The area is situated in the north of Glasgow, just east of Bearsden. It is bounded by Boclair Road, to the north,

Balmore Road, to the east, the River Kelvin, to the south, and the Glasgow City/East Dunbartonshire Council

boundary, to the west.

The land, all privately owned, is primarily agricultural land – improved grassland and arable – with areas to the

south of Millichen Road being susceptible to flooding (part of the River Kelvin floodplain). These areas also

include fields of rushy pasture. Some of the fields are bounded by hedgerows most of which are subject to

severe pruning on an annual basis.

Two small partially canalised streams flow south into the River Kelvin whilst land within the floodplain has

been subjected to major drainage works in recent years.

There are a number of cottages, steadings and farm buildings located alongside Millichen Road, which bisects

the area. The privacy of the occupants should be respected at all times.

Millichen Road looking west towards West Millichen Farm

In undertaking the project the Local Group has:

- Recruited a dedicated band of volunteers.

- Prepared annual Monitoring reports which have been submitted to the RSPB Scotland office, in Glasgow.

These have shown that the Tree Sparrow and other birds of conservation concern continue to utilise the Millichen area.

- Raised the profile of the plight of the Tree Sparrow and liaised with other organisations resulting in the planting of

trees within hedgerows and the erection of 100+ nest boxes.

All of this work has helped support Glasgow's Local Biodiversity Action Plan and in particular the Reed Bunting,

Tree Sparrow and Skylark species plans.

As part of the biodiversity process, the City Council has supported a Farmland Bird Project through two Landfill

Tax awards; to RSPB (2004-05) and Starling Learning (2005-07). Outcomes from this Project, in respect of the

Millichen area, include:

- A detailed winter and breeding bird survey of the Millichen area.

- The planting of 2 hectares of wild bird cover.

- The continued participation of RSPB Glasgow Local Group volunteers.

Information gathered from the Group's monitoring reports and surveys, allied to records in ‘Clyde Birds’ 1990-2001,

shows that:

• 100 birds have been recorded since 1990.

• 57 species were recorded during winter season December 2001 – April 2002.

• 64 species were recorded during winter season October 2002 – April 2003.

• 62 species were recorded during winter season October 2003 – April 2004.

• 62 species were recorded during winter season October 2004 – April 2005.

• 65 species were recorded during winter season October 2005-April 2006.

• 61 species were recorded during the breeding bird survey 2005.

• 70 species were recorded by one observer during 2005.

Other fauna recorded includes Brown Hare, Roe Deer, Red Fox, American Mink and Brown Rat.

Tree Sparrow – last known breeding/wintering site within Glasgow City. Minimum of 9 territories recorded in

2005 with 13 pairs reported in 2006.  20+ regularly reported late 2005, early 2006 and late 2006. Maximum of

62 birds reported in autumn 2005 albeit just outside the survey area.

Reed Bunting – 6 territories recorded.

Yellowhammer – 12 territories recorded. 40+ peak count in 2004-2005. 50+ birds recorded early 2006; 68 in

December 2006.

Skylark – 12 territories recorded.

Linnet – up to 8 birds recorded during breeding season. 100 birds in stubble field autumn 2004. A reported

count of c.80 birds on wild bird cover late 2005.

Starling – a minimum of 14 pairs recorded with post breeding flocks of 200+.

House Sparrow – c.40 birds recorded during breeding season – should be seen as a minimum. Autumn counts

of 100+ (2004).

Grey Partridge – formerly known to breed with up to 7 birds seen in past winters; no sightings in winter 2004-05

and only one calling bird recorded during the breeding season.

Greylag Goose – up until 2004-05, the wintering flock could reach 1000+ birds. Relatively poor numbers were

recorded in 2005-06 although eventually 900 birds were recorded on 25 March 2006. In Dec 2006 1000+ birds

were recorded.

Wigeon – good numbers are recorded when ‘flood’ appears between October and April – 175 in Jan 1995, 161 in

Jan 2005, 54 in Oct 2005 66 on 30 March 2006 and 62 on 29 October 2006. High count of  239 on 23 December 2006.

Pintail - small numbers are recorded when ‘flood’ appears between October and April – 8 in October 2005.

Pectoral Sandpiper – one recorded autumn 1994.

Black-tailed Godwit – recorded on autumn passage.

Lapwing – Counts in autumn/winter 2004 - 120; autumn 2005 - 206 birds. Winter 2006-07 flock peaked at

229 birds.

Curlew – unusual records of inland winter flocks (between November and January) peaking at 29 birds in

December 2002; 14 birds in December 2003; and 11 in November 2004.

Greenshank - recorded on autumn passage.

Little Stint – recorded on one occasion.

Wood Sandpiper – recorded twice, one record featuring 2 birds.