Fantastic work which has transformed Cairnhill Woods in Westerton has now been shortlisted for an award at RSPB Scotland’s prestigious Nature of Scotland Awards.
Cairnhill Woods project was announced as a finalist in the Community Initiative Award at the Nature of Scotland Awards Shortlist Reception at the Scottish Parliament, hosted recently by Colin Smyth MSP and sponsored by Beam Suntory.
Chairperson Paul Housley, of Cairnhill Woods Group, said, “It is an honour to be recognised in this way and I’m really proud to be part of a wonderful group of volunteers who have given their time over the years to improve this much-loved local greenspace, from clearing drainage ditches, removing invasive rhododendron and putting up bird boxes. Cairnhill Woods is enjoyed by so many people, be it dog walkers, school groups and even commuters passing through, everyone feels better after spending time here. We look forward to continuing to work with East Dunbartonshire Council to make Cairnhill Woods as welcoming for people and wildlife as possible now and in the future, and hope that the Nature of Scotland Awards shortlisting will raise awareness and encourage others to join us”.
Councillor Paul Ferretti, Convener of the Council's Place, Neighbourhood and Corporate Assets Committee, said, “East Dunbartonshire Council has been working with Cairnhill Woods Group to improve this beautiful woodland as part of a longstanding partnership. We are absolutely delighted that the work that has taken place here, led by the group and supported by the Council, has had such a transformative effect on the area. It is a great example of how local authorities and voluntary groups can work together to transform our environment for the betterment of our local communities.”
Cairnhill Woods is officially designated as a Local Nature Conservation Site (LNCS) and extends to over 26 acres. The park is a well-used mixed woodland and is home to trees such as oak, beech and sweet chestnut and forms an important wildlife corridor which attracts birds such as Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch and Bullfinch.
A substantial upgrade of the paths network at Cairnhill Woods recently has made the popular site even more user-friendly and it is often the venue for community events and gatherings. As part of a phased programme of improvements, existing pathways were resurfaced and some sections which were previously vulnerable to flooding were raised to ensure that the area can be accessed by everyone, all year round.
Nature lovers are being encouraged to choose the winner of the Community Initiative Award, which celebrates projects developed and led by the people it serves. Cairnhill Woods Group and East Dunbartonshire Council are calling on the residents of East Dunbartonshire to support our local contender. You can see the shortlist and vote for your favourite here [opens in a new window]. Voting will close on Wednesday 11 October.
Finalists will gather at the EICC on Wednesday 22 November where the winners will be announced. The awards ceremony, now in its 12th year and co-sponsored by NatureScot, will be hosted by zoologist, TV presenter and RSPB Ambassador Megan McCubbin and TV presenter and nature enthusiast JJ Chalmers.
Anne McCall, Director of RSPB Scotland said, “The Nature of Scotland Awards celebrates people and projects who really make a difference for nature in their local communities and across the country. Being at the head of the judging panel is a wonderful part of my job, as I get an unrivalled opportunity to hear about inspiring actions and the incredible things that can happen when people work together. - we can’t tackle the nature and climate crisis alone.
“I am so looking forward to seeing everyone at the awards in November and would like to thank all of our applicants for sharing their tremendous work with us.”
Colin Galbraith, Chair of Awards co-sponsor NatureScot, said, “Our natural world is at the heart of the nation’s well-being, and this year’s shortlisted Nature of Scotland Awards nominees are shining examples of vital, nature-based solutions from people, communities, businesses and organisations across the country. As co-sponsor of the awards, we celebrate the inspiring efforts each and every nominee has contributed to Scotland’s mission to tackle biodiversity loss and the nature-climate crisis.”
Anyone with an interest in nature is welcome to at] tend the Awards. Tickets are available at rspb.org.uk/natureofscotland
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