation or interpretation within a wider scheme.

 Benefits and Justification The project will tell the story of past industry, horticulture and agriculture in the area and how this has shaped the landscape that we experience and enjoy today. It will provide volunteer opportunities in tracing, capturing and telling this story, through oral history research, photography and archival research and will deliver a range of training and skills development opportunities in undertaking this work.

Risks Insufficient volunteer interest in undertaking oral history research, photography and rephotography project and survey work. Lack of support from landowners to allow access to sites on private.

Audience: Local interest groups and historical societies, volunteers, schools groups, local community Outputs: oral history research capturing a potted history of working life in the valleys completed and recorded on the virtual museum; series of photography and rephotography courses and workshops held with local interest groups and schools; tourism and story-telling materials produced; all former industrial and horticultural sites identified and mapped; interpretation, conservation, enhancement, reclamation or interpretation considered for those sites, oral history equipment and guidance for community to deliver own projects Media outputs: News stories associated with past-working life in the valleys, and project volunteer opportunities and community events.

Promotion of the project more widely e.g. to other landscape partnerships.

Training and education: oral history training, photography and re-photography skills training, mapping and analysis skills and interpretation material training.

Partners: Private land involvement: Many of the sites involved will be located on private land.

A3.3

VIEWPOINTS AND LANDMARKS

Context The historical significance of the landscape in poetry and art means that certain viewpoints are recognised as particularly important in providing classic views of the most important landscape features. This includes the viewpoint at Corra Linn and the Hall of Mirrors at Falls of Clyde. The designed landscapes also include features which contribute to the appreciation of the landscape, for example providing focal points in key views. There is a need for systematic review and categorisation of these features to identify those at risk.

The Project Proposals

A3.3.1 Corra Linn Viewpoint A3.3.2 North Lodge Bridge, New Lanark Benefits and Justification The viewpoints and landmarks within the landscape make an important contribution to the understanding of the historical significance of the area, as well as contributing to the landscape value. Restoration of viewpoints and other landscape features allows visitors to experience the landscape as it was, and to make links to the art and poetry that those experiences generated.

The importance of the rivers in the landscape means that bridges have a particular historic significance as crossing points and as a means for accessing and enjoying the landscape as a whole. Bridges are important in supporting wider access and enjoyment of the landscape.

Risks Without these projects the viewpoints and landmarks within the Clyde and Avon Valley would be at risk of future decline as a result of a lack of systematic review to identifying and protecting important features. There would be a lack of recognition of the contribution that all features make to the landscape overall.

A3.3.1

CORRA LINN VIEWPOINT

Context The Corra Linn viewpoint is a 19th century constructed viewing platform on two levels giving the closest views of the Corra Linn waterfalls on the River Clyde.

Corra Linn viewpoint has high site significance to the Falls of Clyde NNR, as the main viewpoint for what many consider to be the best of the three Falls and the largest (in terms of water flow in its natural state) waterfall in Britain (of outstanding national value, as above), on account of its long history and associations with writers and painters, particularly during the 19th century, and as a core component of the Corehouse designed landscape.

A constructed viewpoint on a natural promontory above the lowest fall at Corra Linn, with the remains of steps and a path down to another viewing position level with the waterfall. The upper platform is in fair condition, but requires thorough repair (repointing, replace cement cope etc). The wall and rail are of insufficient height for safety.

The lower viewpoint will be partitioned off for safety.

The Proposals     

Clearance of vegetation to allow full inspection of condition.

Repairs to upper platform wall.

Repairs and raising level of upper level rail.

Partition off lower viewpoint Signage and interpretation, including the history of the viewpoint and its significance in art history.

Benefits and Justification Conservation of this historically significant viewpoint. Improvements to visitor access and safety. This is part of the suite of conservation works identified for the Falls of Clyde NNR in 2004.

Risks The loss of an historic viewing facility used by Jacob More when painting Corra Linn. Health and safety issues relating to poor condition of walls and handrails. Loss of historic viewing location if conservation works are not carried out.

Audience: FOC NNR, visitors to the partnership area.

Outputs: Access to historic viewing location is conserved and improved and made safe for visitors.

Media outputs: Press coverage of the viewpoint restoration. Potential for interpretive signage near the viewpoint.

Training and education: SWT is the lead and delivery will be through the SWT Conservation Training Team. Possibility of training in stonework and blacksmiths skills if contractor takes part in apprenticeship scheme.

Partners: SWT, FOC NNR Private land involvement: The upper viewpoint and surrounding land is owned by the Corehouse Estate. The river and riverbank including the lower viewpoint is owned by Scottish Power. An access agreement with SWT exists for the area.

A3.3.2

NORTH LODGE BRIDGE, NEW LANARK

Context North Lodge Bridge (NGR NS 8824 4239) is an historic feature of the New Lanark and Falls of Clyde landscape, dating from the 18th century.

The bridge is a feature of the landscape at the eastern end of New Lanark Village, beyond Caithness Row. In the 19th century, tickets for visitors to the Falls of Clyde were dispensed from the North Lodge beside the bridge, but the building itself has been long demolished. It is still used by walkers to access the Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve. It provides an alternative route to the riverside / boardwalk path.

Description It is a small semi-circular arched stone bridge with curved parapets. It is in need of general repair to the stonework, including rebuilding of the parapet walls, and re-pointing of the arched openings.

The Proposals     

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A condition survey and costing Rebuild parapet walls to bridge Repair to bridge Local research project with interpretation Training/work experience event days – opportunities for unemployed to come out for a day and work on project, potentially with HS Stone Conservation Team.

Carry out stone repairs as required.

Benefits and Justification The bridge is an historic feature of the New Lanark and Falls of Clyde landscape, dating from the 18th century. It provides an alternative access route from New Lanark to the Falls of Clyde, which can otherwise only be reached by following the path at the riverside level. This is not always accessible, if the river is high. In addition, the road over North Lodge Bridge, is accessible to all-terrain mobility vehicles and sturdy wheelchairs, meaning that it offers a more viable option for the disabled – the steps leading up from the village to the riverside path are a major barrier to access for the less mobile.

Risks If this bridge is not repaired and maintained, it may become unsafe for public use, thereby limiting pedestrian access from New Lanark to the Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve.

Audience: walkers – locals and visitors, as well as mobility impaired visitors.

Outputs: historic bridge repaired; landscape feature retained; traditional access route to the Falls of Clyde preserved for public use; volunteer training in research, volunteer hours in research and interpretation, training/work experience event days, content for website Media outputs: newspaper Training and education: Collaborate with HS Stone Conservation on days training; this has been identified as best method by HS for incorporating training as there is not enough work for apprenticeship. The aim would be to give unemployed opportunities at small scale work experience and see if this is work they would be interested in. It will also be used to raise awareness with partners about conservation quality required for historic structure work. Education/training through community research project and interpretation.

Partners: New Lanark Trust, Historic Scotland (potentially) Private land involvement: owned by New Lanark Trust

A3.4

VILLAGES AND FARMSTEADS

Context The built heritage, even the vernacular, contributes to the landscape qualities and character of the area. The built character provides an important link to the history of the development of the area The Project Proposals

A3.4.1 Engaging with the Built Heritage Benefits and Justification Conservation area appraisals have not been developed for the conservation areas within the Clyde and Avon Valley. The local community are not aware of the value of these areas and how to look after them for the future. A community engagement project will provides an important opportunity to catalogue and understand the history and features of these settlements, and other vernacular buildings in the CAVLP area. The aim will be to improve understanding and care of these areas through education.

These projects contribute to the aim of maintaining the built character and landscape setting of settlements through restoring the landscape character and scenic quality where the scale, siting and design of past development has been incompatible with its location and setting.

Risks Without these projects there is a risk to the landscape that the character and qualities of the conservation areas and wider landscape character is not understood that it will not be protected and that change occurs which is detrimental to the character of the wider landscape and the conservation areas themselves.

A3.4.1

ENGAGING WITH THE BUILT HERITAGE

Context This project will involve engaging local communities with the villages they live in, particularly with conservation areas located within the CAVLP boundary. The project will over different opportunities for people to engage with the buildings where they live, to explore their value and to consider why it is important to protect and care for them as part of our heritage.

The Proposals  Creating workshop plans aimed at exploring the heritage and built environment of towns and settlements, working with community groups and drawing support from local civic network  Create records of places through research and photography and mapping  Develop skills in photograph, research and technology  Work with communities to develop interpretation both physically and online to highlight importance of the buildings in their area.  Create resources that can be used locally and beyond CAVLP to enable communities to engage with their built environment.  Encourage membership to the local civic network Benefits and Justification Offering opportunities for communities to explore and learn about their built heritage and tell others about it will raise awareness of the built value of these areas and create a civic pride. In some areas of CAVLP it is clear that this is not understood and damaging moves have been made through development that affect tis value. The aim is to ensure communities are proactive in considering this value in future changes and developments that occur and understand the avenues they can take to help protect these places for the future.

Risks Risks to the project are no interest from community.

Audience: Public Outputs: exhibitions, content for memory bank and virtual museum, resources for recording built environment Media outputs: various workshop events, articles about groups work Training and education: photography, research and mapping Partners: To be confirmed Private land involvement: None

Biodiversity in the Landscape

A4

The Clyde and Avon Valley is recognised for its conservation value as illustrated by the presence of Clyde Valley Woods Special Area of Conservation, Clyde Valley Woods National Nature Reserve,14 Sites of Special Interest for Conservation, and sites managed as reserves by Scottish Wildlife Trust and RSPB. The natural heritage value of the area is intrinsic to its landscape value. The aims of this workstream are to carry out research to provide a greater understanding of the biodiversity value of the area, and to understand the issues associated with nonnative species and to carryout control works where required. The worksteam also takes forward a project to improve biodiversity of the Avon Water through construction of a fish pass.

Projects in this work stream include:

A4.1 Aliens and Natives A4.1.1 A4.1.2 A4.1.3 A4.1.4

Invasive Species: Monitoring and Control Undertake biological recording and monitoring Carbarns Woodlands Carluke Golf Course Woodland Creation

A4.2 Rivers of Life A4.2.1

Avon Water: Fish Pass - Consultancy

A4.1

ALIENS AND NATIVES

Context Knowledge and understanding of the biodiversity value of the area is important to its management for landscape objectives. There has been limited habitat and species monitoring within the Clyde and Avon Landscape Partnership area and therefore there is a lack of information to inform future management. Invasive species can have a significant impact on biodiversity value and landscape character. We want to encourage biodiversity across our programme including new plantings of native woodland and plants, the planting projects encourage communities to think about how biodiversity is enhanced through their delivery.

The Project Proposals

A4.1.1 Invasive Species: Survey and Control A4.1.2 Biological Recording and Monitoring A4.1.3 Carbarns Woodland A4.1.4 Carluke Golf Course Woodland Creation Benefits and Justification These projects will provide sufficient information to ensure that landscape management activities are streamlined with biodiversity aims and objectives. This will ensure that future management of the biodiversity is based on a sound information base, and help to identify priorities for the Landscape Partnership area.

This project reflects the aim of reinforcing and restoring historic landscape patterns through understanding the ecological and biological value of the landscape to inform the future landscape management of the landscape partnership area.

Risks Without this project, there would be a lack of information to ensure future management of the landscape contributes positively to biodiversity aims, and a lack of strategic management of invasive species.

A4.1.1

INVASIVE SPECIES: MONITORING AND CONTROL

Context Invasive, non-native species have been identified as a significant threat to the biodiversity of several habitats within the project area; notably the riparian zone and woodlands.

The Proposals Across the whole project area, to undertake a comprehensive survey of three target invasive species that are deemed to be a significant threat to priority habitats. These species are Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica), Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) and Rhododendron ponticum. 

Agree survey and data management methodologies through NLC and SLC LBAP Partnerships.

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Undertake surveys of all watercourses.

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Undertake surveys of all woodlands.

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Agree a systematic, phased programme of control.

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Implement control programme.

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Continue to implement control programme post-project (where required) and monitor effectiveness.

Benefits and Justification Himalayan balsam and Japanese knotweed already dominate some parts of the River Clyde in the northern part of the project area and are expanding their area. Upstream infestations can infect clear areas and these species are spreading from multiple points. A programme of mapping, followed by a systematic control programme will benefit biodiversity, landscape and the accessibility of watercourses for recreational access. The removal of rhododendron from the Clyde Valley woodlands will allow regeneration of ground flora and soil biodiversity, as well as improving woodland structure and visual attractiveness. Much survey work can be undertaken by community volunteers within a supported and co-ordinated framework.

Risks Without control measures, Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam will continue to expand along watercourses in the project area to the detriment of biodiversity, access and visual amenity. Unmanaged, rhododendron will continue to dominate the under storey of many woodland areas, preventing regeneration and progressively reducing biodiversity.

Survey and control measures must be run in parallel to wider programmes in North and

South Lanarkshire, to avoid infection from upstream. This is being managed through the Councils and LBAP Partnerships.

Audience: Local communities, visitors and recreational users Outputs: Map riparian corridors of CAVLP for main INNS species, report, GIS data Media outputs: Training and education: related training projects B1.1.3, this project informs volunteering in invasive species removal activities across programme Partners: NLC, SLC, CSFT Private land involvement:

A4.1.2

BIOLOGICAL RECORDING AND MONITORING

Context There has been little recording of habitats and species in the Landscape Partnership area, in comparison with other parts of the UK; this can be evidenced by a search for species records on the National Biodiversity Network. To direct, monitor and evaluate many components of project delivery, biological recording should be encouraged and developed within the project area but this must be managed and prioritised within a strategic framework.

The Proposals 

Prioritise species groups and habitats for which information is required and commission specialist surveys, where appropriate.

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Identify and develop local capacity for accepting, managing and diseminating biological records

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Develop, pilot and evaluate targeted species surveys designed to provide qualitative indicators of change in habitats managed under the CAVLP.

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Develop capacity to undertake and sustain biological recording activity across the local community.

Benefits and Justification A structured approach to biological recording will allow long term evaluation of the habitat improvements undertaken under the CAVLP and inform future management directions.

There is considerable opportunity to develop local capacity to engage in this area of work.

While specialist recording effort will bring early benefits in increasing understanding of the existing biodiversity of the project area, long term evaluation methodologies must be sustainable and thus based upon data that can be gathered by local volunteers, etc.

Risks The proposed habitat improvement projects within the CAVLP must be evaluated and monitored in the long term to assess their effectiveness and direct changes in approach, where required. Targeted biological recording should be a core component of this but must be developed within a strategic framework and with access to adequate, local survey capacity.

Audience: Local communities, visitors and recreational users Outputs: Community awareness programmes; information material; guidance sheets and webbased material; Media outputs: results and developments reported in local press.

Training and education: Direct opportunities Partners: SNH, RSPB, SWT, SLC, NLC, BTCV, CCI, CSFT, GCVGNP, CSGNP. Private land involvement: Survey work will need to take place on private land by agreement with owners

A4.1.3

CARBARNS WOODLAND

Context The creation of native woodland on the edge of Netherton to encourage biodiversity.

The Proposals 

Create five hectares of native woodland linked to local path network.

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Plant fruit and flowering plants along the margins of the footpaths and mature relic hedges to encourage biodiversity.

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Use the work as a training project for hard-to-reach or employability in woodland creation activities e.g. planting, fencing

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Encourage the local Primary School to use the site in curriculum delivery

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Involve local community in the woodland planting

Benefits and Justification Encourage biodiversity and native species along the fringes of a large residential area of the Clyde and Avon valley Landscape. Encourage the local community, especially through the primary school, to understand the importance of woodlands and provide a new space for them to enjoy in the future.

Risks n/a Audience: Netherton community Outputs: 5 hectares of native woodland and planting, trained individuals in work relating to woodland creation, Netherton Primary School environmental activities, local community planting, Media outputs: press releases, three community updates circulated locally in before, during then after planting Training and education: training in woodland creation activities, photography in the landscape (Netherton Primary School supported by Alba Photography Society), environmental games Partners: NLC, CSFT Private land involvement: Path links agreed with adjacent landowner who owns the woodland immediately to the east

A4.1.4

CARLUKE GOLF COURSE WOODLAND CREATION

Context The project aims to deliver training and volunteering opportunities for local people through the creation of two hectares of woodland at Carluke Golf Course.

The golf course sits on the shoulders of the scenic Clyde Valley and two rights of way run through the site linking walkers to Jock’ Gill Wood (a SSSI) and the Clyde Walkway. A total of 9 areas of woodland have been designed to provide shelter for users of the golf course as well as enhancing the landscape character of the area. The new woodland will strengthen and extend woodland habitat networks and contribute to conserving bio-diversity in the area.

The Proposals 

Create 2.16 hectares of new woodland planting

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Collaborate with Carluke Golf Course youth training programme in the woodland creation

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Engage with golfing community to contribute with the tree planting through a planting event.

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Use the work as a training project for hard-to-reach or employability in woodland creation activities

Benefits and Justification Encourage biodiversity and native species and enhance links to the Clyde Valley walkway. The planting will benefit users of the golf course but also local people who are welcome to use the rights of way.

Risks n/a

Audience: walkers, golfers, young people, local community Outputs:   

2.16 hectares of new native woodland created 1 planting event 60+ young people engaged – talk given to 60+ Junior Members of Carluke Golf Course and 15 young people took part in the planting event  Training - the capital works were delivered by a training provider and 6 trainees received formal, on-the job training in tree planting, aftercare and health and safety (trainees were disadvantaged young people on a training programme delivered in partnership with Barnardos. In addition, 26 volunteers received on-the-job training in tree planting and care through the planting event (15 young people and 11 adults)  12 formal training days delivered by the contractor and ½ day training delivered to volunteers by CSGNT Media outputs: Press release Training and education: training in woodland creation activities Partners: Carluke Golf Club, Central Scotland Green Network Trust Private land involvement: Carluke Golf Club

A4.2

RIVERS OF LIFE

Context The watercourses of the valleys are vital to the biodiversity value of the area. It is important to consider the role of the rivers strategically in the control of invasive sepcies, as being delivered through A4.1. They are also an important habitat and it is a priority of the partnership to ensure that human use of the river does not affect the life within and alongside it. A key issue for the area is that the Avon is impassable for spawning salmon.

The Project Proposals

A4.2.1 Avon Water: Fish Pass - Consultancy Benefits and Justification

The return of salmon and sea trout to the Avon water would bring benefits to upstream communities through increased opportunities for angling related tourism, etc. Salmon is a priority species under the South Lanarkshire LBAP and the restoration of access to the Avon catchment would provide a major expansion of spawning habitat for the recovering Clyde population.

Risks Salmon no long live in the Avon.

A4.2.1

AVON WATER: FISH PASS CONSULTANCY

Context Two former mill weirs on the Avon Water are classed as impassable by SEPA and are preventing salmon from entering the Avon catchment to spawn. Prior to the construction of these weirs in the mid 19th century there was a salmon fishery on the Avon and the river has the potential to provide a significant 35km of new spawning area on the Clyde system. Initiated through CAVLP interest in this issue SEPA have identified it as a national priority and would like to take this forward facilitating either the removal of the weirs or measures to ease the passage of migratory fish across both structures. This project will bring the Avon Water and its tributaries into favourable status under the Water Framework Directive.

This project will be a detailed report covering all aspects of the engineering and mitigation works required and providing a fully costed solution for subsequent implementation. Mitigation measures will take into account all heritage structures in the vicinity, control of sediment and potential pollutants and biodiversity impacts.

Main considerations of the study will be:

• • • • • • • •

Site access Local ecology and vulnerable receptors Visual and amenity impacts Utility services Build up and toxicity of material behind structure Potential Impact on neighbouring structures, including three listed bridges Feasibility has to take account of upstream barrier and options for passage Feasibility has to also assess potential scour to bridges

The study will include a consultation exercise with local communities, key agencies and other stakeholders.

Project Partners are: SLC, SEPA, River and Fisheries Trust Scotland (RAFTS), Clyde River Foundation (CRF), Avon Angling Club.

The Proposals 

Consultancy with stakeholders



Detailed project design with all engineering measures and mitigation work fully costed.

Benefits and Justification Work on project implementation cannot start without this study, which is critical to the delivery of the final outcome. SEPA and other project partners are committed to taking forward the implementation phase once a fully costed plan has been delivered. The implementation costs could range from ÂŁ500,000 to ÂŁ1m, depending upon the recommended solution, taking it beyond the scope of the CAVLP programme. By initiating the project, however, and contributing to the preparatory engineering assessments, CAVLP will be supporting a very significant environmental improvement to the whole Clyde River system, to the direct benefit of local communities. CAVLP engagement has, furthermore, ensured that the potential impacts on important heritage structures, landscape and biodiversity on the Avon water are given full consideration in the study.

The return of salmon and sea trout to the Avon water would bring benefits to upstream communities through increased opportunities for angling related tourism, etc. Salmon is a priority species under the South Lanarkshire LBAP and the restoration of access to the Avon catchment would provide a major expansion of spawning habitat for the recovering Clyde population.

Risks Risk

Mitigation

High rainfall could delay completion of elements that require work on the weir structures and river bed

In this event, work elements not requiring physical presence in the river bed will be prioritised and site based work delayed until conditions improve

Weir owners unwilling to accept recommended mitigation measures

Weir owners (including SLC) have been involved in the project development process and liabilities as well as opportunities associated with the structures have been discussed in detail.

Engagement with owners will continue throughout project development and implementation.

Public concerns about removal or alteration of weir structures, in terms of heritage and landscape impacts

Once the technical recommendations have been received, a comprehensive communication and consultation process will be run to ensure public awareness, inform implementation options and mitigation, where possible.

Audience: Riparian owners, Angling Associations, tourism based businesses, local and visiting anglers Outputs: A report detailed action plan and costs for improving fish passage Media outputs: This would be a high profile “good news” story for the local environment, the economy of Avondale and the West of Scotland. Interpretation panels would be erected on public land beside the Weir and all information material would carry funders’ logos, etc.

Training and education: The project interconnects with other CAVLP activities that aim to highlight biodiversity in the valley, including working with the Clyde River Foundation.

Partners: SLC, Clyde River Foundation, Avon Angling Club, SEPA. Private land involvement: Part of the weir is in the joint, private ownership of residents of a nearby housing estate. There is no financial benefit to private owners from this project.