Nethan Gorge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lower Nethan Gorge |
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| Part of the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve | |
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| Location | South Lanarkshire, Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Nearest city | Lanark |
| Governing body | Scottish Wildlife Trust |
| Upper Nethan Gorge | |
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| Part of the Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership and Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve |
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| Location | South Lanarkshire, Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Nearest city | Lesmahagow |
| Governing body | Scottish Wildlife Trust |
The Nethan Gorge is a cool natural gorge in South Lanarkshire, Scotland. It was carved out over many years by the River Nethan. Think of it like a deep valley with steep sides, made by the river flowing through the land.
What is Nethan Gorge?
The Nethan Gorge is actually split into two main parts. These are called the Lower Nethan Gorge and the Upper Nethan Gorge. Both parts are very important natural areas. They are officially protected as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). This means they have special plants, animals, or geology that need to be looked after.
Both the Lower and Upper Nethan Gorges are managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. This group helps protect wildlife and wild places. They are also part of a bigger area called the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve. This reserve helps protect many important woodlands in the Clyde Valley.
Lower Nethan Gorge
The Lower Nethan Gorge is located near the town of Lanark. It's a fantastic example of a natural woodland that has been around for a very long time. This type of woodland is called "semi-natural."
- The trees here are mostly ash and elm trees. They grow on the steep sides of the gorge.
- This part of the gorge is a home for many different animals. You might spot green woodpeckers, clever otters, and shy badgers living here.
- In 2007, the Lower Nethan Gorge became an official part of the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve.
Upper Nethan Gorge
The Upper Nethan Gorge is found closer to Blackwood and Lesmahagow. This area is also part of the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve. It's also involved with the Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership. This partnership works to protect and improve the landscape.
- The woodlands in the Upper Nethan Gorge are home to a wide variety of plants. Some of these plants are quite rare in the local area.
- Examples of these special plants include the broad-leaved helleborine (which is a type of orchid).
- You can also find wood melick (a type of grass) and meadow saxifrage (a pretty flowering plant).
- Keep an eye out for birds like Great spotted woodpeckers and large buzzards flying overhead.
