The History of Castlemilk Park

Castlemilk Park was offically opened on Saturday 1st June, 1963, by the late Lord Provost Meldrum.

The woods stretch from Croftfoot Road to Ardencraig Road and were once part of the designed landscape of Castlemilk House, which was demolished in 1969. The house was situated above the pond near where the Jeely Piece Playzone is located; part of the ruin is still visible today. The old tree lined driveways that now form part of the path network were spectacular. Oak, beech and lime trees tower over head.

Throughout the season these woods are home to many species of plant and animal. In spring, bluebells carpet the woodland and bird song fills the air. Look out for bats on those warm summer evenings or marvel at the fantastic fungi and colour of an autumn adventure. Why not follow those animal tracks on a winter walk; if you’re lucky you may see a roe deer.

William Gilchrist was employed as forester for the Castlemilk Estate in the 1860s. During his time in Castlemilk he was responsible for the planting of over 391,000 trees. Much of his work can be seen today in the woods of Castlemilk Park, including some of the exotic species he planted such as 5 Giant Sequoias which can be found along the old driveway to Castlemilk House. In late spring, two of William Gilchrist’s great great granddaughters travelled from Yorkshire and Lincolnshire to visit the woods of Castlemilk Park, which hemanaged and help create nearly 150 years ago. William Gilchrist died on the 27th November 1882 in the Inverythan rail disaster, but his legacy lives on the woodland of Castlemilk Park. During a guided walk marking 120 years of his death, seeds were collected from one of the Giant Sequoia trees he planted in 1865. One of these seeds has germinated and at the time of writing, is about 5cm in height. When the seedling is much bigger we hope to plant it in the park.