Conservation

At Red Deer Village we work hard to ensure that we have as little impact on the natural environment as possible. We are keen to preserve the local area and work hard to encourage biodiversity across the park. Our experienced team of gardeners and landscapers work tirelessly throughout the year and have introduced a range of conservation initiatives, which help native plants and wildlife flourish. We have been praised for our efforts and are the proud holders of a number of environmental awards.

David Bellamy Gold Conservation Award

Red Deer Village has been awarded the David Bellamy Gold Award for 3 consecutive years and both David and Ruphus Bellamy have visited the park. The award recognises our conservation endeavours and efforts to create habitats within the village.

Our team of landscapers incorporate both cultivated and wild areas into their designs to create environments in which insects can thrive. Grass has been left long in quiet areas of the park and wildflower seeds have been sewn wherever possible. Wild hedgerows are present throughout the site, which provide a food source for wildlife as well as a space safe to nest. Plant cuttings have been taken and introduced into previously unused areas of the site. This is to encourage butterflies and bees.

A variety of flora and fauna has been planted throughout the site, including herbaceous plants, shrubs, trees and flowers. We have tried to introduce native species such as oak, birch and pine wherever possible.

We have created two ponds on the park, which are supplied by rainwater and free from chemicals and other pollutants. The rocks and plants, which surround the pond are home to small insects and frogs, newts and small fish can be seen.

Bee friendly

As part of the David Bellamy Gold Conservation Award Red Deer Village has been recognised as a honeybee friendly park. Our groundskeepers make a special effort to ensure that new plants being introduced to Red Deer are honeybee friendly.

We are registered with the Scottish Beekeepers Association and the Glasgow and District Beekeepers Association. Our head gardener John is hoping to enrol on a beekeepers course so that beehives can be introduced to quiet areas of the park.

Wildlife

There are a variety of species that inhabit Red Deer including rare birds, squirrels, foxes insects and frogs. From time to time we have also spotted Deer as well as a Goshawk, which is a protected species. Our residents have also spotted other birds such as Jays as well as nesting swallows.

We have been careful to leave room beneath our hedgerows for small animals to roam freely throughout the site.

Residents gardens

Many of our residents are also keen gardeners and have gone to great effort to create wildlife sanctuaries in their small gardens. Hanging baskets can be seen above the doors of many park homes around the village.

Local area

Our wonderful location affords residents easy access to Frankfield Loch, which is just a 5-minute walk away. Here it is possible to spot a number of species, including ducks, swans, frogs and toads. Frankfield Loch is a favourite spot amongst bird watchers, who can often be seen along the banks.

Raised peat bog

We are very fortunate to have a raised peat bog at the back of the park, which is extremely beneficial to the local eco-system. Bogs can help to prevent flooding, store carbon and provide a natural habitat for insects and small animals to thrive. Experts claim that only 11% of this habitat remain in its natural state in Scotland as a result of extraction for agriculture and forest planting.