Wildlife Centre
New Lanark
Glasgow & The Clyde
p: +44 (0) 1555 665262
w: Website
The Scottish Wildlife Trust's Falls of Clyde wildlife reserve lies 1 mile south of the town of Lanark and can be accessed through the historic village of New Lanark, or from the Clyde walkway. The reserve covers 59 hectares along both sides of the steep Clyde gorge and is made up of areas of ancient woodland containing steep cliffs, which drop to the River Clyde below. The River flows through the gorge and over a series of spectacular waterfalls from which the reserve takes its name.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust manages the ancient woodlands and riverbanks with nature conservation in mind, and is gradually replacing conifer plantations on the reserve with deciduous trees such as birch, oak and ash. The Trust also has a Ranger Service based on the reserve Clyde which organises educational events and welcomes visitors to the reserves peregrine falcon-watching and badger-watching facilities.
The Falls of Clyde wildlife reserve contains a wide-range of wildlife... the woodlands are vibrant with the songs of warblers, tits and wrens and littered with wildflowers and fungi, whilst the open glades and pathways are the haunts of badgers, foxes and roe deer. Otters, dippers and kingfishers can be found by the river, whilst hunting birds make the reserve their home, including owls and peregrine falcons, which nest on the steep cliffs above the river Clyde and can be easily viewed.
Peregrine Falcon-watching at the Falls of Clyde
Visitors to the Falls of Clyde wildlife reserve have an unprecedented opportunity to view peregrine falcons at close range during the spring and summer months. The Ranger Service at the reserve has set up a viewing area, across the gorge from the peregrines' nest, where the naked eye, yet still remain far enough away not to disturb the birds. During the spring months when the birds are sitting on eggs or small chicks, the Ranger Service organises around-the-clock security for the birds.
Badger-watching at the Falls of Clyde
Visitors to the Falls of Clyde wildlife reserve during the summer evenings can attend badger-watch evenings organised by the Scottish Wildlife Trust Ranger Service. The badger-watches take place at dusk when visitors are led to a seated area overlooking the badgers' set. Numbers for the badger-watches are strictly limited and booking is essential. Bookings can be made by phoning the Ranger Service on (+44) 01555 665262.
Visitors wishing to take part in a badger-watch should wear warm clothing and be prepared to put up with the ravages of the Falls of Clyde midges! Whilst the badgers are seen more often than not, they are wild animals and the Ranger Service cannot guarantee that visitors will see them on every watch.
How to get there:
The Falls of Clyde is reached from the historic village of New lanark, which is signposted from all major routes. Once in the village, visit the Scottish Wildlife Trust's visitor centre in The Old Dyeworks to pick up a map and leaflet.
Notes:
Visitors are asked to make a small contribution to the cost of running the wildlife reserve and visitor centre. Parties must book in advance. Disabled access.
Opening Times
April - September (inclusive) : open daily.
October - March (inclusive) : open weekends / weekdays variable - please call.
January : closed.
With thanks to:
Scottish Wildlife Trust
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