WOODS ON YOUR DOORSTEP

CASE STUDY / CATHKIN BRAES

Improving woodlands means a chance LOCATION The woodlands of Castlemilk to explore a clean, safe and natural and Cathkin Braes are located to the south east of , adjacent to , environment. , Simshill and . The woodlands of Cathkin Braes fall within Cathkin Braes Country Park.

SITE DESCRIPTION Made up of 109 hectares of mature woodlands, open spaces and a network of paths. The site is owned by .

WOODS IN AND AROUND TOWNS (WIAT) is Forestry Commission Scotland’s main programme to improve the quality of life for people living and working in urban Scotland. CASE STUDY CASTLEMILK/CATHKIN BRAES www.forestry.gov.uk/wiat CASE STUDY CASTLEMILK/CATHKIN BRAES

For many years the woodlands were neglected and local residents previously viewed the Park as a place with poor environmental standards, where anti-social behaviour took place.

Countless hours of volunteers’ time has helped to improve the woodlands.

BEFORE WIAT WIAT ACHIEVEMENTS WIAT WORKS ON-GOING COMMUNITY ACTIVITY

The Castlemilk woodlands are situated mainly The Castlemilk Environment Trust was established in 1996 with Castlemilk and Cathkin Braes now attract • Volunteer led walks using the map packs around the ruins of Castlemilk House, which funding from the then Castlemilk Partnership, Glasgow City many more people to the woodlands. to navigate the trails; Council and Scottish Homes to restore the natural environment • Lantern festivals at Halloween; was demolished in 1969. of Castlemilk. Early activities included a woodland survey and civil New and upgraded paths, plus a map pack, • Community arts programmes at the Stables; and engineering report on the drainage and ground stability of the have helped to increase the number of people • School initiatives such as encouraging pupils from During the 1950s, the area was developed as a housing scheme pond area and dam. using the woodlands. Castlemilk High to exercise through mountain biking. to accommodate thousands of people from inner city areas such as the . Since then, funding of over £2 million has helped to: Cathkin Braes is used for the Branching Out programme – an • Employ a Park Development Officer; innovative programme for adults using mental health services Over the years, social problems associated with poverty and • Remove fly tipping and rubbish – including the removal in Glasgow. The programme aims to provide physical activity unemployment grew. A regeneration strategy began in the 1980s, of 32 burnt out cars; through health walks and allows participants the chance to learn Not enough people realise what focusing on improving housing and the building of a sports • Establish an arts project involving 18 artists working with “ new skills through conservation and bushcraft activities – for is to be found in the local natural centre, swimming pool and community centre. the community; example, rhododendron clearance, willow coppicing, shelter environment and how important • Restore a Grade 2 listed bridge; building and willow sculptures. Most of the woodland has undergone various management • Bring the woodland into better management; it is to keep it natural regimes in the past, starting out as semi-natural woodland before • Develop an interpretation trail; The Jeely Piece Club provides a fantastic service for children introduction of non-native species in the 19th Century. • Run an education programme; Jason Stuart , local volunteer ” and families within Castlemilk and the surrounding areas. • Undertake an archaeological excavation of the ice house; and It uses the woodlands of Castlemilk for a successful ‘Go Play’ • Upgrade and extend the path network. project. This project encourages children to get out and about and explore the natural environment around them.

I enjoy checking out the trees and Additional funding has helped provide interpretation and “ allowed for a range of community events and activities, wildlife along the paths and the including social forestry events and woodland walks, which map packs help point out what have helped to engage even more of the community. there is to find. Helen Gavan , local resident ”

TIMELINE 1999 2001 2005 2007 2009 2010 Over £530,000 was secured A survey revealed that the A Community Parks Officer The Community Parks Officer WIAT funding of £74,000 £72,000 from Forestry Over a 13 year period An action plan was from six funding sources for greatest barriers to people was appointed to encourage ran a programme of events, helped to support the Commission Scotland, Entrust Castlemilk Environmental developed. The Jeely Piece environmental improvements. using the Park were crime fears, greater community organised volunteers and preparation of a woodland and Paths for All funded a Trust attracted over Club secured nearly £200,000 poor environmental standards involvement worked with community management plan and variety of things including a £2 million to ensure to encourage natural play in and anti-social behaviour. organisations and schools. management activities. Development Officer post. a co-ordinated approach. the woodlands. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE KEY AREAS FOR ACTION WILL BE: • Develop a Commonwealth Community Woodland THE VISION IS THAT: Activities Programme; Castlemilk Park becomes a local resource that brings significant • Increase volunteering through community engagement; environmental, community and economic benefits to Castlemilk. • Strengthen the existing partnership to deliver the vision and goals for the area; and The existing strong link between the local housing associations, • Deliver a lasting legacy from the Commonwealth Games community groups and Forestry Commission Scotland is a good Mountain Biking Venue. starting point to help deliver further improvements including the Commonwealth Community Woodlands Legacy Project.

If you would like to find out more about forestry in Scotland, please call 0131 334 0303 or email [email protected] Jeely Piece Club

je ely pie c ce lub www.forestry.gov.uk/wiat