Early Braes - Tollcross Burn
Early Braes

 

The first phase of a wetland creation scheme was carried out at Early Braes in 2003 to enhance the biodiversity value of the site.

Early Braes is located in the East End of the city, just off Baillieston Road. The first phase of a wetland creation scheme was carried out in 2003 to enhance the biodiversity value of the site.

Early Braes is a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation, which supports a population of Water Voles associated with the Tollcross Burn. Water Voles have declined throughout mainland Britain in the last 20 years and are now a protected species. They are highlighted in Glasgow’s Local Biodiversity Action Plan as an important species in the City.

Ponds and marshes were created in the west of the site, adjacent to the Tollcross Burn by Land Services and Kelvin Clyde Greenspace (following advice provided by the River Restoration Centre). The aim of this project was to provide potential breeding areas for Water Voles and other wildlife.

 

 

    Early Braes before construction  Early Braes after construction
   Winter 2003 Summer 2004



The Scottish Wildlife Trust were involved with planting wetland plants in the new ponds and marshes to enhance the biodiversity value of the site.

So far this project has been successful in providing breeding habitat for Common Frog and dragonflies, which have been recorded at this site for the first time. Water Vole numbers are monitored on an annual basis and as the wetland develops it is hoped that the population will increase.




common frog  water forget-me-not 


Early Braes wetland creation scheme won the Small Projects category of the Habitat Enhancement Initiative in May 2005. The Habitat Enhancement Initiative is an Award Scheme aimed at rewarding the actions of individual and groups in protecting, improving and enhancing aquatic habitats, which is run annually by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

water vole

Cath Scott accepting the award for Early Braes



Contact Information

For more information contact Cath Scott at
Glasgow City Council
Land Services
37 High Street
Glasgow
G1 1LX
Phone: 0141 287 7026

Or

Jackie Gillespie
Assistant Project Manager
Unit 8,
Boden St Industrial Estate
95 Boden Street
Parkhead
Glasgow
G40 3QF
Phone: 0141 554 8672
E-mail: jackie.kcg@btconnect.com