29/5/2008Saving Our Heritage Is A Walk In The Park
CAMPAIGNERS fighting to stop an aerial assault course will this weekend showcase the park they claim will be ruined by the development.
The protesters will lead a walk around Pollok Park, in Glasgow's South Side, this weekend with wildlife and heritage experts pointing out the park's many attractions.
And Save Pollok Park is inviting everyone to Sunday's guided tour.
The group led opposition to the planned development by Go Ape which would be set among trees in the park's North Wood and the protesters still hope the plan will be kicked out with Scottish Governemnt intervention.
Despite 900 objections, the plan was agreed by Glasgow City Council in March but it could still be called in by Ministers and overturned over the next few weeks.
Bob Marshall from Save Pollok Park will be one of the walk leaders.
He said: "The walk and other activities we are planning are just about keeping a general interest in the welfare of the park.
"It's for people who know the park and people who are new to it and are wondering what all the fuss is about.
"We have the support of the city council in doing it. It's not about protesting, it's about learning and appreciating the park."
The walk will start at 2pm and will last around 90 minutes.
It will start at the ponds on North Drive and take in the ancient ringworks North Wood and Rhododendron Walk, the Lime Avenue and sites of the two previous castle homes of the Maxwell family before Pollok House was built.
The ice house, curling rink as well as the location of a village called Polloktoune which was cleared in the 18th century will also be revealed.
Guides will include tree and plant expert Beth Murph and Gordon Hanley who will point out birds and wildlife.
Since Glasgow City Council gave Go Ape the green light, Save Pollok Park members have been exploring the legal issues behind the plan.
They say the council has admitted to them after a Freedom of Information inquiry that a survey on car parking in the park was never carried out.
The issue over the number of cars Go Ape would attract was one issue of protest, along with worries about the loss of tranquillity and harm to wildlife.
They are also looking into the legal implications of the development getting the go-ahead when the National Trust for Scotland does not support it.
Mr Marshall added: "We have finally got the council to admit in writing there are legal issues that need to be considered before the lease can go ahead."
If you wish to join the walk e-mail contact@savepollokpark.com
