Saline Glen
![Native Forests/Plants: Flora that is indigenous in the region, sometimes called old growth, heirloom or indigenous species. Native species requires less water and care than exotic imports, and usually attract more birds, bees and butterflies, and help the cycle of life stay in balance. May include a master gardener, permaculturalist or horticulturalist or information center. Native Forests/Plants](https://www.opengreenmap.org/sites/default/files/taxonomy_image/category_pictures_75.gif)
![Wildlife Habitat: Native environment for animals and the plants that sustain them. Can represent native natural environments, or protected areas such as park reserves where larger animals and other wildlife can be found. Wildlife Habitat](https://www.opengreenmap.org/sites/default/files/taxonomy_image/category_pictures_83.gif)
Overview
The pathway through Saline Glen was first established in 1979 by the then new owners of the property, Peter and Gill Hart. The Harts then formed the Saline Community Woodlands Project in order to fund improvements and extensions to the pathways. Since then it has had periods when volunteers have improved and extended the pathway and the woodland – in 1990 especially a programme of replanting Scottish native trees was undertaken.
Walking along the pathway is like entering a different world; it is difficult to realise that the village and the road are so close. The glen is one of the few remaining areas of naturally regenerating ancient woodland and consequently a haven for birds and plants. Several years ago a survey was undertaken of the flora. There are at least 90 types of plants, 32 species of trees, twelve species of ferns. In 1993 an expert on invertebrates counted 28 different species including 11 types of molluscs. We have not counted the number of birds or mammals yet - perhaps someone in the village would like to take on the job! The main mammal appears to be grey squirrels and birds include: dippers, tree creepers, wagtails, buzzards, herons (occasionally), sparrow hawks, thrushes, blue tits, great tits, bullfinches, chaffinches, plus the usual, crows, rooks, blackbirds, robins, starlings and pigeons. Gill Hart claims to have seen a kingfisher - but nobody believes her!
Spring is the most interesting time of year when the ground is covered in carpets of blue bells, yellow celandines and white wood anemones. but all months have something to offer. Over one particular Christmas holiday it was a winter wonderland with icicles over 3ft long and a partially frozen burn.
Each year in April we have a spring clean when volunteers collect all the rubbish left during the year and fill a skip - mainly beer cans, bottles, cigarette packets and crisp packets. We have more unusual finds including an animal trap, part of a cart, a fridge. a pram and several bits of bikes. It must be added that in recent years there has been a considerable improvement and not as much rubbish has been collected.
There is a good pathway from the entrance to the glen as far as the aqueduct, a distance of about half a mile. It is then possible to continue on a more rugged pathway for a mile or so alongside the burn when you will arrive at the next village of Steelend. Good, suitable footwear is recommended
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