A WILDLIFE haven in Glasgow has been given Local Nature Reserve status by the city council.

The official accreditation gives extra protection to plants and wildlife at Cathkin Braes, in the South Side.

Local Nature Reserve status means 148.6 hectares of land at the park will be preserved for future generations.

Park bosses plan to continue a series of improvements, making the area more attractive to people and wildlife.

It comes as Glasgow aims to be named the European Green Capital in 2015.

Glasgow has been shortlisted for the title as it attempts to become the first British city to win the award, launched in 2010 by the European Commission.

Bristol, Brussels and Slovenian capital Ljubljana are the others shortlisted.

The award is given every year to the city that has the highest environmental standards.

Glasgow has more than double the green space per head of population than its rivals bidding for the title.

Councillor Liz Cameron, who is Glasgow European Green Capital 2015 Bid Champion, said: "People rightly think of Glasgow as a busy, bustling city, but this project is the perfect illustration of why it is also known as the Dear Green Place.

"Generations of Glaswegians have treasured and nurtured our parks, gardens and green spaces and now we are committing huge amounts of land to the enjoyment and the preservation of our wonderful natural environment.

"Cathkin Braes is a real nature lover's paradise.

"In recognition of its value to wildlife, Glasgow City Council has designated the park a Local Nature Reserve and so is committed to managing the park for people and nature."

Cathkin Braes Country Park is the highest point in Glasgow, with panoramic views over the city and beyond.

One of its best known features is an ancient woodland, which is visible from many miles away.

Parts of the area had already been recognised for their environmental importance. The park's grassland is home to a number of creatures, including the rare Six-spot Burnet moth and the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary butterfly.

It has already been deemed a Site of Importance For Nature Conservation and in the Iron Age was the home of a Celtic tribe known as the Damnonii. Many of their belongings have been found in the park and documented, and several of their ancient cairns still exist.

The park stretches from Glasgow into neighbouring Lanarkshire and is known for Queen Mary's seat. It is believed that from there Mary Queen of Scots watched the defeat of her forces at the Battle of Langside in May 1558.

Cathkin Braes mountain bike track will be used next year for the Commonwealth Games.

rebecca.gray@eveningtimes.co.uk