Arkley, S. L. B., Browne, M. A. E., Albornoz-Parra, L. J. and Barron, H. F. 2011. East Dumbartonshire Geodiversity Audit. British Geological Survey Open Report, OR/09/19. 265pp.
EDC 8: Kilmardinny Loch, Bearsden
Grid reference:
Site type: Natural landform
Site ownership: Not known
Current use: Recreational land
Field surveyor: Sarah Arkley & Luis Albornoz-Parra
Current geological designations: None
Date visited: 6th March 2009
Site map
Summary description
Small inter-drumlin loch in urban environment.
During the Quaternary, the area was covered by ice sheets on several occasions which moulded the topography and laid down extensive glacial deposits. Much of the low ground in East Dunbartonshire is covered by glacial till, some of which has been moulded into elongate ridges parallel to the direction of ice flow (drumlins). On retreat of the ice, meltwater poured from the glaciers over the new glacial topography, hollows between some of the drumlins were flooded and formed lochs. Kilmardinny Loch is thought to have formed in this way; its dimensions are approximately 250 m x 200 m.
The glacial topography and the subsequent flooding of this inter-drumlin area have created an excellent wetland habitat for a variety of birds & animal species. The margins of the loch also support a variety of wetland flora. A wildlife oasis with a built-up environment which is enjoyed by local residents. The site illustrates how the shape of the landscape influences the way man and wildlife can use the area. Despite being located beneath a flight path for Glasgow Airport and very much within the urban environment, the site is rather unspoilt and reasonably well looked after. There are many public footpaths around the loch which are well used by locals. No information about the site was observed, but not sure if any kind of interpretation board would survive here. Cadder Sand and Gravel Formation has been mapped adjacent to the loch but no exposures were seen — may be a possibility for creating an exposure.
EDC 8: Stratigraphy and rock types
Age: Pleistocene Formation: Wilderness Till Formation
Rock type: Glacial deposits: diamicton
Age: Quaternary Formation: Kelvin Formation
Rock type: Lacustrine deposits: clay, silt and sand
Age: Pleistocene Formation: Cadder Sand and Gravel Formation
Rock type: Gravel, sand and silt
Assessment of site value
Access and safety
Aspect/Description
Road access and parking Small parking area at the east end of the loch, but street parking in the surrounding residential areas should be possible in a number of places.
Safety of access Wooded area surrounds the loch, good footpaths into the site and a flat path goes all the way round.
Safety of exposure Could get your wellingtons stuck if heading into the wetland areas at the edge of the loch
Permission to visit No permission sought
Current condition Okay, minor household/garden rubbish
Current conflicting activities
None
Restricting conditions None
Nature of exposure Natural landform
Culture, heritage & economic
Historic, archaeological & literary associations None known. Rating: 0.
Aesthetic landscape Valuable open space with urban environment. Rating: 3.
History of earth sciences None known. Rating: 0.
Economic geology None recorded. Rating: 0.
EDC 8: Geoscientific merit
Total Geoscientific merit score 10
Current site value
Community Public park surrounded by housing estates, local residents frequent the site, feeding birds, dog-walking, etc. Rating: 10.
Education Small inter-drumlin loch, if an exposure of sand and gravel could be found/created this would add significantly to the value of the site. Thick sequence of sediments may also exists beneath the loch. Rating: 5.
Fragility and potential use of the site
Fragility None
Potential use School, On-site Interpretation, Multidisciplinary
Geodiversity value
Although neither lochs nor drumlins are rare features in the area, Kilmardinny Loch is a good example of a flooded inter-drumlin hollow. However, the main value of the site is that the fact that it is located within the urban environment and could be used as an example of the glacial features and deposits created in the area during the last glaciation and developed to inform residents about their local geological history. Its geodiversity value is enhanced on account of its accessible location. Rating: 3.