Boost for biodiversity this Glasgow Climate Week

The Scottish Government have declared both climate and nature emergencies. Despite this, a recent Scottish Climate survey identified that “over three quarters of respondents (77%) said they knew little or nothing about Scotland’s biodiversity crisis”.
 
So as Glasgow Climate Week begins, it is crucial to highlight not only the importance of getting to Net Zero but also the role nature can play in helping us get there. 

Glasgow City Council's Green Connectors project is one example of the strategic forward thinking work that has brought about many benefits for climate and nature. Wildflower meadows have been created in parks and on roadside verges across the city, creating new habitat for wildlife, as well as vibrant colourful places for people to enjoy in many of Glasgow's parks.

This work will also help meet the climate crisis, with more than a third of land-based top-soil carbon stored in grassland soils in the UK.*
 
The Glasgow City Region (GCR) Green Network are working with Glasgow City Council to identify further grassland creation opportunities as part of the wider Clyde Grasslands initiative. Grassland Nature Networks can ensure future meadow creation boosts connectivity for pollinators and other wildlife in a targeted way, allowing species to move more easily between habitat. 

Grassland sites across Glasgow and the wider City Region will be joined up to bring about multiple benefits for nature, climate and people. One such site is in Queens Park, which is well on its way to becoming established, with over 13,000m2 of wildflower sown including foxglove, cornflower and white clover.  The newly established grasslands will provide rich habitat for many threatened species and a wonderful natural meadow for people to enjoy.

Ross Nimmo, who leads on Green Network delivery as Head of Place for Glasgow City Region said, "Glasgow Climate Week offers us an opportunity to showcase the incredible work underway across the city to connect up habitats for wildlife." 

"The Green Network is beginning to guide further strategic delivery of nature networks, not only in Glasgow, but across the wider Region."

"Our Region will become an even more attractive, sustainable and desirable place to live as a result."

Learn more about the GCR Green Network: https://youtu.be/NWMeCxZxHgg?si=TwvZTYFmUtargOoy

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Source: Plantlife - Grasslands-as-a-Carbon-Store.pdf 2023 
Scottish Climate Survey: main findings published 22 April 2025
https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-climate-survey-main-findings/