Saving our heritage is a walk in the park

CAMPAIGNERS fighting to stop an aerial assault course will this weekend showcase the park they claim will be ruined by the development.

CAMPAIGNERS fighting to stop an aerial assault course will this weekend showcase the park they claim will be ruined by the development.

The protesters will lead a walk around Pollok Park, in Glasgow's South Side, this weekend with wildlife and heritage experts pointing out the park's many attractions. And Save Pollok Park is inviting everyone to Sunday's guided tour.

The group led opposition to the planned development by Go Ape which would be set among trees in the park's North Wood and the protesters still hope the plan will be kicked out with Scottish Governemnt intervention.

Despite 900 objections, the plan was agreed by Glasgow City Council in March but it could still be called in by Ministers and overturned within the next few weeks.

Bob Marshall from Save Pollok Park will be a walk leader and he said: "The walk and other activities we are planning are about keeping a general interest in the welfare of the park.

"It's for people who know the park and people who are new to it and are wondering what all the fuss is about.

"We have the support of the city council in doing this. It's not about protesting, it's about learning and appreciating the park."

The walk will start at 2pm and will last around 90 minutes.

It will start at the ponds on North Drive and take in the ancient ringworks North Wood and Rhododendron Walk, the Lime Avenue and sites of the two previous castle homes of the Maxwell family before Pollok House was built.

The ice house, curling rink as well as the location of a village called Polloktoune which was cleared in the 18th century will also be revealed and guides will include tree and plant expert Beth Murph and Gordon Hanley who will point out birds and wildlife.

Since Glasgow City Council gave Go Ape the green light, Save Pollok Park members have been exploring the legal issues behind the plan.

The number of cars Go Ape would attract was one issue of protest, along with fears about the loss of tranquillity and harm to wildlife.

The group is also looking into the legal implications of the development getting the go-ahead when the National Trust for Scotland does not support it.

Mr Marshall added: "We have finally got the council to admit in writing there are legal issues that need to be considered."

A council spokeswoman said: "A full and detailed assessment of the transport implications, together with the anticipated increase in vehicles, was carried out. The conclusion was existing parking facilities could cope.

"Any income generated would be reinvested in the park and for the benefit of Glasgow people.

"With regard to the National Trust, the Council is considering the extent of its obligations in terms of its title to Pollok Park."