Plans for new wetlands and link road get the go-ahead

14 Mar 2007

Huge environmental improvements, that will see the creation of a brand new wetlands nature reserve, and the possible return of salmon to the rivers of East Dunbartonshire, are set to go ahead as part of a £56 million regeneration project for Kirkintilloch.

The improvements are part of detailed plans from Kirkintilloch’s Initiative (KI), a partnership between East Dunbartonshire Council and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, for a new road linking Kirkintilloch to the national motorway system (M80) for the first time. East Dunbartonshire Council has now approved the detailed plans.

Over the last few months, KI has been finalising designs for the road to meet with statutory requirements. KI recognised the new link road had the potential to impact wildlife habitats, so they developed an innovative solution: A new wetland area, three times the size of the current one, will protect existing wildlife, enhance the surrounding environment and attract new wildlife to the area.

The whole area will form part of KI’s Countryside Access Programme. KI plan to construct a bird watching hide, and help improve the habitats for a range of wildlife including fish, otters and water voles. Already some of the wildlife have benefited from the road plans. Twelve families of water voles, a protected species thought to be one of the UK’s most rapidly declining mammal, were identified during initial environmental surveys. They have been safely captured and re-homed in a special nature reserve until their new habitat in East Dunbartonshire has been completed and offers sufficient vegetation for their expansion.

Dr Peter Cosgrove, Principal Ecologist for the Envirocentre, helped draw up plans for KI to protect and create a better environment for wildlife. He said:

“It is inevitable that a major project like the Kirkintilloch Link Road will have some impact on the surrounding landscape. What is great about this development is that KI are minimising the potential impact of the development on wildlife and expanding creating a new nature reserve increasing habitats for wildlife. This will be an area very attractive for wildlife that can also safely be enjoyed by the whole community.”

As part of the detailed landscaping plans, a ‘green corridor’ will be developed through a planting programme, which will see significant numbers of new trees planted. For every tree that is removed for the road KI will plant up to five new trees. These new trees will plug gaps between the existing woodlands, providing a new network of green pathways for wildlife to move around in and around Kirkintilloch and Lenzie.

A new ‘aquatic corridor ‘in burns and rivers surrounding the road will ensure a safe and friendly habitat for water voles, fish and otters. Special crossings under the road will allow wildlife to safely cross from one side to the other. Through water quality improvements Salmon are also hoped to come back to the rivers of East Dunbartonshire.

Duncan Hamilton, project director for KI has been working closely with Envirocentre and says the plans will deliver real benefits to both the environment and the community. He said:

“The new link road is a major step to regenerating Kirkintilloch. Access to the motorway will help breathe new life into Kirkintilloch, attracting new residents and businesses. The community have been waiting a long time for this road and it’s a great bonus that we are able to deliver it with some fantastic proposals that will help to conserve and expand the natural environment.”


KI will continue to work closely over the next few months with East Dunbartonshire Council’s Planning Services, SNH, SEPA and other statutory bodies towards satisfying the pre-start conditions of the planning approval relating to the road design, construction management and habitat management. Tender returns from contractors bidding to construct the road are currently being assessed by KI.

KI will write to residents living in the area close to the road to provide an update of the latest information available. All residents living in the area are being encouraged to contact KI if they wish to make representations about the measures they would like to see incorporated into the road proposals. They can contact the KI project office on 0141 578 8272.