Technical Notes 2022, Issue 106 - Craigend Quarry, Mugdock Country Park
Section
- The purpose of this Technical Note is to advise Members of the Mugdock Joint Management Committee of the issues arising from increased unauthorised access to Craigend Quarry in Mugdock Country Park.
- Craigend Quarry is located to the north east of the Park, adjacent to Craigallian Road. It is fenced off from public use due to concerns about the potential dangers of accessing the areas. It has steep drops, there is machinery and vehicles at the bottom of the site and it contains deep cold water.
- The original fencing was installed in line with recommended specifications for quarry fencing with signage advising of the dangers of entering the site. Over time the fencing has been heightened, barbed wire has been added and signage increased.
- The site was visited by the Health & Safety team and advice was sought from Legal Services regarding the Council’s responsibilities in relation to the Quarry. A risk assessment was carried out and from this an Action Plan was developed. A series of recommendations were made and these are in the process of being carried out.
- Recently Craigend Quarry has become a destination for activities such as cliff diving and tombstoning. Its popularity has grown due to social media and lockdown conditions. The fence is regularly pulled down and the area accessed by groups of young people, often with alcohol, who ignore the advice from the signs.
- The following is an update on the actions which are underway:
|
Current actions
|
Issue under review |
Proposed actions |
|---|---|---|---|
Fencing | Regular checks of fence perimeter and repairs where necessary | As the perimeter fence is almost 1 km long this is costly in terms of staff time and materials | Looking into costs for replacement fencing |
Signage | Signs are monitored and are replaced and improved as required | Signs are sometimes removed without permission or become difficult to read | Signage review is underway and new signage will be installed where necessary at key locations |
Patrols | Funding from NatureScot’s Better Places Fund enabled patrolling to take place over summer 2021 | Unauthorised access continues to be an issue | Further funding from Better Places Fund was secured for June – Oct 2022 |
- The capital budget for Mugdock is split 50/50 between East Dunbartonshire and Stirling Councils. Any proposed costs will be brought to the Joint Management Committee for approval.