Volunteers Keen to Restore Greenery to Village
Fallin is set to enjoy a greener future, thanks to the hardwork and dedication of local volunteers and a flourishing partnership network across Stirling and the wider Forth Valley region.
Local MP Alyn Smith and Stirling Councillor Brian Hambly heard more about ambitious plans in a recent meeting with Fallin Community Voice representatives, as the group progresses their vision for a greener, more resilient village.
Grassroots volunteers in Fallin are taking part in green-fingered fun, as plans get underway to develop an accessible food and climate focussed community garden and restore planters in the village, centred around attractive, hardy, low maintenance perennials that are edible or wildlife-friendly.
Sited next to Wester Moss Nature Reserve – a rare peat bog with protected status and a range of edible plants including cranberries), plans include spaces designed to complement the reserve, extending the habitat of resident and migratory wildlife. To maximise community participation, the project will span several other sites across the village, including the miners’ memorial and the open air museum memorial garden adjacent to the main site.
The project will also include a large polytunnel space for events and educational workshops, acting as another hub for the community to help reduce social isolation.
Neil Taylor, Chair of Fallin Community Voice said:
‘It was great to have Alyn and Brian visit the site to hear more about the project, and offer their support. Residents in Fallin have wanted this derelict site to be put to good use for years, and we’re very happy to be progressing exciting plans to do just that. The community garden will be a real asset to Fallin, helping to feed our people and pollinators and encouraging social and learning opportunities. I can only thank partners for their support and helping us get this far. With a bit of time and attention, our volunteers will help turn Fallin even greener, and grow a garden that serves our entire community for generations to come.’
Local Councillor Brian Hambly said:
‘Fallin has a fantastic community spirit, and I’m so proud to see local residents organising some ambitious plans to transform this derelict land into an accessible garden for the whole community to enjoy. As we look to tackle the climate emergency, keep our neighbourhoods safe and inviting and engage our neighbours, I think this project will be another feather in Fallin’s cap – and I’m very glad to give it my full support.’
Stirling MP Alyn Smith said:
‘It was a pleasure to visit the site and hear first-hand about its history and – with hard work – its future. Community gardens are fantastic assets for any area, but Fallin Community Voice’s intention to place accessibility at the heart of the project really won me over. I’m very humbled to represent communities across Stirling, and any opportunity to see Fallin build community capacity, resilience and a greener future should be grasped with both hands. More power to your elbows, and leave a shovel for me!’
Notes:
Attached is a picture of Alyn Smith MP and Councillor Brian Hambly, alongside Project Development Coordinator Nikki Thomas, and Iain Guthrie, Fallin Community Builder at Strathcarron Hospice.
