BRAG : Bothwell Road Action Group

01/06/2026

Its volunteer week 🎉🎉🎉and we wish to thank all of our fantastic volunteers for the time and commitment that put in to all our work . From our committee members to our walk leaders and our camera shy gardening grannys we could not do all our fantastic work without you.

Want to be part of team BRAG. Send us a pm and we will find a volunteering opportunity for you.

27/05/2026

As the most enquires we have regarding the woods and park are about off rd bikes we wish to remind everyone that we at BRAG. Can not do anythin other than bring it up withe South Lanarkshire Council and Police Scotland Lanarkshire which we have on numerous occasions. So we ask the public to do as we have been asked and report them to Police Scotland Lanarkshire on the crime stoppers number or 101 or 999 . This is the only way that resources can be deployed please also ask for a crime reference number so that this can be logged and followed up

Anti-social off-road bike use is not just a nuisance - it’s a risk to rider, public, wildlife and property.

Incidents reported have included illegal riding on roads, parks, pavements and public spaces - some involving injury to the rider, public or property damage.

With rising concerns from communities across South Lanarkshire over the illegal use of off-road bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters and mopeds, our partners at Crimestoppers Scotland are requesting information on those responsible.

Crimestoppers want to help you speak up in a safe, secure, anonymous environment - either via https://orlo.uk/D05iV or by calling trained staff on 0800 555111.

More information can be found here https://orlo.uk/PY9gI

19/05/2026

18/04/2026

18/04/2026

🚶‍♀️👣🚶‍♂️Our weekly walking group meets every Sunday morning 10.30am at the Whitehill center gardens new members welcome walks last an hour at a gentle pace.

18/04/2026

As part of our partnership with MorphFit Gentle Movement Project Ltd. Withe funding from Climate Action Lanarkshire we whare at Whitehill fun day building bug boxes thanks to Whitehill Activity Group and Whitehill Universal Connections YFCL for there help

01/04/2026

No squirrels where harmed in the making of the last post have a good day 🃏🃏🃏

01/04/2026

BOTHWELL ROAD PARK INTRODUCES PICNIC PERMIT SCHEME FOLLOWING RISE IN ANTI-SOCIAL SQUIRREL ACTIVITY

New Measures Aim to Protect Snacks, Sandwiches and Community Harmony

South Lanarkshire Council has today announced the introduction of a Picnic Permit Pilot Scheme at Bothwell Road Park following a significant increase in what officials have described as anti-social squirrel behaviour.

Recent monitoring suggests that local squirrels have developed unusually energetic and disruptive behaviour patterns, believed to be linked to discarded energy drinks left within the park.

Visitors have reported incidents including organised snack staking, unauthorised crisp napping, rapid biscuit thefts, and what one witness described as “extreme zoomies .”

Park and Recreation Manager Hazel Nutt explained:

“We fully support wildlife enjoying the park responsibly. However, a small but determined group of squirrels appear to have adopted highly caffeinated lifestyles. The resulting behaviour has required a proportionate and community-focused response.”

From 1 April, visitors intending to picnic within Bothwell Road Park will be encouraged to apply for a Picnic Permit.

The scheme has been introduced to restore balance for park users

Permit holders will receive:

Official Snack Protection Guidance
Recommended sandwich filling and cutting advice
Access to designated Low-Risk Picnic Zones
Peace of mind while enjoying food outdoors

The permit will also outline approved picnic contents, encouraging reduced quantities of high-sugar foods and discouraging the presence of energy drinks known to contribute to elevated squirrel activity levels.

Council officers have confirmed that compliance with picnic guidance will be monitored throughout the pilot period.

Failure to follow permit conditions, including the provision of excessive sugary snacks or caffeinated beverages accessible to wildlife, may result in a fixed penalty notice.

Senior Compliance Officer Joe King added:

“Most picnics proceed without incident. Unfortunately, repeat squirrel offenders have demonstrated remarkable strategic planning when sugary items are present.”

Community Advice

Visitors are kindly asked to:

Keep food supervised at all times
Dispose of litter responsibly
Avoid feeding wildlife, intentionally or accidentally
Secure snacks before leaving picnic areas unattended

Residents are reassured that the vast majority of squirrels remain well-behaved members of the park community.

South Lanarkshire Council will review the success of the Picnic Permit Pilot Scheme until 1st April 2027 as part of ongoing efforts to maintain a safe, welcoming, and snack-secure environment for everyone.