LOCATION
The marsh is situated to the north of the City Centre and is bounded by Balmore Road, on the west; the Forth & Clyde Canal, on the east; and farm land, to the north. It is managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust as a Wildlife Reserve and is open at all times.
The marsh can be accessed by foot from entry points from Balmore Road or the Canal. The nearest bus service (currently no. 54) operated by First Glasgow via Cadder (stop at Skirsa Street) is no more than 10 minutes walk from the Reserve.
T
he nearest railway station is at Possilpark & Parkhouse – approximately a 25 minute walk from the Canal.
DESCRIPTION
The Marsh is an area of shallow standing water surrounded by a diverse range of habitats. The habitats include extensive fen/swamp; dry grassland; wet meadow and willow/birch scrub woodland. A public footpath surrounds the marsh linking to the canal footpath with access available from Balmore Road (two entry points) and the canal (two entry points). The Reserve can also be viewed from the canal. An 'interpretation' board is located at the northern entry point from the canal.
Possil Marsh in August 2008
CONSERVATION MEASURES
The Marsh (31.65 hectares) is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is also a Statutory Wild Birds Sanctuary. It is managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust.
WILDLIFE RECORDS
The Reserve provides nesting cover and wintering grounds for a wide diversity of bird species. A total of at least 145 species of birds have been recorded with up to 22 species breeding. It is an good place to hone your bird watching skills as it can be frustrating when you just catch a glimpse of a bird in the vegetation or scrub - patience, however, is normally rewarded.
Typical summer visitors include Sedge Warbler, Willow Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler and Whitethroat, whilst Reed Bunting and Stonechat can also be found. In among the common species, wildfowl records include Green-winged Teal, Garganey, Gadwall and Shoveler. The site is also good for Water Rail although you are more likely to hear it rather than see it.
In addition to birds the Reserve provides a suitable habitat for a wide range of invertebrates and on most visits Roe Deer can be seen.
For more information on the Reserve, see the SWT's web site - www.swt.org.uk
Sightings
Your wildlife sightings at Possil Marsh can be e-mailed to me at j.coyle13@ntlworld.com
All photographs copyright Jim Coyle.