Background
From 2004 the CEI was involved in two habitat enhancement projects, at Hannahston and Chalmerston. Both sites were former surface mines which had been or were in the process of being restored.
The CEI was able to offer advice and assistance to the coal companies, but more importantly was able to enhance the natural habitat, engage with conservation volunteers and create a natural resource for local communities.
Wetland habitats are reasonably widespread throughout Ayrshire,
however, the habitats are localised and cover a small geographical
area.
Hannahston is a former surface coal mine that has been reclaimed for use as community woodland and wetland. Within its boundary lie a significant body of open water and a wetland area characterised by drainage channels and wet grassland. Both of these areas represented great opportunities for enhancement, creating a mosaic of high nature conservation habitats where children and adults could experience, first hand, the complexity and beauty of their environment.
The project was a partnership
with East Ayrshire Woodlands who have
overall responsibility for the 27.9Ha site, which is located 0.5km to
the north of Drongan, East Ayrshire. East Ayrshire Woodlands
have
established stands of native woodland and installed pathways and
installed interpretation.
The CEI initiated a work programme in 2004 to improve the habitat diversity and provide opportunities for the local community to become involved.
Throughout the project the CEI worked with the local community to provide conservation volunteering opportunities and with the local primary school to gather environmental data for a conservation time capsule.
Project duration
Start date: November 2004
End date: June 2007
Project sponsors
The Scottish Executive’s Biodiversity Action Grant Scheme
Natural native woodlands are considered to be amongst our richest habitats, supporting a diverse range of plants, invertebrates, birds and mammals. Once covering much of East Ayshire, this natural habitat has been dramatically affected by land management practices , reducing it to small fragments. Today that cover is less than 1% of East Ayrshire.
Chalmerston surface coal mine near Dalmellington was identified as a possible location for a new native woodland expansion project, recreating the woodland habitats that occur naturally along undisturbed burns and glens throughout the region. Again the project was in partnership with East Ayrshire Woodlands and the Scottish Resources Group.
40Ha of native woodland habitat was established on the stream sides of the Caldwell and Tongue glens traversing the hillside. Species such as oak, birch and juniper were planted to recreate a natural woodland habitat and to provide food and shelter for one of Ayrshire’s priority species – the black grouse.
Project duration
Start date: Oct 2004
End date: Oct 2009
Project sponsors
Scottish Forestry Grant Scheme
Scottish Coal Company Ltd
The Cumnock & Doon Valley Minerals Trust Fund
