The Seven Lochs Wetland Park project is a partnership between Glasgow City Council, North Lanarkshire Council, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and The Conservation Volunteers Scotland.

A vision and plan for the Seven Lochs Wetland Park has been developed which sets out how the area’s important heritage buildings and wildlife habitats could be protected, improved and brought together to create a new attraction of national significance.

New paths and visitor facilities are planned, along with a range of activities to help local people and visitors enjoy, learn about and help to improve the area’s heritage.

It also includes the restoration of one of Glasgow’s oldest buildings, Provan Hall House, as well as new walking and cycling routes between Hogganfield Park and Drumpellier Park in North Lanarkshire, improvements to signage, interpretation and management across the whole of the park, and opportunities for training and volunteering.

Councillor Maureen Burke, chair of the partnership led by Glasgow City Council, is delighted by the progress being made and hopes more people get involved.

She said: “This is a unique project and a considerable amount of effort has been put in by partners and local communities.

“To be at this stage in a project as big as this, is just fantastic. The work involved in creating what will ultimately be Scotland’s newest and biggest nature park is a great challenge.”

Having received a first round development grant from Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) last year, work on the second application for £4.2m funding which will help deliver the Seven Lochs vision, is underway.

Cllr Burke added: “The HLF funding is crucial. We want to highlight the fantastic range of history and nature in the area and are working hard to make sure our application is successful.”

The Seven Lochs Partnership is working with the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership (GCVGNP) and The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) Scotland to develop plans for the park, and involve local people in a range of activities.

Scott Ferguson, Seven Lochs project coordinator with GCVGNP, said: “The Seven Lochs area is one of the most important places for heritage and wildlife in our area. The creation of a new visitor attraction, linked to on-going regeneration in communities around the park, is a great opportunity to bring a range of benefits to people living in and around the park.”