RSPB Scotland is relinking the Baron’s Haugh wetland with the River Clyde to revitalise the nature reserve.

The project will continue throughout January and February, and is expected to be completed in March.

Baron’s Haugh in Motherwell has suffered damage due to increasingly frequent floods in recent years with a soil wall separating the reserve from the river gradually eroding, leading to a walkway loss, a hide demolition, and impacts on wildlife using the reserve.

David Anderson, RSPB Scotland Warden at Baron’s Haugh, said: "It has been a long road to get to this stage, but we are delighted to now be underway in delivering a truly transformational project.

"Re-establishing natural functions by connecting the river to the floodplain creates a long term and sustainable solution to the challenges we have been facing and we cannot wait to begin managing the new habitats we create."

The project, funded by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund and managed by NatureScot, is addressing these issues with a sustainable and ecologically friendly response.

The initiative involves working with the river's changing course, creating a more natural link between the Clyde and its floodplain.

Machinery is currently on-site, excavating a breach in the existing wall that will allow water to enter and exit the site as flood levels fluctuate, creating a more naturally functioning wetland.

Once this breach is constructed, work will commence on the main wetland to build new pools, scrapes and channels to increase wetland habitat.

Katherine Leys, head of Biodiversity at NatureScot, said: "The effects of biodiversity loss and climate change are being felt across the length and breadth of Scotland with frequent, increased flooding creating significant problems.

"Through the Nature Restoration Fund, we can support RSPB Scotland with this important work to restore the wetland habitats at Baron’s Haugh.

"It’s great to see a natural and sustainable approach being taken, which we hope will reduce flooding and bring benefits for the wildlife on the reserve."

Although the site will remain open during the work, significant equipment will be moving around, so those using the pathways are urged to exercise caution.

For further information on RSPB Baron’s Haugh, including direction, visit www.rspb.org.uk/baronshaugh.