A new project aims to help rejuvenate a Castle Douglas beauty spot.
Loch Ken Trust is set to work with experts from Galloway Fisheries Trust and Scotland’s Rural College to breathe new life into Carlingwark Loch.
And their work will be supported by a grant of nearly £10,000 from the Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund, administered by Inspiring Scotland.
The move comes amid public concern on social media over how much of the former boating loch has become choked with large sections of lily pads, making any recreational activity impossible.
Loch Ken Trust manager, Barnaby Fryer, said: “We are really excited to have secured this funding, which will enable us to work with the community of Castle Douglas, and other partners, to start restoring the ecosystems of Carlingwark Loch.
“As part of the Threave and Carlingwark Loch Site of Special Scientific Interest SSI, it is really important that any actions we take are done correctly.
“That is why it is so vital to have expert advice from the wide range of partners involved in this project.
“We would like to thank everyone involved with the Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund for giving us the chance to get started on restoring Carlingwark Loch to benefit people and the planet.”
The project will see Galloway Fisheries Trust carry out studies of the loch to test the water quality and check for the presence of invasive non-native species (INNS).
They will also help the Loch Ken Trust deliver village hall talks about INNS so people know how to spot them and what to do if they find them.
INNS project officer at Galloway Fisheries Trust, Tracy Starks, said: “Galloway Fisheries Trust are delighted to be part of the upcoming project Restoring and Enhancing Carlingwark Loch, funded through the Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund.
“We look forward to continue working with Loch Ken Trust carrying out water quality and INNS surveys at the loch.”
Loch Ken Trust will also work with staff and students from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) at its Barony campus at Parkgate near Dumfries to develop a new management plan for the loch.
This will be informed by discussions with the community and other organisations including NatureScot, National Trust for Scotland and the RSPB.
The Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund has been made possible thanks to funding from the Carman Family Foundation, the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, which is managed by NatureScot, and others.
Inspiring Scotland is administering the funding.
Director of funds, Erica Judge, said: “The Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund is filling a gap in the landscape by funding the development stages of locally-based ecosystem restoration.
“The response shows that there is very much an appetite and need for this work.
“We hope that these initial projects will inspire other local groups to tackle local nature restoration projects in their local communities.”
She added: “We are delighted to be working with the Carman Foundation, NatureScot and others on this work.
“Please get in touch with [email protected].”
Anyone who wishes to get involved with the Carlingwark Loch project can contact Loch Ken Trust at www.lochken.org.uk/contact-us.