Glasgow’s nature-based flood projects shortlisted for top climate award

Glasgow City Council and its partners have been shortlisted for a 2025 Nature of Scotland Award – in the Nature and Climate Action category – in recognition of innovative work to tackle flooding and boost biodiversity through nature-based solutions across the city.

The council-led programme, delivered through the Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP), is the largest of its kind in Scotland. It uses blue-green infrastructure – a sustainable approach that combines water management with green spaces, to make neighbourhoods more resilient to climate change.

Instead of relying on traditional drainage methods, Glasgow has restored natural watercourses, created flood storage areas in parks, planted new woodlands, and built raingardens along roads.

Such changes help absorb rainwater, reduce sewer spills, and create habitats for wildlife like frogs, herons, and even water voles.

The programme has also transformed unused areas into vibrant public spaces – with new paths, play areas and wetlands that benefit both people and nature. In addition, over 900 metres of urban burns have been ‘daylighted’ – brought back to the surface – and naturalised, improving water quality and reconnecting fragmented habitats.

This £50 million investment in blue-green infrastructure and nature-based solutions includes £40 million from the Glasgow City Region City Deal, funded by both the UK and Scottish Governments – alongside support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) administered by NatureScot and the SEPA Water Environment Fund. The MGSDP initiative has also benefited from close collaboration with Scottish Water, Southside Housing Association, and other key partners.

Projects already delivered include:

• Blairtummock Park: An unused sports pitch was turned into a grassy habitat for water voles, with the Whamflett Burn brought back to the surface and a drainage basin added to support new housing.
• Camlachie Burn: A hidden stretch of burn was uncovered and restored to a more natural state, helping wildlife and reducing flood risk.
• Croftfoot Park / Croftpark Avenue / King’s Park: New roadside raingardens and woodland planting help soak up rainwater, while improved paths make it easier for pupils to walk to Croftfoot Primary School.
• Cranhill Park / Croftcroighn Park / Croftcroighn Road: New wetland areas were created in the parks to help manage rainwater and reduce flooding. Paths and seating were improved, and a new walking and cycling link now connects Croftcroighn Park to the Seven Lochs nature reserve at Gartloch Road.
• Early Braes Park: Rainwater from nearby roads is now cleaned naturally through a series of shallow basins, where frogs, tadpoles and water voles have been spotted.
• Halfway Community Park / Queensland Court and Gardens: Underused greenspace beneath residential tower blocks were transformed into lively community parks with play areas and wildlife-friendly features.
• Sandyhills Park: The buried Tollcross Burn was uncovered and allowed to flow naturally on the surface again, with new paths and a footbridge added for public access.

More projects are planned for Barlanark, Eastern Springburn, and High Knightswood.

The MGSDP’s award nomination celebrates how nature can be part of the solution to urban challenges – protecting homes, improving health, and helping wildlife thrive.

Anne McCall, Director of RSPB Scotland said: “Every year the Nature of Scotland Awards celebrate people and projects going that extra mile to make a difference for nature in their local communities.

“We can’t tackle the nature and climate crisis alone and it is heartening to hear the inspiring stories of people coming together to protect species and improve spaces for nature.

“A huge thank you to all of this year’s applicants for sharing their tremendous work with us. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the awards ceremony in November at what looks to be another great night.” 

Headline sponsor NatureScot’s Chair, Professor Colin Galbraith said: “At this critical time for nature and people, these nominees reflect the exciting diversity of talent caring for nature in Scotland’s communities and businesses.

“Each project nominated demonstrates that we all need to work together to help nature recover and to protect our precious environment for the future.”

The winners will be revealed at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Thursday 20 November, where 53 finalists will gather.

The ceremony will be hosted by BBC Springwatch presenter Iolo Williams and BBC Scotland Landward presenter Arlene Stuart.

The full list of finalists is available here – rspb.org.uk/natureofscotland.