A major woodland creation scheme in South Lanarkshire has given Scottish Water its first Nature30 recognition, marking the long-term gains for biodiversity being realised at the site.

Nature30 is NatureScot's voluntary initiative, launched in 2025, that recognises land managed for enduring benefits to biodiversity, wildlife and nature recovery outside existing Protected Areas.

The newly recognised area surrounds Glengavel Reservoir, near Strathaven, where Scottish Water is establishing native broadleaf woodland across 52 hectares, including planted areas and open ground. The project contributes to the publicly owned utility's wider effort to enhance biodiversity and strengthen climate resilience across its landholdings.

Glengavel is one of just nine sites in Scotland to receive the recognition so far, supporting the national commitment to protect at least 30% of land and sea by 2030, known as 30 by 30.

Carefully designed to protect priority habitats, avoid areas of deep peat and improve habitat connectivity, the scheme is expected to expand opportunities for a range of species, including birds of conservation concern such as woodcock.

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Scottish Water Project Manager Stephen Garbett, who leads on the delivery of the utility's woodland creation programme, said: "Glengavel is a great example of how woodland creation can deliver multiple benefits.

"Alongside creating almost 29 hectares of new native woodland, the project has been carefully designed to enhance biodiversity, protect important habitats, improve water quality and help build resilience to a changing climate.

"We're delighted to see the site recognised through Nature30. The recognition reflects the long-term environmental value of the project and the positive contribution it will make for wildlife and the wider landscape for generations to come."

Scottish Water's Biodiversity lead, Terri Ward, said: "Healthy ecosystems play an important role in helping us deliver resilient water and wastewater services.

"By protecting and restoring biodiversity across our landholdings, we're not only creating better habitats for wildlife, we're also improving water quality, storing carbon and helping landscapes adapt to the impacts of climate change.

"Nature30 recognises the value of long-term stewardship and the important role organisations can play in nature recovery. We will continue to look for opportunities to enhance biodiversity across the land we manage and support Scotland's wider nature recovery ambitions."

Cerian Baldwin, Nature30 Manager at NatureScot, said: "What makes this site so exciting is that it shows how restoring nature can also improve water quality and strengthen the resilience of the wider environment.

"Recognising Glengavel through Nature30 highlights how protecting and enhancing nature can help safeguard wider environmental and societal benefits. It demonstrates how long-term management can support nature recovery while delivering benefits for people, communities and the wider landscape."

As part of the recognition, Scottish Water has committed to long-term management and monitoring of the site, including deer management, bracken control, woodland establishment surveys and regular ecological monitoring. The Glengavel project forms part of the utility's broader woodland creation programme, which has delivered new schemes across Scotland.