Cathkin Braes

Cathkin Braes

 

Situated on the southern edge of Castlemilk, with entrances from Ardencraig Road and Cathkin Road.


Status  - City-wide SINC

Grid Reference NS608584



Description

This site contains the best area of unimproved, species rich grassland in the city. These extensive, colourful grasslands provide a habitat for field voles which in turn become food for hunting kestrels and wintering short-eared owls. The Big Wood is an area of mature beech, sycamore, oak and other trees. In the spring and summer the woodland floor is carpeted with bluebells and the delicate flowers of pink purslane.
Areas of heath, marsh and scrub add to the complexity and wildlife interest of the site.

Habitat types

  • Woodland
    There are two areas of mature woodland in Cathkin Braes - Cathkin Braes Park Woodland and The Big Wood. The commonest trees are beech, sycamore and oak
  • Grassland
    There is a diversity of plant species within the grassland areas, including orchids and mountain pansy. In the summer skylarks and meadow pipits use these areas as nesting and breeding sites. 
  • Heath
    There is a diversity of plant species within the grassland areas, including orchids and mountain pansy. In the summer skylarks and meadow pipits use these areas as nesting and breeding sites. 
  • Hedgerows
    The hedges, mainly hawthorn, provide habitats for small birds and mammals, and food in the form of autumn berries.
  • Wetlands
    There are areas of marshy grassland and ditches with marsh vegetation such as yellow flag iris, colourful valerian and fragrant meadow-sweet.


Animal Life


short-eared owl 

six-spot burnet moth

skylark

 

 

Short-eared owl (Asio flammeus) is an occasional winter visitor to Cathkin Braes, feeding on small mammals in the grasslands.

 

Six-spot Burnet Moth (Zygaena filipenulae) has beautiful iridescent turquoise and rosy-pink wings. They can be easily spotted compared to most moths as they fly during the day. Cathkin Braes is one of only a few sites in the city that these insects can be seen.

Skylark (Alauda arvensis) are commonly detected in the summer by their melodious song as they hover, ascend and descend in flight. They breed in the grasslands at Cathkin Braes. 

 

 

 

 


Plant Life

wood sorrel

bluebells

Wood Sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) is common in shady oak and beech woods where the
delicate white flowers are often overlooked.
Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scriptus) provide an attractive and colourful display in the early summer, occurring throughout the woodlands and extending across the bracken dominated slopes.