Give nature a helping hand at old quarry

Countryside rangers are looking for volunteers to join them in caring for and maintaining the former Avonglen sand quarry near Whitecross which has reverted back to nature. Picture: Michael Gillen

The former Avonglen Quarry off the Lathallan roundabout at Polmont, close to the historic Lathallan House, ceased operating around 1980 and has since reverted back to a natural landscape.

It was originally a sand and gravel quarry, but it now supports a variety of different species including the great crested newt, frogs, roe deer, badgers, foxes, butterflies and wild fauna like the common spotted orchid and cuckoo flower.

It also has different habitats from woodland, ponds and marsh to areas of disturbed ground that home the plants and animals.

The history of the site has also been traced back to the 7th century from human remains in several stone coffins that were found there between 1838 and 1980.

The rangers are now looking to start a group that would help care for the site’s environment and are holding public meetings to run ideas past those interested in getting involved.

Falkirk Council ranger Lesley Sweeney said: “If you would like to learn more and become involved in this amazing site why not come along to our meetings and have your say in its future and help look after it?”

Public meetings are being held on Thursday, March 24 at 7.30pm in Polmont’s Greenpark Centre and in the Power Station in Whitecross on Monday, April 18.