Volunteers in Inchinnan have revealed their plans to link up an ancient wood that was the scene of a medieval battle with more pieces of land.

The Inchinnan Development Trust (IDT) was formed specifically to take ownership of Teucheen Wood, an area of woodland that has been growing for over 150 years.

In May 2019, many villagers were shocked to learn that the 14.45 acres of land was being put up for sale.

Maggie Morrison, senior development officer at IDT, told The Gazette: "Some of the locals saw the proposed sale on an auction website and got in touch with me. I had just become secretary of the community council.

"As the word of the sale spread amongst the villagers, so did the anger. A determination grew that we had to save Teucheen Wood. 

The Gazette:

"Living beside Glasgow Airport, its trees are Inchinnan's lungs, almost literally. Without them our air quality would be much poorer because of the airport. The air monitors in the village tell us that."

Since the IDT successfully purchased Teucheen Wood in December 2021, volunteers have been working hard to make the site more accessible to villagers.

Maggie said: "More pieces of land are being bought to link up with Teucheen Wood and increase the wildlife habitats, sustaining the biodiversity. 

"These won't be for people, but we will create positions where the birds can be watched from a distance. 

"We have a big campaign to keep dogs on leads. If we don’t look after the wood and the natural life it supports, nobody will."

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In 1164, Teucheen Wood witnessed a bloody battle as a force of 15,000 men under Norse-Gaelic lord Somerled were attacked.

More recently, the wildlife haven has been subject to a Tree Preservation Order since 1957.

Maggie added: "An important battle was fought there over nearly 900 years ago. As long as anyone can remember the chestnut, sycamore, beech and oak that have been growing. 

"There since 1860s have been a precious part of the village’s identity. These trees give shelter to precious wildlife.

"Eight out of 10 of our most endangered bird species are to be found in the wood. There are bullfinch and great spotted woodpeckers. 

"Below them roe deer, foxes, voles, newts, are at home. Just last week our wildlife expert came across a stoat. The first seen here for a long time."