"SAVE OUR GLEN" Help a passionate community hold onto their precious historic woodland & green space.

1. Fall in love...watch these videos to feel the strength of the attachment that the residents of Viewpark and Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, have to this stunning historic site:

http://bit.ly/1h1zjEm

2. More powerful imagery via facebook:

Photos from Douglas Support/Viewpark Glen's post.

More photos of Douglas Support Viewpark Glen

3. Background.

Over a decade ago campaigners successfully prevented a major expansion of the Strathclyde Business Park. They are now taking action again after North Lanarkshire Council granted planning permission to a company set up by them to destroy historic woodland, build industrial units, and possibly upgrade the A8 Motorway.

4. The action group

The passion of the community here is incredible and is reflected in the wording of their petition:

"The Douglas Support is a great place full of wildlife.  Local people of all ages go walking and also fishing on a daily basis.  It is full of historic interest.  Some of which are the remains of the historic douglas support that was once there. Viewpark Glen ( the Douglas Support Estate) has been an important part in the lives of many of the residents of viewpark and Coatbridge, many children have had their adventures there, and is the last peice of natural woodland/green space left in the area.  The area is still used by dog walkers, bird watchers and many who just enjoy being in nature.  This petition has been started in the hope of putting a halt to the destruction of this historic sight, also we need to keep natural habitat for the wildlife and preserve this place of beauty.  Archaeology scotland have shown an iterest in this area,  we need time to get the surveys done to allow the documentation of the historical sights within this glen. Local residents use this for walks and cycle rides which is a vital part to help encourages a healthy lifestyle .As a deprived area  there is not a lot of things that the people can do free of charge the glen is something that brings hours of joy to many."

The community has formed the VIEWPARK CONSERVATION GROUP TRUST

5. Recent Media coverage

17th March 2014 Daily Record

26th March 2014 Motherwell Times

6. Action

This campaign only came to our attention earlier this week. 

The initial plan is to help prepare two suggested letters for submission to North Lanarkshire Council & the First Minister:

- a letter for local residents (focusing on the importance of the area under threat as an amenity, for it's heritage, woodland and important species. The submission would include alternative proposals that would better serve the whole community)

- a letter of support for use by campaigners across the UK. (This would include reference to the UK's commitments to biodiversity, the need to protect natural capital wherever possible (Industrial units ARE NOT A NECESSITY), the importance of green spaces to communities, for health and well-being, especially in deprived areas, and a focus on protected species)

At this stage, there are several things that you can do to help save Viewpark Glen/Douglas Support Estate:

a. Please sign the existing petition. It only takes a minute, but it means so much to these children and their families. Spread the word and get others to sign. You can find the petition here.

b. Interact with Viewpark Conservation Group Trust via facebook here

c. Interact with @saveourglen on Twitter here. This is our main campaign front (we have 13,600 followers across the network including 3,500 amazing campaigners via @MMNNActionUK). 

We cannot emphasise enough, the importance of every community joining and supporting their local and national wildlife organisations (They can all be found via the links on our Nature Networks home page here). They give so much help and protection, once an important area becomes threatened, but also provide lots of help to enhance it's beauty and wildlife. There are also greenbelt action groups that are useful additions to your armory! Your community group could also create a "Maya Reserve" for a bright sustainable future here.

Already, after just a few days, the following organisations have answered our call to assist and raise awareness for the residents of Viewpark and Coatbridge:

The Woodland Trust (Scotland).

Plantlife UK.

RSPB South and West Scotland.

Former RSPB Conservation Director, and incredible voice for nature: Mark Avery.

Project Dirt - connecting communities with conservation projects.

Project Maya - scientists offering what we see as the best world solution that allows people and planet to exist in perfect harmony using permaculture. Consider making your treasured local green spaces "Maya Reserves" here

Save our Greenbelt (@SaveOurGnBelt) a voice for those concerned about the future of Greenbelt.

The Green Village - campaigning for a greener future.

Water of Leith Trust , Juliet Wilson and the Cammo Residents Association - all wildlife warriors, helping to conserve the natural assets of Edinburgh. They have their own battle against development of land at Cammo. Please everyone, use the same team spirit and get behind them. To everyone in Edinburgh, please take part in the consultation process that is now scheduled for the period 3rd-6th April 2014. Full details can be found here.

SEEDBALL enhancing the world by helping you produce wildflower gardens from seed

Animal Welfare Org - campaigners that are helping to stop animal cruelty.

Emmy Award winning underwater cameraman "Billy" ( "sea wild earth" ) from Bournemouth.

Another rising wildlife cameraman Tim Mitchell. Tim is trying to raise funds to produce a film about nature, to be shown in schools across Shropshire. If you can provide any help at all, including corporate sponsorship, please contact Tim here

Rixton Moss Friends (@RixtonMoss) from Warrington, Cheshire, who lost their fight to stop a clay pigeon shoot that will have an impact on a neighbouring SSSI. Like true "wildlife warriors", they are continuing to record wildlife in the area, and the data will be used to assess the impact of the development.

Last but CERTAINLY not least, our amazing individual campaigners, that are gathering to help the cause. Rose Ravenscroft (@RavenscroftRose) is a fine example. She has been a tireless member of our Twitter Action UK team and has shown that by adding her voice to a passionate team with a common cause, she is helping to change politics in the UK, as the "green vote" rises.

The above shows clearly that we ALL have the power to protect nature - from the Woodland Trust, which is No.1 for influencing Green Infrastructure on Twitter, through to us (our team is now at No.73 in the world!), and right down to the individuals that give nature a home in their gardens, and vote to protect wildlife.

Look again at those children in the images and footage from Viewpark Glen. Let's show the strength of the voice for nature, locally and nationally by helping to save their much-loved woodland and greenbelt. Sign the petition NOW, spread the word and get involved. 

Teamwork across the UK is key to protecting the UK's natural heritage.

Feel free to share your ideas and experiences, that may be of help to this cause, by adding a comment using the box below.

Together we really can make a difference!