Cumbernauld Greenspaces: Welcome to Cumbernauld Greenspaces - nature on the doorstep...
For those who have never been there before, a trip to Cumbernauld can be hugely surprising... Cumbernauld is full of open, green spaces, such as woodland, parks, wildlife sites and landscaping, which give the townspeople a feeling of never being very far from the countryside.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust's Cumbernauld Greenspaces project makes a significant contribution to this feeling. Comprising of over 300 hectares of open and wild spaces, which were gifted to the Trust by the Cumbernauld Development Corporation, they are managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, not as nature reserves, but as public open space. They are wildlife-friendly as well as people-friendly. Such large areas of open space are obviously of great value to a town with a population of over 50,000 people. Cumbernauld Greenspaces are used by the townspeople as areas for recreation and leisure, as a visual amenity, and as an educational resource.
They are used for dog-walking, jogging, cycling and picnics, as well as for nature study, and the Scottish Wildlife Trust has a Ranger Service based at Cumbernauld House, which works with local schools and youth groups to maximise the educational value of this "open air classroom". Furthermore, the impact of the woodlands on the landscape of the town is important in contributing to the overall impression of a very green place. Travellers on the A80 are often unaware that they are passing through such a densely populated area.
A major strength of Cumbernauld Greenspaces is its ability to involve people from the local community in its management. Townspeople have the opportunity to take part in the planning, practical management work, and monitoring of the areas by getting involved with the local Scottish Wildlife Trust group, or local volunteer groups.
Greenspaces for wildlife...
Cumbernauld Greenspaces are already of some value to wildlife. This is because the areas have not been managed intensively. Because of this, visitors to Cumbernauld are able to see such species as roe deer, sparrowhawks, badgers, woodpeckers and rabbits right into the town centre.
The Trust aims to do more... The long-term plan for Cumbernauld Greenspaces is to convert the woodland areas to as close as we can get to the original, native woodland of the area, using species such as oak, ash, birch and hazel with associated wildflowers, ferns and shrubs. This will mean the removal of conifer plantations and non-native tree species, and new planting or natural regeneration of the native ones. Other habitats, such as wildflower meadows, raised peat bogs and wetlands will also be developed.
A green townscape...
Urban greenspaces, when managed in an ecologically sympathetic manner can be of value to both people and wildlife. Cumbernauld Greenspaces aims to be a valuable recreational, leisure and educational amenity to the town while contributing significantly to the visua) appearance of the town, which can also be valuable in attracting and retaining population and industry. Cumbernauld Greenspaces demonstrates that urban green spaces do not need to be heavily manicured in the style of Victorian parks with a heavy emphasis on exotic species. Natural vegetation types, consisting of largely native species, can be just as attractive, but far more interesting and functional, as well as less costly to maintain.
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. Refreshments are available, as well as the usual facilities, and disabled access.