Jock's Burn in Carluke

- Mark Archibald, Archibald Photography, Make Your Way Project Photographer

Running through the heart of Carluke is Jock's Burn, an area of stunning natural beauty which has the potential of being a real jewel in the crown of the community. For generations this shallow sided valley with its flowing tributary to the River Clyde was a much used escape for walkers, nature lovers and dog walkers. Although still frequented by dog walkers, Jock's Burn has, sadly, fallen into decline in recent years and is in desperate need of a clean up. Quite frankly, it needs to be and deserves to be saved.

It is really quite sad to ramble through these glorious trees and plant life and witness such an amount of fly-tipping, general rubbish, discarded bicycles... The Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership in conjunction with Clydesdale Community Initiatives are organising two clean up days to help kickstart potential regeneration of Jock's Burn (see links below this article to help and get involved).

I know there is completely understandable frustration amongst the local community at the state of Jock's Burn. It would be such a wonderful thing to take back some control over this natural gem and begin the process of returning it to a safe, clean and protected route within Carluke.The burn runs for four miles through gently sloping woodland along a good quality path and wooden walkway. It isn't difficult to see how a clean up would improve the area.