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Walking Through Landscape

Walking Through Landscape: Episode 4: The River - River Nirth

Episode 4

Episode 4: The River - River Nirth

The River - River Nirth

BBC Radio Scotland - Walking Through Landscape, The River - River Nirth

Iain Stewart visits a site in East Ayrshire where the River Nith has been moved - twice.

Iain Stewart visits the upper reaches of the River Nirth in Ayrshire, where a stretch of water has been diverted to make way for industry.

Take a walk though any landscape in Scotland, and there's a story to be uncovered - of human lives, and the impact we've had on the land around us. Join Iain Stewart as he walks through some of Scotland's most intriguing landscapes, guided by people who live and work in them, to uncover tales of how we have exploited, celebrated and enjoyed Scotland's forests, hills, lochs, glens and shores.

Exploring the theme of water, Iain visits a project in which human activity has had a startling impact on a landscape. The upper reaches of the River Nith in Ayrshire flows through an area of open cast coal mines. Ten years ago, coal was discovered under the river - and the decision was taken to move it - literally taking a 3km stretch of river, and moving it aside. Three years after that, coal was found underneath the river's new path - so it was diverted again. Yet in spite of the scale of the intervention, the fisheries board who manage the river believe the river environment is now better than it was before the move.

BBC Radio Scotland

Factual: Science & Nature: Nature & Environment

Iain Stewart reveals the impact of human activity on Scotland's most intriguing landscapes

Iain Stewart takes a walk through some of Scotland's most intriguing landscapes, revealing how human activity has shaped the land we see today.

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