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Project Name: Carron Glen
Status: Underway
FET Grant: £20,000 |
Applicant: Scottish Wildlife Trust
Total Project Value: £102,674
Landfill Tax Category: |
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A view of one of several pools used by Otters to hunt Brown Trout
River Lamprey and even the odd Salmon!
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Path running through the Carron Glen Site of Specific Scientific interest |
The riparian and woodland habitats at Carron Glen boast a variety of wildlife
Including Badger, Otter, Kingfishers and many rare plant and insect species |
A View of the Old Bridge, showing clear signs of wear & tear |
The Carron Glen has long been a jewel in the crown of Falkirk area’s Biodiversity. A narrow ravine, running east from the Carron River valley and further west, the reservoir, too steep to be developed, it has historically been left to it’s own natural devices. An old bridge spanned a narrow spot in the river, and it is the removal of this old structure, and its replacement with a new, safe and multi-user accessible bridge that is the subject of this application.
Legend has it that two brothers in the building trade, erected the bridge to traverse the river to get to their favourite pub! Whatever the truth, at the time of the application the existing bridge was dangerously undermined by the erosive action of the river’s winter spates. During the winter of 2007 fallen trees battered the bridge, which eventually partially collapsed. Falkirk Council felt obliged to remove the remaining structure for public safety’s sake.
The construction work is now underway, and is being conducted with due care and consideration for the local wildlife, especially the population of local Otters who live and hunt in the area.
The Application requested partial funding for the careful removal of the old bridge and its stanchion. A brand new wooden bridge is to be constructed on new foundation works. Also the paths that run through the woodland are to be upgraded to allow more users to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
The Immediate benefit will be that people can access the woodlands and river. There are plans afoot to bring school children to the Carron Glen and teach them about nature in the wild, rather than in the classroom. The upgraded paths should allow a greater variety of users to access the walks here.
