Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley is encouraging residents to take part in South Lanarkshire Council’s consultation on Local Nature Reserves (LNRs).

In October 2021, the council’s planning committee approved plans to establish 16 new LNRs across the region.

Two of the proposed LNRs at Blackmuir Woods and Low Parks in Hamilton are on common good land so they required additional consultation before they can be established. The consultation runs until Friday 11th February.

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.

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 if approved.

Commenting, Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley said:

“Two further Local Nature Reserves could be established in Hamilton on common good land which would recognises the areas’ importance to our communities both culturally and environmentally.

“There are less than 100 LNRs in Scotland 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 would encourage residents to consider these proposals from South Lanarkshire Council and to fill out the consultation to ensure as wide a range of views as possible are taken into account.”

To view the proposals and consultation, visit https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/200166/getting_outdoors/1824/local_nature_reserves_in_south_lanarkshire