Western Channel

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Stirlingshire

Scotland

Western Channel

Mudflats on the River Carron at low tide The pontoon is at the entrance lock at the east end of the Forth &amp; Clyde Canal. This demonstrates that entrance to the canal is NOT possible at all states of tide! — Mudflats on the River Carron at low tide Credit: Gordon Brown

Western Channel is a freshwater body located in Stirlingshire, Scotland. It is a man-made lake that was created as part of a water management system in the area. The lake has a length of approximately 2 kilometers and covers an area of around 20 hectares.

The Western Channel is primarily used for water storage and flood management purposes. It acts as a reservoir, collecting excess water from surrounding areas during periods of heavy rainfall. The water is then slowly released to prevent flooding downstream, helping to regulate water levels in the region.

The lake is surrounded by a diverse range of habitats, including pools, ponds, and freshwater marshes. These habitats support a variety of plant and animal species, making Western Channel an important site for wildlife conservation. It provides a suitable breeding ground for various aquatic plants, such as reeds and water lilies, which create a picturesque landscape.

The diverse range of habitats also attracts a wide array of bird species, including waterfowl and wading birds. Visitors to the area can often spot species such as mallards, coots, herons, and even the occasional swan. The marshy areas are also home to amphibians, such as frogs and newts, further enhancing the ecological value of the Western Channel.

Overall, Western Channel in Stirlingshire serves as not only a functional water management system but also a haven for various plant and animal species. Its scenic beauty and ecological significance make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and a valuable asset to the local environment.

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Western Channel Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.024571/-3.714332 or Grid Reference NS9382. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Mudflats on the River Carron at low tide

The pontoon is at the entrance lock at the east end of the Forth & Clyde Canal. This demonstrates that entrance to the canal is NOT possible at all states of tide!

Gordon Brown

Spitfire Memorial

Ralph Greig

Seating area: Charlotte Dundas Trail

Information boards at far side: The Boatyard & William Symington

Jim Smillie

River Carron at low tide

Looking downstream from canal lock

Jim Smillie

Grangemouth Refinery

The refinery and the Ochil Hills look very close in this view from Kettlestounhills, but the refinery is actually about seven kilometres (4 miles) from here.

Anne Burgess

The Ochil hills from the River Carron

Taken from the Grangemouth North road docks in March 2005

bob connelly

Mouth of River Carron with part of Grangemouth petrochemical complex

Taken from service road which goes as far as the entrance locks to Grangemouth docks. On far side of Forth can be seen Longannet Power Station

paul birrell

Pipeworks Grangemouth

View of refinery showing cooling towers and assorted plant.

paul birrell

Old wall

A newly-built house behind an old wall east of Skinflats.

James Allan

Track towards the river Carron

The smoke-stacks in the left background are part of the Grangemouth oil refinery and chemical plant.

James Allan

Bollard on Breakwater

Had to walk almost 1km along a breakwater of jumbled stones covered in seaweed to get this photograph. Taken from about half way along the breakwater between River Carron and mudflats on the River Forth near Grangemouth. The mudflats are part of River Forth SSSI - mainly for wintering wildfowl and waders. Saw plenty of waders but not many wildfowl - maybe because it's not winter yet! A mild but wild day, many parts of the country most notably Inverness and nearby were flooded today. Just glad the tide was out!

Adam Ward

River Carron

River Carron just east of the M9 not far from where it enters the River Forth. Only a few miles from the former Carron Ironworks the first major ironworks built in Scotland opened on 1760 closed in 1985 under Thatcher.

Adam Ward

Industry on the Carron

Although the former Ironworks are now closed - further downstream there is plenty going on, on the banks of the River Carron, seen here at Grangemouth.

Adam Ward

Lion Savages Eagle

Grangemouth War Memorial, featuring a Lion savaging an Eagle on the top. It was highly commended in the 'Best Kept War Memorial Competition 2006' - apparently. On a windy autumnal day.

Adam Ward

Old High School

Building that used to house Grangemouth High School - now multiple flats.

Adam Ward

End of the line at Grangemouth

These twin tracks used to provide a vital link in moving refined oil to all parts of the UK by rail. Whilst it appears these days are no more with road transport now the preferred method of bulk distribution, these incoming tracks to the former BP Oil Refinery at Grangemouth and the extensive sidings behind lie empty and disused - it's not all bad news. A SECOND rail connection (single track) in NS9482 still allows trains to enter the INEOS refinery.

Raymond Okonski