Plans to establish 16 new Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) in South Lanarkshire have been welcomed.
Last week, the council’s planning committee approved the proposals to establish the new LNRs across the region, including eight which are wholly or partly within Lanark and Hamilton East, the constituency of Angela Crawley MP who is delighted with the news.
LNRs are areas of natural heritage that are locally important. They combine protection of natural heritage with opportunities for people to enjoy, learn about and experience nature close to the communities.
In Lanark and Hamilton East, LNRs will be established at Cadzow Glen in Hamilton, Jock’s Burn and Milton in Carluke and Morgan Glen in Larkhall. Part of the Blantyre, Bothwell and Uddingston LNR and the Neilsland and Earnock LNR also fall within the constituency.
It is also proposed to established LNR's at Blackmuir Woods and Low Parks in Hamilton but further consultation will be carried out first as they are Common Good assets.
Draft management statements have been prepared for each site which contain important information for nature conservation and aims for the site in the future. Full management plans will be established for each site within three years of their designation as an LNR.
Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley said: "Establishing these new Local Nature Reserves in Hamilton, Carluke, Larkhall and across South Lanarkshire recognises their importance to our communities both culturally and environmentally.
"There were only 75 LNRs in Scotland prior to this decision which just highlights how vital this designation is for conservation across the country by ensuring that nature has a place to flourish.
"This will secure the future of these much-loved greenspaces across our communities by providing protection from development and opening up avenues for potential nature and environmental funding.
"I hope this positive action by the council were serve as a catalyst moving forward as we look to tackle the climate emergency head on."