Possil Marsh

Possil Marsh is a nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest, of both flora and fauna, within the city of Glasgow, Scotland. The reserve was once part of an extensive system of lochs and marshes which extended throughout much of lowland West Central Scotland. However, centuries of drainage and reclamation have resulted in the elimination of much of this system. Due to its geographic position, the marsh is particularly vulnerable from industrial and residential development. The reserve contains a monument for the High Possil meteorite, which fell there in 1804.

Geography

The reserve is 31.4 hectares (78 acres) in size, and lies in the catchment of the

fluvio-glacial origin between the River Clyde and the Kelvin, the site is roughly triangular in shape. Its northern border is bounded by Lochfauld Farm, whilst the south and eastern borders are protected from direct contact with industrial and residential areas by the Forth and Clyde Canal

, as is the western border by the A879 and Lambhill Cemetery.

Status

Possil Marsh has been under the custodianship of the

wildfowl, and its diversity of wintering birds, supporting up to 150 bird species, with 22 species recorded breeding. In addition to this it also contains a diverse number of invertebrate

fauna, including 2 nationally scarce species and a number of locally scarce species, as well as many important plant species.

Important habitats

The reserve consists of a shallow

heath habitat and the central birch island which contains an important number of sphagnum

species.

Notable flora

Plants that are of local and/or national importance include:

Mimulus luteus, Urtricularia minor, and Elodea canadensis, from the adjacent canal. Other species, such as Ranunculus scleratus

, entered the marsh due to material being brought in to level up the ground for a cottage that once stood within the reserve.

Species lost

Past land use, natural succession and human activities have played a role in changing the reserve's vegetation. This has resulted in the loss of species such as

U. vulgaris

, all of which are now believed to be absent.

References

Dickson, J.H., Macphers, P., & Watson, K.J. (2000) The Changing Flora of Glasgow : urban and rural plants through the centuries. Edinburgh University Press.
Morgan, C. I., & Clive, I. (1984) Possil Marsh Nature Reserve : management plan. Scottish Wildlife Trust.
Rennie, W. (1951) Possil Marsh : yesterday and today, or, Jottings from my journals : with map.

External links

55°54′09″N 4°15′51″W / 55.90255°N 4.26424°W / 55.90255; -4.26424