January 2026 - Colourful “ambassador corridors” to be created across the M8
28 January 2026
M8 corridor between Baillieston & Eurocentral
Vibrant new meadows are set to bloom along the M8 motorway network across Glasgow City Region, creating new habitat connectivity for wildlife, with the first sites due to be planted ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
These “ambassador corridors” will display an array of colourful flowers and species-rich grasslands, brightening up transport routes, soaking up rain and providing vital spaces for pollinators.
The collaborative project between the Glasgow City Region (GCR) Green Network, Amey Transport Infrastructure and Scottish Roads Partnership, will firstly focus on a stretch of the M8 between Baillieston and Eurocentral roundabouts.
More than 27 sites covering over 17 hectares were initially assessed with two pilot sites selected for meadow creation later this year. The sites were chosen because they will maximise visibility from the motorway for motorists and can be more easily maintained. The project also aims to create sustainable green waste from the pilot sites and compost will be produced from annual meadow cuts beginning in Autumn 2026.
The “ambassador corridors” are part of the GCR Green Network’s wider Clyde Grasslands initiative which identified over 400 locations across the region where the creation, restoration or management of grassland would help reverse habitat loss and create a permeable landscape for grassland species.
Ross Nimmo, Head of Place for Glasgow City Region said “I’m delighted to see these pilot sites going ahead before Glasgow hosts this year’s Commonwealth Games. What a fantastic opportunity to showcase the Regions commitment to nature and climate action.”
“Our blooming, floral “ambassador corridors” will offer a warm, hopeful welcome to incoming athletes, coaches and visitors through key infrastructure routes to the City.”
“The Clyde Grasslands initiative, together with our other key Green Network initiatives, Clyde Peatlands, Clyde Wetlands and the Clyde Climate Forest are beginning to literally plant the seeds of success across our dear green place and beyond.
Across the UK 97% of species rich grasslands have been lost since the 1940s with only scattered patches remaining. This makes it difficult for species to move through the landscape in search of food, breeding opportunities, and to escape further habitat loss. Clyde Grasslands seeks to reverse this loss across the region.
The project is also part of Amey’s recently launched Nature Positive Strategy which aim is to identify opportunities for habitat creation and connectivity, supporting the development of Nature Networks across the M8 and other Amey-managed areas.
‘Stewart Allan, Amey’s account manager for the M8 M73 M74 Motorway Improvements Project on the east side of Glasgow states “Our chosen pilot on the M8 between Baillieston and Eurocentral aims to promote the growth of wildflower species and increase the abundance of pollinator species on site by planting selected wildflower seed mixes. We will cut the grassed areas at various times of the year to promote the growth potential of wildflowers and cuttings will be collected to help improve the overall soil health by decreasing nitrogen levels and thatch build up. This will be for everyone’s enjoyment and environmental benefit.'
Amey’s client at Scottish Roads Partnership, Graham Drummond added ‘The pilot study area will be inspected during construction, with follow up visits on site to track progress. The study is aimed to act as a baseline for future studies, evaluating areas such as innovation around grass cutting and uses; criteria for site selection; associated carbon costs and predicted Biodiversity Net Gain. Future studies will be based off this pilot study to create further ‘Nature Networks’ areas.’
As well as introducing new grassland and wildflower areas, Amey is exploring other sustainable practices such reducing mowing frequency and composting grass cuttings. Enhancing carbon sequestration through improved soil health and planting of trees and shrubs is also being considered.
Less well known, grasslands gather and store an estimated 30% of the earth’s carbon and so represent a critical nature-based response to both the climate and nature emergencies.
Ends.