There is that other very important side of conservation, namely bird, animal and plant life. I asked one of Carmunnock’s naturalists Mr. Marshall Lambie of Windlaw Road to give me what is only a summary on this vast and very interesting subject. Ten years ago when this book was first printed, he wrote with a naturalist’s concern that the advance of East Kilbride towards Carmunnock, and the felling of trees at Carnbooth for the by-pass, were worrying changes in the environment. Yet his paragraphs, then and now, are a fund of interest. His report reassures us that many types of birds and animals happily live and breed in our district, and numerous plants bloom year after year - but only if this green area is always here for them.
7.2.1 Wildlife 1998
Birds
The village and its environs are rich in wildlife, and, in the course of a year it is possible to see around 80 species of birds. At least 56 of these breed in Spring and Summer in the variety of habitats available to them.
In the village, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, House Sparrow, Dunnock, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Wren, Robin, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Swallow, House Martin, Wood Pigeon and Collared Dove nest in the buildings and gardens.
In the fields there are Lapwing and Partridge (both now scarce), Skylark and Meadow Pipit. In the woods Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Pheasant, Woodcock, Tawny Owl, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Long Tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Tree Creeper, Bullfinch, Goldcrest, Redpoll, Willow Warbler, Chiff Chaff, Blackcap and Spotted Flycatcher can be found. In the marshes and marginal areas of scrub, Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Whinchat, Yellowhammer, Common Snipe, Reed Bunting and Linnet also nest. In the curling pond (golf course), streams and rivers, Little Grebe, Moorhen, Coot, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Dipper, Mallard and Kingfisher are present.
Over the years some species have disappeared as breeding birds: Curlew, Redshank, Mute Swan, Tufted Duck, Corncrake, Common Sandpiper, Stock Dove and Tree Sparrow - but these can still be seen at other times of the year (with the possible exception of Corncrake). The following birds are also evident during migration or local movement: Fieldfare, Redwing, Wheatear, Redstart, Tree Pipit, Goldeneye, Teal, Jack Snipe, 5 species of Gull, Swift, Brambling, Crossbill and Siskin.
The long established Rookery at The Craigs (Newcraigs) is regrettably in decline due to a recent housing development. 1996 - 155 nests; 1997 - 106 nests; 1998 - no count taken. There are signs of the commencement of a new Rookery at Sycamore Way with 4 nests in 1996.
Mammals
Of the larger mammals it is still possible to find Roe Deer, Fox, Badger, Grey Squirrel, Hare and Rabbit in and around the village. The Badger being nocturnal is not often seen, but the Fox, also nocturnal, is getting increasingly brazen, and can be seen, not infrequently, in daylight in local gardens, in two of which I have photographed them. The Kittoch/Cart Woodlands are undoubtedly the best areas to see Roe Deer. Bank Vole, Mink, Short Tailed Vole, Shrew, Stoat and Weasel are also around for the sharp-eyed.
Butterflies
13 Species of Butterfly, while not as numerous as before, can still be seen. Perhaps the pick of these is the Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary, which can be found in the rough pasture at the newly designated Cathkin Braes Country Park. This is one of only two sites around Glasgow where this species can be seen. The colourful Six Spot Burnet (red and blue) moth can also be seen daylight flying in the same area.
Fauna
The flora of the area is too numerous to mention, but the keen botanist would be advised to visit Cathkin Braes Country Park, both rough pasture and woodland, the marsh to the south of the golf course, the no. 3 reservoir basin before it is land-filled, and the Kittoch/Cart woodland.
The environment around the village is, however, constantly changing, and one major development which will affect us all is the Glasgow City Council Land-fill site which has recently been given the go-ahead by the Secretary of State. The site is adjacent to South Cathkin Cottages and the Rolls Royce Test beds and will take in a large area of farmland, areas of gorse, and the no. 3 reservoir basin, which is one of the richest areas for wildlife in the district. The skyline will also be altered due to the felling of a small pinewood, and large-scale excavation work and tree screening.
On the plus side, a new Nature Reserve will be created at the marsh between the landfill site and the golf course. Ponds will be excavated to attract wildfowl and there will be a hide for public observation, in addition to a car park. This area is eminently suitable for a Nature Reserve and there will be involvement by Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Wildlife Trust.
Finally, the previously mentioned Cathkin Braes Country Park should be an asset to the conservation aspirations of the area, and the framework for the Park is slowly but surely taking shape.
R. M. L.