As part of the council’s ongoing conservation days programme, now is the time to explore one of the many Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) – most of them near a town closer to you than you would think.

LNRs are valuable places as they not only protect our natural heritage but provide opportunities for everyone to get outside and enjoy, learn and experience nature close to their homes.

As well as the LNRs, there are other greenspaces including local parks, gardens, paths and cycleways, cemeteries, sports and school grounds and a wide range of other spaces and play areas to get outside and enjoy.

Kevin Carr, the council’s Executive Director of Community and Enterprise Resource, said: “Being outdoors and enjoying our local green spaces is a fantastic and free way to not only support our climate and biodiversity, but also provides a healthy lifestyle through regular outdoor exercise as well as improving our mental wellbeing.

“We have many LNRs and greenspaces across South Lanarkshire. But now nature and greenspaces are needing our help to restore and protect our wildlife and biodiversity.

“The good news is that there are things that we can all do to help make a difference. So please consider coming along to one of local conservation days run by our Countryside Rangers to get some ideas about how we can all help protect our green spaces.”

Upcoming conservation days include:

• Thursday 3 September, 10.15am to 2.30pm, Morgan Glen
• Wednesday 9 September, 11.30am to 1.30pm, Fernbrae Meadows
• Wednesday 23 September, 11.30am to 1.30pm, Fernbrae Meadows

Follow the Countryside Rangers’ Facebook page for more information and how to get in touch if you are interested in volunteering at one of your local conservation days.

For more outdoor activity options please go to the council’s Getting outdoors pages.

There are also a wide range of other events taking place across South Lanarkshire – more details on the Lanarkshire Climate Action Festival Programme pages.