The Garrell Burn has been renaturalised through Dumbreck Marsh, Kilsyth, by an ambitious restoration scheme transforming the river and wetland habitats. The project has provided a lifeline for valued populations of fish, birds, amphibians and invertebrates. Local people are engaged and enthusiastic about the revitalisation of their urban edge gem.

Delivered by the council and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), the project at Dumbreck Local Nature Reserve has also seen two new fish passes created, improvements to the wetland habitat, new paths created, two bridges replaced and a new one installed, and two boardwalks upgraded. 

Convener of the Environment and Climate Change Committee, Councillor Helen Loughran said: “North Lanarkshire Council is delighted that our project at the Garrell Burn has received recognition at the prestigious Nature of Scotland Awards in the Nature and Climate Action category. 

“We place great importance on enhancing the greenspace that is so valuable to our local communities and our local wildlife. We worked closely with the community and schools to develop the project and this acknowledgement demonstrates that working together at a local level can be nationally important in the response to climate and ecological emergency.”

Co-sponsored by NatureScot, the awards took place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) on 17 November and were hosted by wildlife presenter Iolo Williams and radio and tv presenter Arlene Stuart.

The ceremony recognised the individuals and organisations making a difference in their local communities, businesses and schools to support Scotland’s wildlife and special places for nature.