Meandering Dundonald Burn

The Dundonald Burn flows through Shewalton Wood Wildlife Reserve.  Prior to this project commencing, it had high, straight sides which were a result of historical land improvements for industry and agriculture.  Heavy rain would dislodge plants and silt, removing any developing wildlife interest and sending dirty water down to the River Irvine.  The flow also caused flooding and the burn's vertical banks were species-poor. 

Now however, the burn has gentle bends with shallow banks. This slows the water down, trapping silt and giving wildlife a chance to thrive. 

Check out the images for a bird's-eye view of the new, meandering burn.

The bare ground resulting from the earthworks quickly vegetated over, with help from seeds sown by Scottish Wildlife Trust volunteers, who also installed erosion prevention matting and planted 430 trees. As a natural feel returned to the watercourse, new life started to flourish, with many different aquatic plants finding space to grow at the edge of the water.  Otter and water rail have even been seen using the new-look channel.