Ayrshire has a population of approximately 366,800, 40% of which live in the four larger town of Ayr, Irvine, Kilmarnock and Prestwick. However, only 4% of Ayrshire is classified as urban, yet the mosaic of habitats found in the urban areas in Ayrshire is impressive. Urban greenspaces in Ayrshire are made up of parklands such as Rozelle and Dean castle country park. Such green spaces provide havens for wildlife and many country parks in Ayrshire have schemes in place to encourage wildlife to the park, such as bird boxes, hedge laying and habitat improvement.
Dean Castle and Country Park lies in the heart of the urban center of Kilmarnock where much work has been taking place to increase the wildlife and conservation value of the site. Students of Ayrshire college helped created lagoons to encourage a greater number of amphibians and invertebrates to the site. On going work over the next 5 years through a Heritage Lottery Funded (HLF) project will see much development at Dean castle for both wildlife and cultural value.
SUP is registered in Scotland as a company limited by guarantee with charitable status. Registered address: The Southern Uplands Partnership, Studio 2, Lindean Mill, Galashiels, TD1 3PE. Company No. SC200827 / Charity No. SCO29475