Auchenreoch Glen Bonhill | Scientific Interest

District: Dumbarton | Postcode: G82 2TA | Walk Type: Big Adventure

Is a deeply incised valley 1.5km south-east of Bonhill containing a rare habitat of plants and grasses.

Auchenreoch Glen is a deeply incised valley 1.5km south-east of Bonhill containing a rare habitat of plants and grasses due to its soil composition

The grassed slopes within the site support calcareous grassland and wet flushes. Calcareous grassland is a special type of habit associated with thin soil, such as chalk and limestone and is species rich. (L&G: Why is this important?) Plants on calcareous grassland are typically short and hardy and include grasses and herbs such as clover.

Auchenreoch Glen is notable for comprising two vegetation communities that are rare in Scotland.

On the more stable slopes, mainly in the eastern half of the site, the community is dominated by Wild Thyme. and false brome grass. It is surrounded by dense stands of bracken. (L&G: Brackens future impact?)

On the south side of the Glen, a grassland community of mouse-ear hawkweed exists. This is very rare in Scotland out with the south-east. Here it is at the extreme north-western limit of its range, being typical of chalk and limestone soils in England.

REVIEW: Auchenreoch Glen Bonhill

Start and Finish Points

By foot this glen can be access from the top of Garshake Road, Dumbarton. Follow Garshake Road past Baxter View Care Home where the road forks, take the left fork and follow until you pass Wallace Power Services, (G82 3PY). At this point the road stops and becomes a path, follow the path to the left and you will need to walk through the marshland and continue north east untill you find the glen which will decend into Murroch Burn. By vehicle from Stirling Road (A82) take Garshake Road and follow till the end where you can park on the right just before Baxter View Care Home (G82 3LD) or you can drive further if the road is good to Wallace Power Services (G82 3PY) and follow the by foot directions.

Other Information

Scottish Natural Heritage's Outdoor Access website contains information about our responsibilities when visiting our woodlands: Visit Website

Video of Auchenreoch Glen Bonhill

Condition

The possibility that bracken surrounding the calcareous grassland may expand further is of some concern.

Expansion of scrub could also reduce the extent of species-rich grassland, by shading and by preventing grazing animals from gaining access.

Any increased scrub growth identified within the notified habitats will need to be physically removed where possible

How can we help

Conduct an assessment of current condition related to the Springs (including flushes) and Lowland calcareous grassland

REVIEW: Auchenreoch Glen Bonhill

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