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Quantitative Supply
Landscape Character
Detailed understanding of the quantum of open space will be provided through individual Local Authority open space studies and strategies. At the time of writing these remain at different stages of production.
The Clyde Waterfront benefits from a distinctive landscape, and enhancing landscape character is central to promoting and maintaining a positive image for river corridor. In terms of Regional Character Areas, Landscape Types and Units, Clyde Waterfront is dominated by urban area cut by “Green Corridors”, giving way to areas of “Raised Beach” to the west towards the Inner Firth of Clyde1.
In general terms, the supply of open space along the Clyde Waterfront would be expected to increase from east to west, moving from inner Glasgow to the rural edge environments of Erskine and Old Kilpatrick. Similarly, the amount of open space relative to population would be expected to increase east to west, with falling population densities. However, it is interesting to note that statistically this does not occur on a perfect correlation, and that there are some inner urban areas - Tradeston, Oatlands - which share ratios of open space to population that are comparable with outer areas such as Clydebank. This is no doubt skewed by factors such as a predominance of industrial land use limiting residential population. Such measurements of quantitative supply are on the one hand worthy of note, but on the other of limited value in informing a strategic Green Network: Qualitative indicators - understanding the function and value (and potential value) to the populations they serve - are essential. The Green Network Strategy articulated in this document is based on an understanding such qualitative indicators (see sections 03 and 04 below).
Green Corridors are structured around the River Clyde and provide multi-functional links, whilst areas of Raised Beach to the west sees higher ground reach the coast forming a visible plateau. Green Corridors come in different forms with their common characteristic being their linearity and the waterbodies which exist within them. Green Corridors provide important leisure and wildlife resource as well as providing links to the surrounding countryside from urban areas. They also provide a visual relief to the conurbation’s urban fabric. The Clyde itself is the dominant Green Corridor and the defining landscaping feature within the study area, with its wide western channel narrowing significantly moving east/upstream to Glasgow City Centre. The northern bank of the river is more industrial or post-industrial in character than the southern bank which is generally greener. Closer to the city centre, the river is dominated by engineered banks and quay walls. Source: SNH- Glasgow and Clyde Valley Landscape Character Assessment (1999)
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The Clyde represents a significant opportunity to maximise Green Network benefits right through the heart of Greater Glasgow. However this should be complemented by other Green Corridor opportunities. For example, the Duntocher Burn, which enters Clydebank at the north western suburb of Duntocher, is important because it links the Kilpatrick Hills to Goldenhill Park in Duntocher and the large Dalmuir Park in Clydebank. Duntocher Burn corridor maintains a semi-rural quality and is often set within a deciduous woodland setting. Another important Green Corridor is the Forth and Clyde Canal, which after recent reinvestment from the Lottery Fund connects Glasgow to Edinburgh. The canal provides a home to diverse bird and waterlife and is also used for leisure by fishermen, birdwatchers, walkers, cyclists and canoeists. In addition, both the White Cart Water and Black Cart Water provide semi-rural river corridors to the south and also provide access to the wider countryside. Finally, the River Kelvin flows in a steep wooded gorge through the north and west end of the city. The corridor is enclosed and separated from the rest of the city giving it a rural feeling, although the greenness of the corridor deteriorates where the river flows into the Clyde and access is restricted in this location. Overall, investment in the Green Network has the potential to enrich the image and identity of the river, reinforcing positive landscape characteristics as well as new developments.