Local Nature Reserves in South Lanarkshire

Hamilton Low Parks

This proposed LNR is to the north and east of Hamilton, in South Lanarkshire. This series of sites has been identified as a composite LNR: Low Parks, Mausoleum wetland, Raith Haugh, the Clyde Strip, North Haugh and South Haugh.

Low Parks, North Haugh and South Haugh were originally part of the Dukes’ of Hamilton estates and would have been used for hunting and recreation. Now, these sites are important for recreation and wildlife.

Low Parks is particularly important for wildlife and consists of the golf course ponds, island pond and Barmichael Plantation.

The golf course pond area is frequently flooded by winter spates. The soil is rich and supports a summer wildflower meadow populated with several species of butterflies and other attractive insects. The ponds themselves support many aquatic invertebrates, amphibians, fish and bird species.

Island Pond is part of a closed Nature Reserve where wildfowl are left largely undisturbed. In summer many water birds breed here while in winter it provides an important resting place for ducks and whooper swans which migrate from the far north.

Barmichael Plantation also a closed Nature Reserve with one of the largest inland heronries in Scotland.

North Haugh lies between the River Clyde and the M74 and is an important breeding area for many species of migrant warblers. South Haugh is connected to it by the NCR74. (Other access can taken off the Carlisle Road near the Avonbridge Hotel.) This is mainly flat grassland crossed by a network of paths. It also has three ponds, which wildfowl use most of the year, and the Avon which is the haunt of kingfishers and otters.

For more information on the site, please read the LNR Management Statement. This is one of 16 new LNRs (in addition to the existing LNR at Langlands Moss which has been extended) that South Lanarkshire Council designated in 2022. If you have any questions or would like to get involved with your local nature reserve, please get in touch with the Countryside and Greenspace team by emailing CAG@southlanarkshire.gov.uk.

Map showing the area of the Hamilton Low Parks Local Nature Reserve

Notice of Hamilton Low Parks 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 25 February 2022, South Lanarkshire Council declared that it intends to manage land situated at Hamilton Low Parks, 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 to CAG@southlanarkshire.gov.uk or by post to:

Countryside and Greenspace Service

Community and Enterprise Resources

South Lanarkshire Council

18 Forrest Street

Blantyre

G72 0JP

Date of Notice: 8 March 2022