Come and explore the abundance of Country Parks and Nature Reserves Lanarkshire has to offer. Whatever your interest in nature, there is bound to be something to capture your imagination.
Why not consider Baron's Haugh, a community nature reserve on the edge of Motherwell, North Lanarkshire. Managed since 1983 by the RSPB. It comprises 107.3 hectares of richly varied habitats. The main water body (20 hectares) is controlled by a sluice enabling waterfowl to nest in safety and there are also areas of mud exposed for passage waders. Other habitats include marshland, woodland, meadows, parkland, areas of scrub and a section of the River Clyde.
The Reserve has over 25,000 visitors each year – birders, dog walkers and other recreationists. It is nationally important for its numbers of wintering Whooper swans and breeding Gadwall and is a well know site for passage waders and hosts an excellent bird spectacle at all times of year.
Baron's Haugh is the perfect destination for walkers looking to explore. Everyone is encouraged to explore the pathways of the Reserve and visit the four hides that are always open and offer superb viewing of the open water area. The main pathway follows the River Clyde which itself holds much interesting wildlife including Kingfishers and regularly seen Otters. Strathclyde Country Park is a 30 minute walk downstream.
Or take a trip to Calderglen Country Park in East Kilbride, Lanarkshire. Its scenic landscape and range of facilities and services (visitor centre, children's zoo, adventure playground, ranger service, nature trails, ornamental garden and river walks) promise to make the park a great family day out with lots of fun things to do. The park is home to the Calderglen Conservatory, which houses plants and animals from around the world. There is also a café serving meals and refreshments and the park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including a country fair and auto rally.
Langlands Moss Local Nature Reserve is an example of a lowland raised bog. Leaflets on walks and trails are available from the visitor centre, or can be downloaded from the website.