Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve

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A living history

Scotland’s oldest and richest forest lies hidden in dramatic gorges throughout the Clyde Valley. Since the last Ice Age, rivers have gouged deep clefts in the soft sandstone. Ancient woods of oak, ash, rowan and hazel now grow here. Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve (NNR) is made up of six of the best of these woodlands.

These outstanding tracts of ancient, semi-natural deciduous woods would once have covered much of lowland central Scotland. The woodlands have survived for hundreds of years relatively undisturbed, because the steep gorges would not allow timber harvesting.

The reserve is home to a rich diversity of birds, mammals and invertebrates. In spring the woodland is carpeted in wildflowers and in the autumn the rich colours are spectacular.

Find out more about visiting Clyde Valley Woodlands NNR.

Top attractions

What’s on?

Visit our Events page to see what upcoming events you can get involved in at this reserve.

Contact

Reserve manager: Martin Twiss

NatureScot
Cadzow Court
3 Wellhall Road
Hamilton
ML3 9BG

Telephone: 01698 421668

Email: [email protected]

Further information

Follow our NNR Facebook page for up-to-date information on reserves across Scotland.

Follow NatureScot’s Scotland’s Nature blog and find interesting articles on Scotland’s natural heritage.

Visit the website of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, which manages the Falls of Clyde and Lower Nethan Gorge.

Visit the South Lanarkshire Council website and discover other woodland walks at Chatelherault and Maudslie Woods.

Clyde Valley Woodlands NNR is a member of VisitScotland and the GTBS (Green Tourism Business Scheme).

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