Local Nature Reserves in South Lanarkshire

Hamilton Low Parks Local Nature Reserve offers a mix of open spaces, wetlands and woodland where you can enjoy nature and wildlife close to Hamilton. It sits to the north and east of the town and includes several connected areas: Low Parks, Mausoleum wetland, Raith Haugh, the Clyde Strip, North Haugh and South Haugh.

These sites are important for both wildlife and recreation. You can explore paths, watch birds and enjoy green space throughout the year.

What you can see and do

Paths and access

You can walk through North and South Haugh on mostly flat grassland with a network of paths. You can reach South Haugh from the National Cycle Route 74 or from Carlisle Road near the Avonbridge Hotel.

Wildlife and habitats

The reserve supports a wide range of species:

• ponds and wetlands at Low Parks provide a home for amphibians, fish and water birds
• wildflower meadow areas attract butterflies and other insects in summer
• riverside habitats along the Avon are used by kingfishers and otters
• woodland areas support birds, including migrant warblers

Special protected areas

Some parts of the reserve are protected to reduce disturbance to wildlife:

• Island Pond is a quiet refuge for water birds and visiting winter species such as whooper swans
• Barmichael Plantation contains one of Scotland’s largest inland heron nesting sites

These areas are not open for general access so wildlife can thrive.

About the reserve

Hamilton Low Parks was designated as a Local Nature Reserve in 2022 as part of a wider programme across South Lanarkshire. The reserve helps protect important habitats while giving people places to enjoy the outdoors.

Find out more or get involved

You can learn more about how the site is managed by reading the Local Nature Reserve management statement.

If you would like to ask a question or get involved in looking after the reserve, email our Countryside and Greenspace team.

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 or by post to the Countryside and Greenspace Service.

Date of Notice: 8 March 2022