9/4/2008Taking a walk on the wild side
WALKS encouraging people in Castlemilk to explore woodland and learn about local history will be launched on Sunday.
The £66,000 initiative centres around map packs, which will be handed out on the launch day, which give six detailed walking routes.
Forestry Commission Scotland and the Scottish Government’' Paths to Health funded the initiative through Castlemilk Environment Trust which was set up in 1994 to encourage people to get explore green spaces.
Work carried out over the last year included cleaning up the routes, removing litter and graffiti, as well as the woodland in Castlemilk.
Hugh McNish, health adviser with Forestry Commission Scotland, said: The map packs are quite detailed and give six walking routes - including information on wildlife, the history of the area.
"The community was consulted over the last year on where they currently walk and what the reasons were for them not walking in any particular areas.
"The results have helped us come up with this walking initiative."
Out of the six walking routes, three are in Castlemilk itself, two go through Cathkin Braes Country Park and another takes people into Lynn Park.
The maps have been designed to encourage people to explore history as well as the environment with special offers included on attractions.
For example, in the Lynn Park route people will get half-price entry to the Greek Thomson-designed Holmwood House.
Map packs will be available at Sunday's launch (April 13) at Castlemilk Stables, Machrie Road, from 2pm and thereafter from libraries and community centres in Castlemilk.
The £66,000 initiative centres around map packs, which will be handed out on the launch day, which give six detailed walking routes.
Forestry Commission Scotland and the Scottish Government’' Paths to Health funded the initiative through Castlemilk Environment Trust which was set up in 1994 to encourage people to get explore green spaces.
Work carried out over the last year included cleaning up the routes, removing litter and graffiti, as well as the woodland in Castlemilk.
Hugh McNish, health adviser with Forestry Commission Scotland, said: The map packs are quite detailed and give six walking routes - including information on wildlife, the history of the area.
"The community was consulted over the last year on where they currently walk and what the reasons were for them not walking in any particular areas.
"The results have helped us come up with this walking initiative."
Out of the six walking routes, three are in Castlemilk itself, two go through Cathkin Braes Country Park and another takes people into Lynn Park.
The maps have been designed to encourage people to explore history as well as the environment with special offers included on attractions.
For example, in the Lynn Park route people will get half-price entry to the Greek Thomson-designed Holmwood House.
Map packs will be available at Sunday's launch (April 13) at Castlemilk Stables, Machrie Road, from 2pm and thereafter from libraries and community centres in Castlemilk.
