Dawsholm Park, Glasgow

When we moved into our first flat together in September, there were three things that absolutely sold the new place to me i) The living room window had a hook at the side for me to hang my binoculars on for easy access ii) that said window has the most phenomenal tree-top view, with plenty of bird activity iii) from that window you can also see the local park which is a 5 minute walk away and has a paddock of Highland Cows. This park is what you might call my current patch.

Path on the park's southern edge

Since moving in, I have been to Dawsholm many times but only took my camera quite recently. The park is 33 hectares / 88 acres in size. Glasgow is well known for its fantastic green spaces but what I like about Dawsholm is that unlike many of the other parks it is not "manicured". Apart from keeping the main paths clear and removing any dangerous or unwanted trees and plants, the park is little managed. At the park's heart you feel you could be in the middle of nowhere rather than being in the middle of Scotland's largest city, just five miles from its centre.

Continuation of the above path, showing the peculiar ship-shaped bench

The park used to be part of the estate of Sir Archibald Campbell of Succoth but was purchased by the Glasgow Corporation in 1922. Sir Archibald also gifted an area of bings (waste oil shale mounds) to the Corporation free of charge due to the cost of carrying out remedial works. This area was levelled to form the playing fields which adjoin the park. The nearest train station is Kelvindale which is a 2 minute walk from the park's entrance. Anniesland and Summerston stations are also within walking distance and the Kelvin Walkway provides direct cycle access.

The Highland Cows

When I went to Dawsholm this particular time, it was about three when I arrived so I knew the daylight wouldn't be brilliant for photographs. It did mean lots of golden shivelight and lovely long shadows though. As usual, my first stop was the paddock with the Highland Cows. This time there weren't so many but usually there are a handful of magpies following the cows about - pecking off insects from their hairy backs. The cows didn't seem to appear until late October / early November so I don't know if they are only present in Winter.

Magpie

I then continued along the perimeter path which runs along the south edge of the park parallel to Temple Road. This stretch of path gives great views across the city which stretches out almost as far as the eye can see. I later returned to this path after it had gone dark to admire the twinkling lights. If you happen to visit and look across this way don't forget to wave - as you can see our flat from here and there's a good chance I'll be staring out of the window! Also, be sure to look out for the Sparrow hawks which often hunt over the paddock. I would say about half of the times I've visited the park I've been treated to their making an appearance. Listen out for that characteristic call.

Long Shadows

Next I cut through the middle of the park, taking some of the less used paths. It had been a couple of weeks since my last visit and I was slightly disorientated at times because the park looked so different now that most of the trees have lost their leaves. I was surprised to find it felt a lot smaller because you could see across from one part to another. It did mean, however, that I discovered some exciting new things - a rather excellent stump covered in the most fascinating fungi and an abandoned car which was slowly being reclaimed by nature.

I cut across to the north perimeter which skirts the River Kelvin. I still keep hoping to see a Heron here but so far my wishes have not been granted. There are some great views down to the water though and this part of the park has a majesty to it owing to the huge beech trees that tower over the path. I proceeded to check out the newt pond which can be found in the north-east corner of the park, I wasn't expecting to see newts at this time of year but was hoping I might see some long-tailed tits as rumour has it they frequent this part of the park.

Winter colours

By this point it was rapidly growing dark. As the dog walkers went home, the bedtime bird song started. I say "song" but the majority of the noise was made by the magpies and jackdaws who were bickering amongst themselves about sleeping perches but I could also hear the blackbirds, a robin and some other birds belting out their goodnights. In the dim light I saw a grey squirrel scurrying about and disturbed some mallards on the longer pond. The longer pond is the one place I wish there was a little more management, it is always filthy black and lifeless but I imagine with a bit of care it could become a haven for wildlife. As I left, I imagined there must be an owl or two knocking around and so one day I plan to take Harrison on a night walk to see what we can spot. But since it was almost fully dark now I decided to call it a day and head back home for a mug of cocoa.