TENS of thousands of pounds have been spent on two "wildlife havens" in Glasgow.

Popular boating ponds in Knightswood Park and Alexandra Park in Dennis-toun have been transformed with islands and artificial shallow areas.

The process, known as "pond naturalisation", stops algal blooms and involves planting more vegetation to create a natural environment for fish, insects and water birds, including herons and kingfishers.

Glasgow City Council and environmental body Score Environment have invested a total of £60,000 in the project.

It is hoped that schools will be able to use the parks to teach children about wildlife and that it will draw more local people into the green spaces ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

In Knightswood, the work was carried out with the support of the Knightswood model boating club, which will be able to sail their fleet in one half of the pond.

Local residents welcomed the move and said that they hoped it would attract more wildlife.

Emma Clifford, 25, from Knightswood, said: "My mum and dad go to feed the ducks during the week and they have been saying how brilliant the new islands are going to be for the wildlife there.

"There is already a heron which visits the park and it goes between Victoria Park and Knightswood Park.

"Hopefully, now the work is finished, we will get to see more wildlife coming into the park."

A city council spokesman said "The council and Score Environment have worked together to naturalise parts of two boating ponds - one at Knightswood and another at Alexandra Park in Dennistoun.

"This investment involved the creation of a series of islands and artificial shallows in the ponds which have been under utilised in recent years.

"This total investment of some £60,000 was supported by Score Environment which contributed £30,000 to the project from Landfill funds.

"Pond naturalisation is part of the ongoing maintenance of two of Glasgow's most visited parks.

"It will improve residents' experience, provide a quality visit and boost visitors' perception of our city in time for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games."

matty.sutton@eveningtimes.co.uk