Bishops Glen is an attractive wooded glen (17ha) on the outskirts of Dunoon which unfortunately had suffered from several years of neglect. Historically, the use of the Glen has ranged from iron smelting, providing the town’s water supply and a valuable public amenity. Since 1994 when a start was made on general improvements to footpaths, Bishop’s Glen has been seen as part of a wider Countryside Access Strategy for the Dunoon area with the Glen providing the start of several routes into the hills above the town. A detailed management plan has been prepared for the site, which is the first phase of establishing a larger Dunoon Woodland Park. The aims are the long-term restoration of the woodland to increase its amenity value and biodiversity as well as improving opportunities for informal recreation and environmental education. The Millennium Forest project provided the impetus for a significant amount of woodland improvement work which included the removal of sitka spruce and rhododendron and the establishment of additional areas of native broadleaved woodland. Significant improvements have been made to the footpaths within the Woodland Park, a new car park has been constructed and interpretation has been provided throughout the site.

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