Hedgerows & Habitat

Jamie Campbell is the Project Development Worker for the Hedgerows and Habitat project at Netherthird. He is also a representative and trustee for the village on the 9 Community Council Group.

The Hedgerows and Habitats project planted over 5000 hedge whip plants to create more than half a kilometre of new hedgerows. The aim of the project is to improve the aesthetics of the community while increasing biodiversity.

The project was carried out in the main by members of the community themselves rather than by contractors or the council. Volunteers and trainees carried out the bulk of the work with help from the local school and nurseries.

This range of activity brought the attention of other groups and an award at national level.

The Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society is Scotland's national horticultural and gardening society, whose aim is to improve the science, art and practice of horticulture throughout the nation. "The Caley" have an award scheme for Growing and Learning in Nature, GLiN. This project won the award in the community category.

The community garden site was chosen as it sits right alongside the new primary school. What had been a scrub site used occasionally for grazing cattle has now been developed into a community and educational resource.

The community secured a thirty year lease from the local council in 2011 and has developed and improved constantly since then. Every class in the school uses it for project work twice per week to learn about plants, habitat, the environment and food production.

School pupils and trainees from other organisations gain knowledge and practical work experience. In the better weather the school has open access to an outdoor classroom. Polytunnels provide year round facilities and protected space for planting and growing everything from fruit and vegetables to bedding plants. There are also raised beds, summerhouses and play areas connected by formal paths. Anyone from the local community can come and enjoy the space.

The Hedgerows and Habitat project helped improve the site with a nature walk beside the garden and additional hedging in Holmburn Road, the latter being identified by locals as deserving attention.

"Our hope for the future is to keep developing the four acres of the community garden as it is a very popular part of the community. We want to plant more fruit trees, improve the fencing and the raised beds. The aim is to do more with the school as the kids are very enthusiastic about planting and growing to learn about plants and vegetables. We have seen a lot happen in the last few years with the help of the 9CC. Working with the wind farm developers will be a great thing for this area in future. The locals decide on the priorities for the spending. The garden, the local youth club and the local bowling green have all seen the benefit. The main wind farm funding won't come till 2026/27 but we have seen the benefits already. There are big strategic plans including apprenticeships and electric vehicle hire for the community."

The project continues to contribute to a more pleasant community environment where people can connect while making a contribution to tackling climate change. Practicality and inspiration go hand in hand to help shape our future.