The Nature of Scotland â Autumn 2011 â Issue 13

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7 7 There are good numbers of badgers on the reserve. Look for clues that they're present, such as tufts of coarse grey or black hair on fence wires and posts or beside well worn animal tracks. 8 The Clyde Valley Woods are rare remnants of ancient forests that once covered much of southern and central Scotland. 5 5 Leitchford Bridge Leitchford Bridge is one of the few locations where it's possible to cross the Mouse Water and make a return to Lanark along Bellefield Road. However, our walk continues towards Cleghorn Bridge, following the north bank of the river. Listen out here for the whisper of aspen trees and the hammering of great spotted woodpeckers. Also, when the water is low, you might spot one of the ancient stones in the river that mark the boundary of the Royal Burgh of Lanark. These 'march' stones are part of the Lanimer tradition dating back to 1140. This tradition is celebrated each June when the townsfolk 'process' around the burgh boundary. 6 Cleghorn Gorge The path now winds its way through gorge woodland for another 1.5 km (1 mile) before the final viewpoint of the day. On your way, look out for treecreepers, roe deer and the abundant signs of the many badgers that live here. In May, this area is awash with bluebells, which benefit from the selective felling of beech and sycamore. However, in the autumn the woodland is an enchanting ever-changing patchwork of richly drawn colours, touched by frost and torn by gales. Please take care near the eastern end of the reserve as the path is at the very edge of the precipitous gorge, and you should keep children and dogs under close control. Near the end of the walk, there's an informal seating area that looks straight into the dramatic rock chasm of Cleghorn Gorge. The walk concludes at Cleghorn Bridge on the A706, from where you can retrace your steps or catch a bus back to Lanark. Clyde Valley Woodlands is one of over 50 national nature reserves in Scotland. Find out more at www.nnrscotland.org.uk. 40 The Nature of Scotland
Essential information 8 The woodlands are just to the north of Lanark. There's room for a few cars at a small parking area on the northwest side of Cartland Bridge, about 1.5 km (1 mile) northwest of the town centre on the A73. Take care entering and leaving the car park. Lanark is less than an hour's drive from Glasgow (40 km / 25 miles) or Edinburgh (56 km / 35 miles) and is well sign posted from the M74. It has a regular train link with Glasgow Central and Motherwell. If you want detailed timings for public transport, contact Traveline Scotland on 0871 200 2233 or visit www.travelinescotland.com OS maps Explorer 335 (Lanark & Tinto Hills) Landranger 72 (Upper Clyde Valley) Trail length Cleghorn Glen and Cartland Craigs form two separate areas of woodland. A path links the two, creating a linear walk of about 4.5 km (3 miles). Terrain Conditions underfoot are generally good, but the path can get muddy in places after wet weather. There are steep slopes and unfenced, unstable cliffs throughout the reserve. Exercise caution and keep away from the gorge edges, especially with children. Dogs Please follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and local guidance at the reserve. Please keep your dog(s) under close control or on a short lead and comply with any notices you see. A short lead is taken to be two metres, and 'under close control' means the dog is able to respond to your commands and is kept close at heel. Further information You can download a leaflet about the reserve at www.snh.gov.uk/ publications-data-and-research/ publications/search-the-catalogue/ publication-detail/?id=1371 Nearby natural attractions Visit the Falls of Clyde to enjoy another of the woodlands that make up the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve. The Falls of Clyde reserve (owned and managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust) lies about 1.5 km (1 mile) south of the town of Lanark, and is reached through the historic village of New Lanark. The reserve has a network of paths and stretches along both sides of the Clyde gorge, from New Lanark to Bonnington Weir. To see the falls at their most spectacular, visit the reserve within one day of heavy rain, especially if the ground is already wet. The reserve visitor centre also provides live footage of nesting peregrine falcons during the breeding season. Another part of the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve is the Avon Gorge at Chatelherault (owned and managed by South Lanarkshire Council). The restored building at Chatelherault now houses a visitor centre and is the gateway to a country park. There are some 16 km (10 miles) of stunning gorge walks along the River Avon and through ancient woodland, some of which is the oldest in the country. 6 www.snh.gov.uk 41
Page 1: Scottish Natural Heritage Autumn 20
Page 4 and 5: Credits The Nature of Scotland The
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Page 10 and 11: 1 The power of natural play 8 The N
Page 12 and 13: value of smaller scale, loose, natu
Page 14 and 15: 7 8 If you go down to the woods Nat
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Page 20 and 21: NEWS Dolly scientist working on clo
Page 22 and 23: NEWS Greater protection for shark,
Page 24 and 25: NEWS Extra rangers help capercailli
Page 26 and 27: Inspired by nature 1 As usual, we r
Page 28 and 29: In our third article to mark the 20
Page 30 and 31: 3 Floating homes Office workers wel
Page 32 and 33: Dualchas coitcheann Common heritage
Page 34 and 35: Supporting sporting interests 32 Th
Page 36 and 37: 2 Bad press Promoting country sport
Page 38 and 39: Reserve focus Visit the Clyde Valle
Page 40 and 41: 24 2 1 Cartland Bridge Start from t
Page 44 and 45: SNH Area News Northern Isles and No
Page 46 and 47: SNH Area News Strathclyde and Ayrsh
Page 48 and 49: Events diary 2011 October Friday 7
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Page 54 and 55: Lorne Gill Lorne is the full-time p
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The Nature of Scotland â Autumn 2011 â Issue 13

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The Nature of Scotland â Autumn 2011 â Issue 13