Scottish Water has secured its first Nature30 recognition for a large-scale woodland creation project in South Lanarkshire that is aimed at delivering long-term benefits for biodiversity and climate resilience.
The area surrounding Glengavel Reservoir, near Strathaven, has been recognised under Nature30, NatureScot's voluntary scheme which highlights land being managed for the long-term benefit of biodiversity, wildlife and nature recovery outside existing protected areas.
Launched in 2025, Nature30 supports Scotland's commitment to protect at least 30% of its land and sea by 2030, known as the "30 by 30" target. The Glengavel site is one of just nine locations across the country to have received the recognition so far.
At Glengavel, Scottish Water is creating 52 hectares of native broadleaf woodland, including planted areas and open ground, as part of its wider programme to enhance biodiversity across its landholdings and improve resilience to climate change.
The woodland creation scheme has been designed to protect priority habitats, avoid areas of deep peat and create stronger ecological connections for wildlife. The work is also expected to provide improved habitat for a range of species, including conservation-priority birds such as woodcock.
Stephen Garbett, Scottish Water project manager who leads the utility's woodland creation programme, said: “Glengavel is a great example of how woodland creation can deliver multiple benefits.
“Alongside creating almost 29 hectares of new native woodland, the project has been carefully designed to enhance biodiversity, protect important habitats, improve water quality and help build resilience to a changing climate.
“We're delighted to see the site recognised through Nature30. The recognition reflects the long-term environmental value of the project and the positive contribution it will make for wildlife and the wider landscape for generations to come.”
Terri Ward, Scottish Water's biodiversity lead, said healthy ecosystems were vital to the delivery of resilient water and wastewater services.
She said: “Healthy ecosystems play an important role in helping us deliver resilient water and wastewater services.
“By protecting and restoring biodiversity across our landholdings, we're not only creating better habitats for wildlife, we're also improving water quality, storing carbon and helping landscapes adapt to the impacts of climate change.
“Nature30 recognises the value of long-term stewardship and the important role organisations can play in nature recovery. We will continue to look for opportunities to enhance biodiversity across the land we manage and support Scotland's wider nature recovery ambitions.”
NatureScot said the project demonstrated how environmental restoration could deliver benefits beyond biodiversity.
Cerian Baldwin, Nature30 manager at NatureScot, said: "What makes this site so exciting is that it shows how restoring nature can also improve water quality and strengthen the resilience of the wider environment.
“Recognising Glengavel through Nature30 highlights how protecting and enhancing nature can help safeguard wider environmental and societal benefits. It demonstrates how long-term management can support nature recovery while delivering benefits for people, communities and the wider landscape.”
As part of the recognition, Scottish Water has committed to managing and monitoring the site over the long term, including deer management, bracken control, woodland establishment surveys and regular ecological monitoring.
The Glengavel scheme forms part of Scottish Water's wider woodland creation programme, which has seen new woodland projects established across Scotland.
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