The work to improve access and boost community involvement in Castlemilk Park’s woodlands has been praised by Environment Minister Màiri McAllan.

The urban woodlands have been used extensively by local people for volunteering, health walks and for teaching school children about the environment.

To encourage more people to enjoy the greenspace, a new Connect with Castlemilk Park leaflet has been produced which details all the nature trails in the woodlands.

During a visit to Castlemilk Park, Ms McAllan said:

“The work being carried out here by local volunteers is getting more people involved in their local woodland and green space. It’s a great example of what can be achieved right in the heart of an urban area.

“The woodlands are providing a place for people to reconnect after a very tough 18 months. Even during lockdown, virtual woodland walks were being offered as part of a number of online activities. I’m glad to see that in-person activities are now resuming and would encourage people to get involved.”

Scotland’s Forestry Strategy aims to increase the diverse range of people and groups using woodlands. Scottish Forestry has been supporting Castlemilk Park since 2011 through the employment of a Community Woodland Officer.

The work at the woodland has won several awards in the past and continues to deliver multiple benefits for the local community.

Volunteers are involved in woodland maintenance and are actively involved in hosting events.

Through guided walks, school children receive environmental education about the woodlands and the many forms of wildlife that live there too.

Most Saturday’s, a health walking group meet up and walk the woodland trails. This has proved very popular and has been a big hit in helping the community meet other people.

Stuart Whittaker, Castlemilk Park’s Community Woodland Officer added:

“The years of hard work by local volunteers and support from multiple funders meant that during the pandemic the woods were an accessible and enjoyable resource for the people of Castlemilk. 

“The woods are owned by Glasgow City Council and we will continue to work with them and seek funding for further projects to improve the parks infrastructure, waterways and biodiversity.”