The marsh is an open area of countryside including ponds and large areas of grassland. It is an ideal place for a gentle walk or for wildlife watching.

In the past it was covered with coke and coal waste and crossed with mineral railways lines. It is now home to grassland birds, including lapwing and skylarks, and the water rail. 

Work completed in April 2022 re-naturalised the Garrell River and created new paths to conserve threatened habitats and species. New bridges have been installed, invasive weeds have been treated and removed, the original burn channel has been filled in, 2 fish passes have been installed.

Shortly after opening the new channel we were happy to report that young salmon were recorded in Kilsyth for the first time in over 100 years! 

Dr Willie Yeomans, Catchment Manager, Clyde River Foundation said: "The Clyde River Foundation has been monitoring the fish communities in the Garrell Burn since 2002. This is the first occurrence of young-of-the-year salmon in Kilsyth in living memory, and it was made possible by investing in the fish passes. Further downstream, we are delighted to see the new channel providing a natural hatchery for salmon, which connects Kilsyth with Greenland!"

There is more information on this here:  Salmon returns to river after 100 years | North Lanarkshire Council

The £3 million project was managed by us and SEPA, through the Water Environment Fund.

The project was recognised through the Nature of Scotland Award where it was short listed in two categories:  Coast and Waters Award and Nature and Climate Action Award.

 2022 NoSA shortlist (rspb.org.uk)

Auchinvole Crescent
Kilsyth
G65 9LU
United Kingdom