• 10.00 - Meet at Castlemilk Park, where will explore their site for 90 mins before driving to Malls Mire (we are currently seeking transport for those without a car) 

• 11.45 – Arrive at Malls Mire, where we will explore for 90 mins and then have a 30 min lunch. Leaving at 1.45pm 

• 2.15 – Arrival at The Children’s Wood, where we will continue our exploration of their site, learning about their history and plans for their future woodland. The minibus will return all attendees to the starting point of Castlemilk at 3.45pm

Overview: Castlemilk Park LNR – South Glasgow 

Castlemilk Park LNR is managed by Cassiltoun Trust, while Glasgow Council own the green space. This historic woodland estate has been transformed into a biodiverse, inclusive community resource. Home to mature trees, wildlife habitats, heritage features, and volunteer‑led conservation, the park showcases how community action can reclaim and reimagine urban woodland for public benefit. 

What to Expect 

• Tour mature woodland, wildlife habitat zones, and conservation areas 

• Hear about volunteer-led engagement with diverse community groups 

• Explore heritage features and learn about ecological restoration 

Learning Goals 

• Heritage-informed regeneration – see how historic estate features are integrated into modern ecology and access works 

• Volunteer engagement & social inclusion – learn approaches to involving refugees, families, and youth in stewardship 

• Creating safe, welcoming spaces through conversation – discuss how dialogue-driven activities root trust and reshape public perception. 

Please note: Castlemilk Park LNR is accessible via train/ bus for those travelling without car 

Overview: Malls Mire Community Woodland – Toryglen, Glasgow 

Glasgow’s first community woodland, set on a reclaimed golf course and forestry land. Now a Local Nature Reserve, Malls Mire is co‑managed by Urban Roots and local volunteers and includes woodlands, wetlands, meadows, and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). It's a hub for biodiversity restoration, conservation volunteering, and wellbeing. 

What to Expect 

• Walk through woodland, ponds, meadows, and coppicing zones 

• Meet conservation volunteers and educators 

• Discuss green infrastructure and urban habitat design 

Learning Goals 

• Managing urban habitat & biodiversity – observe coppicing, wetland creation, invasive species control 

• Promoting wellbeing & inclusion – explore how nature supports mental health and community events 

• Collaborative problem-solving through dialogue – explore community‑led approaches to litter, anti‑social behaviour and site stewardship. 

Overview: The Children’s Wood – North Kelvin Meadow, Glasgow 

A vibrant, community‑led greenspace in Glasgow’s West End, revitalised from derelict land to a flourishing urban meadow, woodland, and growing zone. The Children’s Wood offers forest‑school sessions, toddler groups, family events, and outdoor learning, all designed to boost wellbeing, nature connection, and social inclusion. 

What to Expect 

• Guided tour of key areas: meadow, woodland, growing beds, and community spaces 

• Insights into programming for families and schools 

• Chance to meet volunteers and hear their stories 

Learning Goals 

• Creative outdoor learning in urban settings – see how the site delivers forest‑school and school programmes in an inner‑city context 

• Community empowerment through stewardship – learn how local residents united to save and manage the space 

• Learning through conversation – reflect with peers on inclusive green spaces and nature‑based wellbeing. 

Please note: those driving will need to pay for parking via Ringo App. There are no toilets at The Children’s Wood.  

Please bring your own lunch, refreshments and snacks for the day, as there will be no food provided on this exchange. 

There is no charge to attend this exchange visit, but you will need to cover the costs of travel to the event.  

As a group member of CWA, you will have access to some funding through the Community Learning Exchange. CWA applies for funding on behalf of its members due to different limitations from our funders, the Community Learning Exchange.  Once we know how many people will attend, we can establish the level of costs we can support.  

All receipts must to be submitted to CWA before payment/ partial payment of expenses.  

Individual members are always welcome to our exchange visits! If you are seeking funding through the Community Learning Exchange, you would need to be able to provide evidence of how you will ensure the knowledge gleaned from this exchange would benefit your wider community, and not solely yourself.   

We have secured minibus transport for those requiring transport between sites.

For those taking their cars, you will need to pay for parking at The Children’s Wood via the Ringo App.