Green Woodpeckers in Scotland's Central Belt

[jmack]

Has anyone had any recent Green Woodpecker sightings near Glasgow? I've tried a few likely sites recently with no success, e'g. Kilpatrick Hills, Bishop's Loch. Where else can I look? I'm based on the south side of Glasgow but don't mind travelling for a good chance of a sighting.
Thanks!

[ron1863]

I live just north of Glasgow and have heard of sightings in Campsie Glen but never seen one myself

[skarekrow]

Try the Haw Craig valley (access is difficult due to the rocky terrain and dense vegetation) - I frequently see/hear them there. They seem to be less common in the Kilpatrick Hills these days, strangely.

OS map = NS 745 453

[jmack]

Thanks Skarekrow, I looked up your OS map co-ordinates and it took me to a place near Strathaven. Is this right? If so, great because this is just along the road from me but you mention Haw Craig, is it not near Bowling?
Anyway, thanks very much for the info.

[stigofthedump]

We use see hear them when we lived in Scotland, some 3 years ago, at the base of Lang crags. Overtoun House used to be our starting point.
I think Milton is the nearest train station.
You used to be able to drive right up to Overtoun House but I would check this.

Hope this helps.

Vince

[jmack]

Thanks Vince, I was up there last week but had no luck. Definitely worth another try though, there's some great views from the top of the crags.

[FUDGEY]

I live in Dumfries & Galloway and I know of several sites, one in particular where you can hear them almost every day. It's a very large deciduous wood though so it probably won't be a case of turning up and seeing them. It will be an hours drive from south glasgow so let me know if you are interested in directions.

[jmack]

Yes please Fudgey, I'm in Auldhouse near East Kilbride. I'll make a day of it to give myself a sporting chance. Thanks very much.

[nakedgardener]

I used to see then regularly in the quieter bits of the Benmore Botanic Gardens, near Dunoon..... it's across the water.. but a nice day out!

[FUDGEY]

No problem mate it's only about 5 miles from the Kite feeding station so that would be worth a visit. From the village of New Galloway head south down the West bank of Loch Ken until you come to a very small village called Mossdale, you will see a small shop on your left and you take a left as soon as your past shop & follow the single track road till you come to an old railway viaduct that crosses Loch Ken. Park up before it and on your right there is a huge deciduous wood. Just walk through it along bank side & come back on top of hill. I hear them about half way up when I'm fishing ont opposite bank, you will see Glenlaggan sailing centre on the other side. If you take a dog make sure it's well under control as it is a shooting estate. Hope this helps, if you need further info don't hesitate to ask.