Walk along the Forth & Clyde Canal

There is a relaxing walk along the canal towpath from Cowcaddens, passed Speirs Wharf to the Applecross Basin. There is a community cafe at Applecross Basin offers a relaxing stop for a break.

View of the canal at Speirs Wharf and the Sculpture Studios

Cafe at the Gathering Ground, next to Applecross Basin

Elephant Sculpture at canal towpath

Applecross basin's bridge opened.

Canal barge making its way to Speirs Wharf.

There are barges established along the canal towpath and they provide much needed accommodation for some families.

Public realm works at Byres Road

Progress is being made with phase 1 of the public realm improvements on Byres Road. The footways have been enhanced and the cycle lane is nearing completion at the southern end.

Cycle lane under construction

The installation of traffic signals on the cycle lanes is expected in August. New artworks are being incorporated in to the streetscape.

View of artwork near Church Street

The completion of public realm works will be continuing in the coming months, with the next phase on the northern end of Byres Road expected to start in early 2025.

Rain gardens at University of Glasgow

There are rain gardens within the new campus development by the University of Glasgow. It is recognised that these rain gardens are able to provide localised storm water and flood management. Water quality can be enhanced through the provision of the rain gardens.

View of the rain gardens at the University of Glasgow

Through their design features, they provide biodiversity gain by preserving vegetation and native planting which attracts birdlife, butterflies and insects. The rain gardens are becoming established within public spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Essential works at the Charing Cross Junction

Until December 2024, there is essential maintenance and upgrade works at the Charing Cross Junction. A series of diversions for traffic, cyclists and pedestrians are in place. Pedestrians and cyclists are directed to make use of the footbridge.

View of Charing Cross Junction with heras fencing and barriers around site works.

View of the access to the footway closed.

There is local access retained for businesses and households within St. Georges Road and Charing Cross Mansions although some sections of the roadway are closed.

Road closure at a section of St Georges Road

Ongoing support is needed for the businesses operating within St. Georges Road during these works.

Street art supported at Charing Cross

There is street art is established that the footbridge over Charing Cross and next to a bus stop. 

This location is dominated by motorway traffic and constant queues of vehicles. Artwork is enhancing this area for people walking to/from the city centre and west end. 

Flower displays across the Park Area

Today, on a walkabout of the Park area, I was able to enjoy the many flower displays which enhance the streetscape.

View of flower boxes.

View of flowers in pots.

View of decorative plant pots.

View of hanging flower pots

The Park area has beautiful architecture which is supported with very attractive flowers and gardening activity which helps pollinators.

Support for Let It Bloom June

This month, many people have left space in their garden for nature to continue to bloom. This provides an opportunity to create a wildflower landscape and support grassland wildlife.

View of road verge at St. Georges Cross/M8

 

With open spaces including road verges left undisturbed for longer, wildflowers and grasses can help bees, butterflies and beetles.