Garscadden Wood

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Garscadden Wood

Garscadden Wood is in the far north-west corner of the city. It lies between Bearsden Golf Course to the north and Drumchapel to the south and borders on East Dunbartonshire.

Status City-wide SINC and proposed Local Nature Reserve
Grid Reference NS528720

Description

This 16.94ha site is one of the oldest semi-natural woodlands in Glasgow. There is evidence that part of the site was wooded at least as far back as 1795, and possibly further.

The route of the Roman Antonine Wall runs to the north of the woodland and adds archaeological interest to the site.

The quality of the woodland habitat, together with its large size and amenity value, has resulted in proposals for its designation as a Local Nature Reserve.

Habitat Types

Woodland

Garscadden Wood is principally broadleaved woodland. To the west of the site oak dominates and it is here that the core ancient woodland is found. Mature oak trees are particularly important for the Purple Hairstreak Butterfly and Garscadden Wood is one of only two sites in Glasgow where these insects can be found.

The ground flora is consistent with long term woodland cover, as species such as opposite-leaved golden-saxifrage and bluebell are present.

The woodland in the east is more recent in origin and sycamore is more abundant. Other species of tree present include ash, beech, wych elm and birch. The understorey comprises a mixture of hawthorn, hazel and willow with birch and oak regeneration.

The ground flora throughout the site is highly diverse with over 200 different plant species present, including bluebells, wood anemone and various fern species.

Animal Life

Fox Song Thrush Purple Hairstreak

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) has become increasingly common in the city over the past 50 years. They can now be frequently seen in gardens, parks, cemeteries and other open spaces.

Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) has a loud melodious song which can be heard throughout spring and summer. In recent years their numbers have decreased throughout Britain, and they are now classed as a species of high conservation concern. Purple Hairstreak (Quercusia quercus) butterflies, particularly males, are a deep irridescent purple-blue. They spend most of their time feeding among the tops of high oak trees. The larvae feed on the opening buds of the Common Oak.

Plant Life

Bluebell Wood Anemone Oak

Bluebells (Hyicinthoides non-scripta) provide an attractive and colourful display in the early summer, producing beautiful carpets of deep-blue flowers throughout the woodland. Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa) has star-like, white flowers. In Glasgow it is usually found in old deciduous woods.

Oak (Quercus spp.) trees provide a habitat for a whole host of wildlife. Squirrels, birds and numerous insects and other invertebrates can be found using theses trees for food and shelter.


Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) has become increasingly common in the city over the past 50 years. They can now be frequently seen in gardens, parks, cemeteries and other open spaces.	Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) has a loud melodious song which can be heard throughout spring and summer. In recent years their numbers have decreased throughout Britain, and they are now classed as a species of high conservation concern.	Purple Hairstreak (Quercusia quercus) butterflies, particularly males, are a deep irridescent purple-blue. They spend most of their time feeding among the tops of high oak trees. The larvae feed on the opening buds of the Common Oak.


Bluebells (Hyicinthoides non-scripta) provide an attractive and colourful display in the early summer, producing beautiful carpets of deep-blue flowers throughout the woodland.	Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa) has star-like, white flowers. In Glasgow it is usually found in old deciduous woods.	Oak (Quercus spp.) trees provide a habitat for a whole host of wildlife. Squirrels, birds and numerous insects and other invertebrates can be found using theses trees for food and shelter.

Residents