Woodland improvements are underway at Cumbernauld wildlife reserve

The Scottish Wildlife Trust is carrying out woodland works at Forest Wood in Cumbernauld as part of the £2.6m Nurturing Natural Connections Heritage Fund project. The work includes thinning non-native trees and creating a yellow rattle field and is scheduled to finish in March.

Work is taking place at the Scottish Wildlife Trust's Forest Wood reserve in Cumbernauld. It forms part of Cumbernauld Living Landscape's £2.6m Heritage Fund project, Nurturing Natural Connections. The project is led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and supported by National Lottery funding. The work aims to improve habitats for wildlife and make local greenspaces more resilient. Work details: - Thinning and small sections of clear-felling of non-native trees are being carried out to allow natural regeneration of native species such as oaks, birches and rowans. - Deadwood is being left on site to recycle nutrients and provide improved habitat and food sources for species including badgers, birds and invertebrates. - A yellow rattle field is being established to provide seed for other reserves, encourage wildflower meadows and reduce grass volume. - The Forest Wood element of the project has been funded by a grant from FCC Communities Foundation and is scheduled for completion in March. - The broader Cumbernauld Living Landscape initiative offers local people opportunities for practical conservation, species recording and involvement in local decision-making. Summary: The works aim to strengthen woodland biodiversity and support wildlife and community wellbeing in Cumbernauld. The Forest Wood work is funded by FCC Communities Foundation and is due to finish in March.