The Dalzell Estate and neighbouring Baron’s Haugh RSPB Reserve are located within walking distance of Motherwell town centre yet were, up until their restoration, largely unknown by local people. A partnership led by North Lanarkshire Council and RSPB Scotland sought to rectify this by undertaking a range of environmental improvements  aimed at making the most of the rich and diverse landscape.

The funding partnership recognised that the two sites had the potential to provide a varied green space resource for local people, wildlife and visitors in an area facing social, economic and environmental challenges associated with the decline of heavy industries.

The partnership has worked closely with the local community to reconnect people with their natural environment and ensure they make best of use of this valuable asset. Local people were involved in research into the site’s history and in the project design to help in delivering the community’s aspirations as far as possible. The connectivity of the site is further reinforced by physical links to nearby green space resources such as such as Chatelherault Country Park, Strathclyde Country Park, the Clyde Valley and the former Ravenscraig Steelworks site.