Location
Erskine & Old Kilpatrick, Old Kilpatrick
Address
Erskine Ferry Road, Old Kilpatrick, Clydebank, G60 5EU
Description
The Saltings is a greenspace area at the foot of the Erskine bridge, designated as open space and a nature conservation area under the local plan.
The site is managed by West Dunbartonshire Greenspace, with the assistance of the local community. It is popular with the local population and has a steady stream of visitors who come to enjoy its peaceful atmosphere.
Many diverse habitats exist on the site and there is an abundance of wildlife present. Several rare plants grow there, thriving in the calcium-rich soil alongside more familiar species. The site is noted for its orchids and large numbers of amphibians can also be seen. The insect life is particularly interesting, with a wide variety of butterflies and dragonflies. In winter, many migrant birds are visible in the area. A small remnant of valuable saltmarsh habitat can be found at the western end of the site.
The Saltings has a well constructed path network that is wheelchair friendly. Recent work has been carried out to make the site more accessible to people with visual impairments.
The site is used by the Clydebank Walks to Health walking group throughout the year. Volunteers regularly clean the beach and conduct wildlife surveys and other conservation tasks.
Cost
2003-2004 £12,439. 2004-2005 £7,897
Current status
The management plan is being implemented. This is the main site for the Clydebank Walks to Health initiative.
Timescale
Ongoing for foreseeable future.
Lead partner
West Dunbartonshire Council
Other partners
SNH; Healthy Living Initiative
Project team
West Dunbartonshire Council;
Greenlight Environmental Ltd;
GR Landscapes;
JDC Ecology;
Marion Thomson
Website
Greenspace for Communities Trust
Contact details
Ewan Kane, West Dunbartonshire Greenspace , 01389 738560, Greenspace@west-dunbarton.gov.uk
Maureen Scullion, West Dunbartonshire Greenspace , 01389 738560, Greenspace@west-dunbarton.gov.uk