Clean up of riverbank

Earlier this month, I helped at a clean up of the riverbank of the River Kelvin next to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. I found a lot of cans and bottles dumped along the edge of the river.

View of glass bottles and cans dumped

There is ongoing work to clean up the riverbank by the Friends of the River Kelvin.

Volunteers gathered rubbish in black bags

It seems that people are using the area for outdoor drinking and leaving rubbish. Everyone can help look after the local environment by taking their rubbish and putting it in the nearest bin.

Stonework of the Stewart Memorial Fountain

This month, I was glad to find that stonework has been restored at the Stewart Memorial Fountain. This is vital to safeguard the fountain for park visitors to enjoy for many years to come.

View of the fountain

View of birds

View of the cherub

Discussions between local residents and councillors have highlighted the support for the restoration work. Further mechanical and electrical repair work is required to ensure that the fountain can operate.

Many thanks to all the council officials and contractors involved in this important activity to protect our local heritage.

Rising water level at the River Kelvin

Today, I noticed the high water level at the River Kelvin and the overflow stream filling up.

View of the overflow stream

View of the walkway next to the overflow stream

Jackson's Weir and Queen Margaret Drive Bridge

Also, whilst it was raining, I spotted a kingfisher within this area. This is the first time that I have actually seen this lovely protected bird on my walks. According to the RSPB, Kingfishers appear on the amber listed of species because of their vulnerability from severe winters and degradation of their habitats.

Proposed demolition of Wyndford Flats

Today, I went for a walk along the Kelvin Walkway to the Wyndford area where there are 4 multi-storey flats proposed for demolition.

View of the four blocks of flats

Looking from Kelvin Walkway to the multi-storey flats

View of greenspace at the multi-storey flats including football pitches.

The proposed demolition should be halted due to the lack of satisfactory information relating to the carbon impact. It is my understanding that the retrofitting of these buildings could bring about immediate carbon emission savings whilst demolition would not lead to carbon reductions for over a decade. 

Also, the demolition is expected to take two years. It will involve setting up the necessary machinery and completing the site works on the existing greenspace surrounding the flats. This space is part of the wildlife corridor connected to the River Kelvin. The demolition is likely to generate significant dust, noise and vehicle movements resulting in damage to the greenspace area and local nature network.

Retrofitting plans for the four multi-storey blocks should be further developed, accessing the information from other social housing projects completed to retain multi-storey flats.