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 The beautifully preserved historic village of New Lanark was founded in 1785 as a cotton spinning settlement. Ideally placed to make use of the Falls of Clyde's abundant waterpower, it was in operation between 1786 and 1968. The village is designated as a World Heritage Site due to its significance as a pioneer industrial community, and Robert Owen's enlightened educational and social innovations.
Adjoining New Lanark is the Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve, which is a remnant ash and oak woodland set in the gorge of the River Clyde to the south of Lanark town. The Clyde tumbles successively down three sizeable waterfalls, which together with the picturesque village have attracted visitors, artists and poets for many years.
 A strong partnership
The New Lanark Conservation Trust and the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) have been working hand in hand running the village and nature reserve for the last 30 years. In days gone by the Falls of Clyde provided the power for the Lanark watermills, so there has always been a strong connection between the two attractions.
The New Lanark Conservation Trust run and organise events such as the annual science fair in the village where SWT is keen to participate and highlight the issues which it is involved in, such as wildlife protection. The New Lanark Conservation Trust run weekend play days for children where SWT provide bat masks and wildlife finger puppets.
It is an easy walk from one site to the other and staff encourage visitors to enjoy both attractions. Most people spend all day in the area, which means more business for the shops and cafés.
 Making nature accessible
During February to early July, the resident peregrine falcons are one of the main attractions at the wildlife reserve. Visitors can enjoy watching the nesting birds from the comfort of the reserve visitor centre via CCTV link. Binoculars are provided in the observation hide and a ranger is always on hand to help visitors spot the birds and better understand their habits.
There is an events programme that runs from Easter to September with guided walks to view the peregrines, bats and badgers. The success of these walks is clear as they are often fully booked.
 Volunteer support
Helping the staff run the wildlife reserve and look after the tourists, are a team of thirty local volunteers. Nature conservation work is popular and the reserve has had people of all ages from work experience pupils to the retired helping out with tasks such as footpath repairs, woodland management and tree planting.
 'Waterfall days'
A large hydro-electric power station was built in 1927 to harness the power of the Falls of Clyde. The falls were a key attraction on the site, and when the water volume markedly fell, so did the visitor numbers. The reserve has worked hard over the years to develop other natural attractions, such as the wildlife tours and woodland walks and today visitor numbers are a healthy 60,000 a year. Tourists can still enjoy the natural force of the falls on special 'waterfall days' when Scottish Power turn off the hydroelectric power station. The resulting spectacular cascades have drawn a thousand or more people into the reserve. These events are generally timed to coincide with bank holidays so that more people can appreciate the spectacle.
 Interpretation
Both New Lanark and the Falls of Clyde have visitor centres and together they provide fascinating insights into the historic, social and natural significance of the area. The SWT visitor centre is currently being refurbished and the new exhibits aim to strengthen the link between the village and the reserve.
Successes and future plans
New Lanark Mill Hotel has achieved a Gold Award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme for its achievements in sustainable tourism.
The Falls of Clyde has been put forward for National Nature Reserve status. This status, if awarded, would give further recognition to the nature conservation interests of the area and add to its value as an educational and visitor resource.
For further information, please contact:
New Lanark Conservation Trust
New Lanark Mills
Lanark
ML11 9DB
Phone: 01555 661 345
Email: trust@newlanark.org
Website: www.newlanark.org/
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Falls of Clyde Visitor Centre
New Lanark
ML11 9DB
Phone: 01555 665 262
E-mail: fallsofclyde@swt.org.uk
Website: www.swt.org.uk/
This case study features in the publication 'Greening Scottish Tourism: Linking the Built & Natural Heritage, 10 Best Practice Case Studies'. You can download the full publication at the bottom of this page.
Case study added August 2005
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