In south-west Scotland, there’s a patch of moorland surrounded by sheep grazed hills, conifer forestry and an old industrial milling town called Langholm. I first visiting it in 2014 when it was the site of a demonstration project comprising of a partnership between GWCT, RSPB, NE, SNH, Buccleuch Estates. They had commissioned me to write a review. It was no simple task, as this blog outlines.
Past moor
I have returned to Langholm a number of times over the years. Just because I’m curious and even though the 25 year project has now come to an end, there is always stuff to learn. The wind still roars through gullies, sphagnum soaks up peaty water and locals walk up to the monument. There’s now a new kid on the block as a community-owning landowner ventures out on turning the area into a nature reserve with ‘add-ons.’
Future reserve
Podcast from site
Here’s my podcast from my visit in Nov 21 for BBC Countryfile Magazine – along with more context from a previous visit in 2020.
