News and Updates

More Recent News

Our most recent news and updates can be found on our Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/cairnhillwoodsgroup

Any questions, please do get in touch with the group at  cairnhillwoodsgroup@gmail.com.

Woodland Management Works - March 2022

Some woodland management works took place last week to protect and rejuvenate areas of Cairnhill Woods. The Woods Group are not directly involved in these works – these are decisions for the Council to make – but we’re very supportive. The works are covered by the Scottish Government Nature Restoration Fund.

Over the last few years, particularly since the pandemic, the number of users of the Woods has been increasing. Lovely to see so many of the community enjoying this green space on our doorstep, but there are some consequences. Increased trampling has affected the survival of wildflowers and trees that the Council and the Woods Group have planted to enhance the woods for nature. The Council are also concerned over erosion of some inclined paths, and associated flooding, due to increased heavy rainfall.

The plan is to temporarily close off some sensitive areas of the Woods to give these a chance to regrow and recover. Tree and bulb planting will be made in these areas and given a bit of time to establish – this way they can be enjoyed by Woods users for years to come. This has been done using cuttings from dead or dangerous trees and some temporary fencing. Deadwood is an important part of woodland as it provides habitat for a range of wildlife.

In related work, a number of bird and bat boxes and a Tawny Owl box, will be installed through the Woods.

We completely understand there is a difficult balance between the enjoyment of the Woods here today and their future sustainability – we are so lucky to have these Woods so close and we want to ensure future families have access to the same. Ultimately our lovely old trees will fall and they need to be replaced by the next generation, which needs to be given a chance to thrive. There is no “do nothing” option due to the number of visitors we now see, we need to be pro-active. Yes, the current works will have an impact, but the Woods already have a lot of paths for its size and every path is a lost area for planting.

And Cairnhill Woods are not unique – the Council manages other woodland in a similar way, for instance at Mugdock or Kilmardinny Loch. Their staff and their contractors are forestry management professionals, who have the long-term biodiversity of the Woods firmly in mind, which is their duty to their constituents.

There are calls on that post for naturalising or re-wilding of the Woods. This is precisely what the Council is aiming for with these works, but it will take time. In the long term, we hope to see new species being attracted to the Woods for everyone to enjoy.

Path Resurfacing in Cairnhill Woods

EDC work to improve paths in Cairnhill Woods will take place from Monday 29th March 2021 and will last for about a week depending on the weather. The area being improved is from the main tarmac path down to the substation at Henderland Rd.  No paths will be closed off at this time but please be aware you may not be able to take your usual route. Apologies for any inconvenience caused but it will be worth it!

Ponds created in Cairnhill Woods

New ponds were created in late June 2018, with lots of hard labour, digging, clearing and planting in record-breaking soaring temperatures. Many thanks to TCV and all the volunteers from JP Morgan, Glasgow who came along on the day!

All we need now is some rain to fill them up but I'm sure we can wait a few weeks! 

Cairnhill Woods is now an official LNCS!

As of June 2018, it's been announced that Cairnhill Woods is now officially designated a Local Nature Conservation Site! 

The LNCSs designation signals to planners and developers where there are natural features of some merit. It encourages them to consider early on these sensitive sites and opportunities to enhance the local environment.  Local planning policies may be used to protect LNCSs from inappropriate development.

This is great news!   More information about LNCS's is here:  https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/safeguarding-protected-areas-and-species/protected-areas/local-designations/local-nature-conservation-sites

Medal Walking Routes Published

Alan Fraser's work with the  Ramblers  and Walk East Dunbartonshire for the medal walking routes, see our "Nature Trails and Routes" page, or find more details at the Ramblers Association page under 'East Dunbartonshire'.  A copy of the map can be found here.

Bronze is 15 mins, Silver 30mins and Gold an hour.  All go past the bears and the last goes past a pub.