Kelvin Valley Country Park News

The Kelvin Valley Park area is a rich and diverse resource for wildlife. North Lanarkshire Council recognises the nature conservation value of this area and in 1998 confirmed a series of Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation or SINCs across the area. (that had first been designated for the Kilsyth Local Plan following field work and review by the Countryside Officer of Cumbernauld and Kilsyth District Council in 1989)The designation is non statutory and so has no impact on the day to day management of each site by the owner but is in place to help us flag up the wildlife value of each site and protect them against inappropriate development that may harm or destroy the wildlife or habitat special to that place.

At least 53 sites have been designated between Cumbernauld, Twechar, Banknock and the Carron Valley including Colzium Park, Dumbreck Marsh, Nethercroy & Croy Hill.

During 2007-2009, North Lanarkshire Council will be undertaking a review of our SINC system and why each site was designated to ensure that our natural heritage is given the best protection we can afford it through this system. Sites will be re-surveyed, stronger links made to our local biodiversity action plan priorities, and potential management action to enhance these sites identified. In addition, we aim to designate additional sites where appropriate. Of high importance will be the designation of the Garrell and Ebroch Burn systems with the support of Kilsyth Community Council who have stressed the wildlife interest of the burn corridors. Local knowledge must never be undervalued, and we look forwards to working with the people of the Kelvin Valley to safeguard the natural heritage of your area.

Dr Paul Baker, Ecologist, Conservation & Greening Unit, North Lanarkshire Council, Palacerigg House, Cumbernauld G67 3HU

Colzium House and the Kilsyth Hills (above, photo RK)

Kilsyth and the nearby villages of Croy, Banton, Queenzieburn, and Twechar are well worth a visit - and now there is a great network of foot and cycle paths connecting all the attractions.

At the foot of the Kilsyth Hills, the Kelvin Valley's sheltered position at the heart of Scotland means that it is easily accessible and ideally located for a day trip, family holiday, or as a great base for a walking, golf, fishing or touring holiday, by car, canal boat, horse or bike. The canal is on the Lands End to John O' Groats long distance walk and the South of Scotland Way, as well as being at the half-way point for the shortest walk across Scotland along the Forth and Clyde canal.

Nearby attractions include Colzium estate, the magnificent Falkirk Wheel, a huge boat lift that connects the Union and Forth & Clyde Canal networks, Stirling's magnificent Renaissance palace and castle, and the Antonine wall - the northern edge of the Roman Empire. And Kilsyth is less than an hour from Glasgow, Falkirk, Stirling and Edinburgh by train or car - an ideal and affordable base for all the major festivals.

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Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation: What and where are they?