Castlemilk Park Named Scotland’s 100th Local Nature Reserve

Scotland has welcomed its 100th Local Nature Reserve with the designation of Castlemilk Park in Glasgow. This achievement marks the culmination of a 15-year community-driven transformation of the green space. Once seen as uninviting and underused, the park has evolved into a cherished natural haven and a vital asset for the Castlemilk community.

The transformation of Castlemilk Park began in 2009, spearheaded by Cassiltoun Housing Association. Recognising the untapped potential of the park, the housing association laid out a vision to rejuvenate the space. By 2011, the appointment of a Community Woodland Officer paved the way for active collaboration with local residents, Glasgow City Council, and organisations like Paths for All and Scottish Forestry.

Over the years, the initiative has strengthened the park’s biodiversity. The area now teems with owls, bats, butterflies, and ancient oak trees, creating a thriving ecosystem that reflects years of dedicated conservation work.

A key milestone in the park’s evolution has been its £134,000 path upgrade, aimed at improving accessibility and promoting active travel. With the input of the Youth Advisory Panel and park volunteers, the upgraded path links local schools, transport options, workplaces, and leisure facilities.

To ensure safety and inclusivity, the park has also seen the installation of new lighting and flood alleviation measures, funded through a £90,000 grant from Paths for All and additional support from Glasgow City Council. These enhancements have made the park not only more accessible but also a safer environment for night-time use, without disrupting the delicate balance of the local wildlife.

The park’s transformation is a testament to the power of grassroots action. Community members have invested thousands of volunteer hours in projects ranging from health walks and wildlife conservation to well-being groups. The collaboration has helped foster a deep sense of ownership and pride among local residents.

Councillor Angus Millar, Glasgow’s City Convener for Climate, praised the community’s role, stating:

"The people of Castlemilk have been crucially important to how the park has developed and evolved since 2009. From a time when the park was seen as unwelcoming and underused, it is now a much-loved place hosting countless activities and drawing in incredible volunteer efforts."

Achieving Local Nature Reserve status, with endorsement from Nature Scot, ensures long-term protection for the park’s ecosystem. The designation highlights Castlemilk Park as not only a community success but also a project of national significance. Clair Malpas, CEO of Cassiltoun Housing Association, said:

"Becoming the 100th Local Nature Reserve is a reflection of all the hard work that has gone into developing Castlemilk Park into a valued community asset and wildlife haven."

This status secures the park’s future as a green space that benefits both local communities and Scotland’s natural world.

The Castlemilk Park project serves as a blueprint for sustainable urban development. By aligning the interests of local communities with environmental priorities, the project demonstrates how collaboration and shared goals can deliver profound and lasting impact. Yvonne McLeod, from Paths for All, described the project as:

"A fantastic example of teamwork... contributing meaningful social, environmental, and physical value to the lives of local people."

The park’s transformation would not have been possible without the backing of organisations like Paths for All, which provided funding through the Ian Findlay Path Fund. Named in memory of Ian Findlay CBE, the fund supports initiatives that enhance path networks and encourage active travel. The financial contributions from Glasgow City Council, Scottish Forestry, and other partners have also been pivotal.

As Castlemilk Park celebrates its new designation, it stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when communities come together. With enhanced pathways, improved lighting, and a robust conservation framework, the park is well-positioned to continue serving as a natural sanctuary for wildlife and a vital resource for the people of Castlemilk.