Local Nature Reserves in South Lanarkshire

Visit Neilsland and Earnock Local Nature Reserve to explore woodland walks, wildlife and green space just outside Hamilton. The site covers 44 hectares and stretches for nearly 3 kilometres along a former railway line. It includes woodland, steep gorge landscapes and open green areas. You can walk, enjoy nature and learn about the area’s wildlife and history.

What you will find

Neilsland and Earnock is a mix of different habitats. These include woodland along the river, steep wooded gorges and areas shaped by past industry. Some of the woodland is ancient or semi-natural, typical of the Clyde and Avon Valleys.

The site also reflects a Victorian designed landscape, where the natural features of the gorge were used to create attractive parkland. Today, this gives the reserve a varied and scenic setting.

About the local nature reserve

We designated Neilsland and Earnock as a local nature reserve in 2022. It is one of a number of sites across South Lanarkshire that protect important habitats and give people places to enjoy nature close to home.

Get involved or find out more

If you would like to learn more about how the site is managed, you can read the Local Nature Reserve management statement.

You can also contact the Countryside and Greenspace Service to ask questions or find out how to get involved:

Notice of Neilsland and Earnock Local Nature Reserve - No. 1 Declaration 2022

Notice is hereby given that, in pursuance of Sections 19 and 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, on 27 January 2022, South Lanarkshire Council declared that it intends to manage land situated at Neilsland and Earnock, Hamilton in the South Lanarkshire Council area and shown delineated within black boundaries on the Plan attached to said Declaration, as a Local Nature Reserve. In declaring this site as a Local Nature Reserve, the council aims to recognise and protect the area for its biodiversity, cultural history, educational and recreational value. The site is of local value due to its wildlife, natural environment and use by the community; through designation as a Local Nature Reserve, the council will maintain open access to this site for recreation and continue to work with the local community to make improvements for both nature and people.

Publication/inspection of documents

The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 requires South Lanarkshire Council to publish Notice of such Declarations in such manner as appears to them best suited for informing persons concerned. In terms of the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 Schedule 6 Part 3 Paragraph 9, South Lanarkshire Council are of the view that giving notice of where copies of the documentation may be inspected, or making them available for inspection in a particular manner, may give rise to a significant risk of the transmission of coronavirus, or is likely to be ineffective or inappropriate due to action taken in order to control the incidence or transmission of coronavirus and is therefore publishing this Notice and the Plan referred to here on our website. 

Enquiries

Any enquiries regarding this Notice or the Declaration should be sent by email or by post to the Countryside and Greenspace Service.

Date of Notice: 8 March 2022