Annual Review 2014/15

Transcription

1 Annual Review 2014/15 AB Images (Scotland) beckyduncanphotographyltd/snh

2 Chair s Foreword

3 The past year has been one of change: the new CSGNT Board replaced the CSGN Partnership Board; a ministerial reshuffle resulted in our fourth Environment Minister in four years and a new Planning Minister; and it was the first full year of the Programme Committee - our direct link to Government. However, change should never be an excuse for inactivity and it certainly has not been for us. We have acted quickly on developing our agenda around our three key priorities - active travel, vacant and derelict land and disadvantaged communities. Partnership projects are being delivered in each of these priority areas. For example, Dr Aileen McLeod, Minister for Environment Climate Change and Land Reform, officially opened the Camlachie Community Park in Glasgow. This provides quality play facilities for local young people on what used to be a football supporters coach park. Through the good offices of the GCV Green Network Partnership, we now have a rigorous assessment of the capital cost of delivering 17 components of the CSGN. These include retrofitting green infrastructure in urban areas, increasing allotments by 200% and temporary greening of vacant and derelict land. Over a 40 year period, the cost has been identified as 2.8bn. This figure doesn t seem quite so frightening, once the contribution from the private sector and existing spending on these components is allowed for. With signed concordats in place with all of the 19 local councils in the CSGN area, we have begun to see what progress each council is making in taking forward the CSGN initiative. It is heartening to see recognition by councils of the relevance of the CSGN to their own local agendas. Many councils, such as City of Edinburgh and South Ayrshire, have included items in their proposed Local Development Plans which integrate green network principles across policy topics and embed green infrastructure within site briefs for new housing. Other councils have demonstrated a variety of projects including East Dunbartonshire s first green gym. This encourages people to become involved with their local greenspace, learn new skills and improve their own health and wellbeing. Falkirk Council is making closer ties between its Education Service and the environment agenda by delivering outdoor learning in local greenspaces and expanding its successful school orchard project. Clackmannanshire Council has published its Open Space Strategy, which promotes the provision of accessible and quality open spaces and connections, as well as community growing. It introduces the Clackmannanshire standard for green space provision, including community growing spaces. The last year has also seen a continuing focus for CSGN partners. At a time of increasing demands on the NHS, CSGN projects are helping to promote active lifestyles as a way to relieve pressure on health budgets. Figures based on the 3.5m people living in the CSGN area show that 79.5m could be saved annually by the NHS if just 1 in 100 inactive people took adequate exercise. Just a word on the John Muir Way; open now for almost 14 months. Expectations are being surpassed. In May, I had the pleasure of escorting JoAnne Dunec, the President of the John Muir Association of California, and six of her colleagues along a few miles of the eastern end of the route. They had been drawn to Scotland by the excellent two page review of the route that appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle last June. JoAnne told me that her group had bumped into a party of eight walkers and cyclists from Montana, which appears to indicate that the route is proving attractive to Muir s adopted country. So we are using the John Muir Way to sell Scotland internationally while not forgetting about using the route for the benefit of local residents. Finally, the past year has seen a deepening of partnership working. To achieve CSGN s goals partnership working is essential and I am heartened that CSGN stakeholders are now working closely together to help deliver real change to the quality of life of the people who live in the CSGN area. Keith Geddes Chair, Central Scotland Green Network Trust

4 A year of the John Muir Way In 2010, the CSGN set out to create a new long distance route named after John Muir. Led by SNH, this is one of CSGN s flagship projects demonstrating what can be achieved by effective partnership working. The route symbolically links Dunbar (John Muir s Birthplace) with Scotland s first National Park (Loch Lomond and the Trossachs) and with Helensburgh in the west, forming a coast to coast route. The completion of the route in 2014 coincided with the 100th anniversary of John Muir s death, Homecoming Scotland and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. John Muir Way Launch & Festival The new John Muir Way was officially opened in Dunbar by the then First Minister, Alex Salmond, on 21st April Thousands enjoyed the party atmosphere in the sunshine with celebratory art, music, and food stalls. The launch was part of a wider John Muir Festival. This was funded by SNH, Homecoming Scotland and Creative Scotland. It involved community participation, artist-led events and large scale public performances at selected locations along the 134km route. Almost 40,000 people took part with more than 70 associated events organised by a large variety of local groups. Community Events Programme Following the launch and the festival, SNH continued the momentum by supporting community events along the route. The events programme had two main aims. Firstly, to promote the John Muir Way to local people encouraging new visitors who would otherwise not use the Way or would find transport links difficult. Secondly, to raise awareness of John Muir - promoting his legacy and achievements as a naturalist, campaigner and author. In addition to events held by local authority rangers and community groups, SNH funded various activities across the route, including: 12 Mad about Muir shows at 6 venues by Quids In theatre company Community group events including guided walks led by specialists such as Buglife and Plantlife Support for local groups to walk sections of the route such as the Edinburgh Muslim Women s Association Funding to Alliance Scotland for electric buggies for a group of disabled people and a canal cruise for the physically impaired Events at local nature reserves at Lenzie Moss, Merkland and Dumbreck to raise awareness of the reserves and the links to the Way. New bench on the John Muir Way Angus Ross Ltd Cameron McNeish and Keith Geddes at the launch of the John Muir Way

5 Communications The John Muir Way has its own dedicated website and a facebook page which are proving to be popular. A map and guidebook have been created and a leaflet has been distributed to tourism offices throughout Scotland to promote the route. Route developments Following the launch, a variety of partners have continued to develop and improve the John Muir Way. Falkirk Council has led on major works between Bo ness and Blackness, where the sea wall was being rebuilt with a new bitmac surface on top. Funded by Sustrans, Sportscotland, Falkirk Council, SNH and Falkirk Environment Trust the path accommodates both the Way and National Cycle Route 76. West Dunbartonshire Council worked with Scottish Woodlands and The Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park to manage a large contract to build a new path over Gouk Hill between Helensburgh and Balloch. This section enables walkers to make the most of the stunning views over Loch Lomond. In the Kilpatricks, Forestry Commission Scotland, Sportscotland, SNH and Stirling Council are working with landowners to develop a brand new section of path between Carbeth and Wester Cameron. This section will open during the summer of In Edinburgh, the Council improved some steps in Leith and widened the cyclists ramp. For the endpoints of the route, SNH commissioned two bespoke John Muir Way benches. These are made of Scottish oak that has been steam bent and left untreated so the wood takes on a natural hue. Other endpoint art works are also planned. Route management With the route close to completion, SHN and CSGNT have begun to consider the longer term development and management needs of the route. Work will get underway in 2015 to identify options. Monitoring There are various existing counters along the route and two new Eco-visio counters have been installed at Strathblane and Dalmeny. It s still early days, but the new counters will provide us with detailed figures to compare against existing base line data. SNH also plan to commission face to face user surveys to provide more in-depth information on users and how and why they use the route and to look at the impact of the route on local businesses. Alex Salmond opens the John Muir Way Alan McAteer

6 Forestry Commission Scotland Commonwealth Woodlands - FCS Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) played a pivotal role along with SNH in the establishment of the CSGN in Today it continues to develop a rich variety of innovative projects which deliver great benefits to local communities and the environment across the CSGN area. Commonwealth Woods The FCS Commonwealth Woods project is an on-going legacy project for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Each of the 14 Commonwealth Woods from Lang Craigs and Overtoun Estate in West Dunbartonshire and Garscadden Woodland at Drumchapel, to Cathkin Braes, Castlemilk and Easterhouse provide outdoor spaces for people to enjoy free events and activities, get active or just to go for a walk in the fresh air. A Commonwealth twinning project was also developed in partnership with the Commonwealth Forestry Association to twin a number of the woods in the network with Commonwealth countries. Since the establishment of the project, over 18,000 people have attended organised activities and events across the sites. There have been over 350 separate engagement opportunities for local communities covering a range of different interests, such as woodland games events, community lunch fun days, sculpture development, tree stories and music workshops, walking routes, treasure trails, woodland workouts, green routes to school, aerial performances, dancing and music from across the Commonwealth. Also this year, a series of led walks across the woodlands were delivered in a partnership with Paths for All. At Riccard Johnston in North Lanarkshire a maze was developed in the shape of the Games logo. Cuningar Loop was celebrated through an exhibition at the Lighthouse in Glasgow. In this project FCS is working in partnership with Clyde Gateway to transform 15 hectares of derelict land on the banks of the River Clyde into an attractive woodland park. The Park will feature an extensive path network, a bike skills park, bouldering park, adventure play facility and a trim trail, along with seating areas, a large meadow and an outdoor classroom. Cuningar Loop - FCS Commonwealth Woodlands - FCS Commonwealth Woodlands - FCS

7 CSGN Woodland Expansion Programme FCS continues to promote woodland creation and develop new mechanisms to support new planting. This year a significant area of work has been the development and promotion of the CSGN Contribution, a new funding option within the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) Forestry Grant Scheme. The CSGN Contribution recognises the higher costs of planting trees in Central Scotland and will be made available in addition to the standard planting grants where woodland expansion will deliver the aims of the regional Forestry and Woodland Strategies. As part of a seven year grant programme, the CSGN Contribution offers considerable potential for more planting of a range of woodland types across the CSGN. During 2014/15, the Woodland Expansion Programme worked with the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society to explore farm woodland management and expansion. As part of this, it initiated a farm woodland pilot in South Lanarkshire to look at the potential for woodland to support existing farm businesses. The WEP also ran several farm woodland events, attended four agricultural shows and worked with partners throughout CSGN area highlighting the benefits and opportunities for new woodland. Commonwealth Woodlands - FCS Commonwealth Woodlands - FCS

8 Scottish Natural Heritage Blawhorn Moss Dougie Barnett\SNH SNH is a key partner agency which is working to make the CSGN Vision into a reality. Over the past year, it has worked on a number of projects and initiatives at different scales which have helped to drive forward the CSGN through the inclusion of the CSGN in strategic plans and policies and also through the delivery of practical on-the-ground projects. Development Planning The Strategic Development Plan teams for the SESplan and Clydeplan areas have worked with SNH and other partners to develop the green network and place-making elements of their plans. This has included a number of workshops which have brought together ideas from a range of stakeholders. SNH has also worked with Local Development Plan teams to incorporate green networks into these plans, through input to settlement strategies and supplementary guidance, including design frameworks and development briefs. Green Infrastructure Fund SNH has been working with a number of potential projects from urban areas around Scotland to submit a bid to the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF). If approved, this would support a six year programme of green infrastructure projects worth 37.5m, which would bring the green network into urban centres, and provide new or improved green infrastructure in areas blighted by vacant and derelict land. EcoCo LIFE Project SNH has completed preparation for this 2.3m four year project, supported by EU LIFE funds, which started in early The project will deliver habitat creation and restoration at key sites, and between sites, to improve biodiversity and improve habitat connectivity across Central Scotland. This project links a number of different partner organisations and sites ranging from industrial brownfield sites (in the Inner Forth) to an old quarry (Whitesands) to National Nature Reserve peat bogs such as Flanders Moss and Blawhorn Moss. Flanders Moss Lorne Gill/SNH

9 Flanders Moss observation tower Lorne Gill/SNH CSGN Strategic Routes SNH has been working with the SESPlan and Clydeplan Strategic Development Plan teams and member authorities to map strategic active travel and recreational routes within their areas. The work builds on local active travel strategies to identify the key directional routes that link main settlements or connect urban areas with the wider countryside. Routes will be further considered through the Strategic Development Plan processes and wider consultation. SNH Grant Programme In addition to contributions towards the 2014/15 CSGN Development Fund, SNH provided over 1.5m to more than 50 projects in the central belt which supported the CSGN vision in particular, building links between communities and their natural heritage through volunteering and environmental education. For example, grant aid was provided to Friends of Possilpark to employ a development officer who worked with volunteers on site clean-ups, wildflower meadow establishment, wildlife recording, school educational visits and involvement in various arts based projects and community celebration events. SNH also grantaided Edinburgh Cyrenians to provide Gardening for Life training for disadvantaged young people. As well as funding these individual projects, SNH supports a number of national bodies which are active in the central belt with CSGN-related activities. Paths for All helps local communities to develop their local path network and CSV provides Action Earth grants to local projects. The Conservation Volunteers Scotland, Scottish Wildlife Trust and RSPB Scotland each operate volunteering projects which maintain and enhance habitats around the central belt. Sustrans Greener Greenways project engages volunteers to improve the green network alongside its cycle paths. Habitat works by this project on the Clyde Walkway in Scotstoun is complemented by SNH s Simple pleasures easily found leaflet for West Glasgow which promotes access to greenspace in the area. Edinburgh Cyrenians Common Lizard Laurie Campbell/SNH

10 Local Authorities Launch of the Ayrshire and Arran Forestry Strategy Mike Scott Photograper This year the last of our 19 Councils signed up to their CSGN Local Authority Concordat. These confirm Local Authority commitment in helping to deliver the CSGN, as expressed through the network s inclusion in Scotland s National Planning Framework. The Concordats also ensure that the CSGN is embedded within all relevant policies, strategies and plans. Below are just a few highlights of how some of our Councils are helping to deliver the CSGN. Celebrating community space in Edinburgh The City of Edinburgh Edinburgh was the first Council to sign its Concordat. Since then it has worked on several projects and initiatives which have contributed towards realising the CSGN. In June 2014, the Council published its Second Proposed Local Development Plan (LDP), which integrates green network principles across policy topics and embeds green infrastructure within site briefs for new housing. This Plan is supported by The Edinburgh Design Guidance which received a Scottish Award for Quality in Planning in 2014 and has influenced changes in design quality across the City. The Council has worked with the Causey Development Trust on a community led initiative which is revitalising a street in the South side of the city, converting a traffic dominated piece of road into a space for people, community events, pedestrians and cyclists. A process of design development and engagement is now underway, working towards implementation in Clackmannanshire Although the smallest mainland Scottish Council, Clackmannanshire has a wide variety of landscape, from coastal mudflats to the high moorlands of the Ochil Hills. Over the past year the Council has published its Open Space Strategy which seeks to promote the provision of accessible and quality open spaces and connections, as well as community growing. The Strategy introduces the Clackmannanshire standard for green space provision, including community growing spaces and their accessibility, as well as seeking to increase active travel levels. Path surfacing improvements have also been undertaken throughout the area to improve access between communities, as well as into the countryside. Several improvements have also contributed to the Council s Safe Routes to School programme. In conjunction with SUSTRANS, the Council has converted a former railway line between Tullibody and Menstrie into a footpath/ cycleway, including the renovation of a girder bridge over the Devon. Ochil Hills over Clackmannanshire

11 The Planning Service also continues to reflect the objectives of the CSGN within their decisions on major applications. It requests compensation for woodland loss and green network improvements such as footpath improvements in relation to housing or windfarm proposals. Protecting peatland in East Dunbartonshire East Dunbartonshire East Dunbartonshire s Open Space Strategy was approved by the Council in January One of the overarching aims is to extend and enhance the green network. The development process and open space projects offer a means of improving both the quality of the existing network or filling gaps in connectivity and improving access for areas where it is currently relatively poor. During 2014, committed partnership working resulted in the area s first green gym. This encourages people to get involved with their local greenspace, learn new skills and improve their own health and wellbeing. The team has undertaken a number of tasks at Merkland Local Nature Reserve, Kirkintilloch, including woodland thinning, meadow planting and path improvements. Funding from the Scottish Government s Green Stimulus Peatland Restoration Fund was awarded to six sites in East Dunbartonshire. Restoration work involved damming of sites to raise water levels and removal of scrub and trees. The creation of boardwalks and paths at some sites has also improved access for local people. During the year, the Council also received Stalled Spaces Scotland funding. This exciting national initiative led by Architecture + Design Scotland will facilitate the temporary use of under used land, stalled development sites or vacant and derelict land. The Council continues to champion and support the Galloway & South Ayrshire Biosphere as a vehicle to accelerate the engagement of local communities and businesses with their natural environment. This work adds value to the local economy and delivers improvements and changes in land uses that strengthen habitat networks in the area, including peat restoration. Falkirk To support the new Local Development Plan, Falkirk Council is preparing a suite of Supplementary Guidance notes. Several of these support delivery of green networks. The Council has been making closer ties between its Education Services and the environment agenda by delivering outdoor learning in local greenspaces and expanding its successful school orchard project. Children of all ages regularly take part in outdoor learning sessions, come rain or shine, in the Forestry Commission Scotland-managed woodland at Forth Valley Royal Hospital near Larbert. The innovative greenspace improvements was shortlisted for a Nature of Scotland Award in Falkirk Council is keen to roll out this approach across the area, working with other NHS sites and creating at least one exemplar outdoor learning site for each high school cluster. South Ayrshire South Ayrshire Council s LDP was adopted in September It includes a policy to contribute towards the CSGN vision and goals through master planning and seeking to connect active travel routes and green networks. Outdoor learning space in Falkirk

12 North Ayrshire North Ayrshire Council is seeking to develop and implement the Green Network across North Ayrshire. Adopted in May 2014, the North Ayrshire Local Development Plan recognises the multiple benefits of the green network for North Ayrshire s economy and environment and the role it plays in improving the quality of life and place for local communities. The plan has mapped elements of the green network for protection and enhancement, including core paths, public parks, sensitive landscapes and the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. Over the last year support has continued for a number of projects across the council area to deliver the CSGN at a local level. Several have been part funded by the CSGN Development Fund such as the Connecting Business and Communities Project, which is contributing to the Irvine Green Network by creating accessible active travel routes through attractive greenspace using a path network between Irvine and the i3 business site. The Connecting Communities project is an initiative which is expanding the Kilbirnie Green Network by improving the value of local greenspace sites in terms of recreation and biodiversity and making them more attractive and accessible to the local community. The LBAP for North Ayrshire is a statement of the strategic and coordinated action that the Biodiversity Partnership, with support from a number of locally based NGOs, community groups and individual recorders, intends to achieve over the next three years in order to protect and enhance biodiversity within North Ayrshire. The proposed actions which take previous Ayrshire LBAPs into consideration includes the improved coordination and monitoring and also practical delivery on habitat projects targeted at: coastal and river corridors farmland wildlife forests and woodlands urban post-industrial sites path networks urban greenspace Renfrewshire The adopted Renfrewshire Local Development Plan and Supplementary Guidance provides a policy framework that seeks to strengthen and develop the multifunctional role of the green network within Renfrewshire. The Council has worked within the context of the GCV Green Network Partnership to identify short, medium and long term priorities to augment the strategic level green network and enhance the aims and function of the CSGN. Renfrewshire s Places Residential Design Guide sets out considerations to be addressed in the delivery of successful sustainable places in Renfrewshire using local examples. It supports the CSGN vision by encouraging the creation of attractive and usable open spaces within new residential developments. This year, work began on developing a new Outdoor Access Strategy for Renfrewshire covering the use of all forms of non motorised transport for active travel and for recreation. The strategy will provide a means for coordinating priorities for future access provision. A number of green infrastructure projects have also been delivered in recent years such as: The South Paisley Strategic Link - the final link in an active travel route linking Barrhead with the National Cycle Route at Linwood Toll The Erskine Green Network project which addresses access issues by creating a new path network between the River Clyde Walkway and Erskine Grand Fountain in Fountain Gardens, Paisley. The Semple Trail Heritage Project which aims to attract more visitors to the Lochwinnoch area by through the formation of Heritage Destinations, new and improved paths and restoration of key built heritage features A new outdoor gym in North Ayrshire The Grand Fountain Restoration Project which has restored a Paisley fountain, reinvigorating its garden setting as an important greenspace. The project also provided opportunities for people to engage with their local heritage, learn new skills and expand their knowledge.

13 Green Exercise Partnership Forth Valley Royal Hospital. Image: FCS Woodland and greenspace near the Forth Valley Royal Hospital. Image: FCS In 2007, NHS Health Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and Forestry Commission Scotland established the Green Exercise Partnership (GEP). In line with several CSGN ambitions, the overarching purpose is to promote better health and quality of life for people in Scotland through greater use of the outdoors for physical activity and contact with nature. Green exercise describes physical activity in outdoor settings which have strong natural environment components (e.g. green spaces, paths, parks, nature reserves and countryside). It includes: walking and relaxation; outdoor learning and play; recreation and sport; practical conservation; gardening; rehabilitation and recovery, and active travel. A key focus of the GEP is to promote better use of the NHS estate and it has worked to develop projects within each NHS Board area. These demonstrate good practice in the management and use of the outdoors across a range of health care settings. Since 2010, GEP has provided partnership funding to support key demonstration projects and green asset development reports for over a dozen hospitals. In 2013, the Scottish Government contributed to this by providing 1m over 3 years to embed this demonstration programme. GEP has successfully delivered, or has projects underway, in all but three of the mainland Scottish Health Boards, five of which are within the CSGN area. This year, a local green exercise mapping project was undertaken in Lanarkshire as part of a wider national pilot led by SNH. This targeted demonstration projects in two Local Authorities which supported initiatives that increased levels of physical activity in the outdoors. Similar developments are still being explored in Glasgow and North Ayrshire, linked to the health centre refurbishment programme. Following on from successful developments at the Royal Edinburgh and the Midlothian Community Hospitals, Edinburgh Cyrenians received a further grant to continue the development of the NHS Lothian Community Garden project, with St John s Hospital in Livingston identified as the third site to be developed. Several other projects are within the development phase but completed works include greenspace improvements and a new waymarked path network and growing spaces in the hospital grounds at Gartnavel in Glasgow. A demonstration project at the new Possilpark Health and Care Centre in North Glasgow was completed. This transformed vacant and derelict land surrounding the site into a wildflower meadow, urban green gym and a community growing space which includes manageable 1m 2 raised beds to encourage local people to get involved and start growing. Forth Valley Royal Hospital. Image: FCS

14 Regional Partners Site of propsed Little France Park, Edinburgh The four CSGN regional partners help co-ordinate action at a strategic level ensuring local activity fits in to the big picture and all projects contribute to making the GCV Green Network happen. Its been a busy year for them; several projects have developed significantly gathering momentum and support. GCV Green Network Partnership (GCVGNP) The GCVGNP operates across eight local authority areas: East and West Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City, Inverclyde, North and South Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire. Over the past year the Partnership has promoted its Better Places agenda which advocates the retrofit of green infrastructure into regeneration projects and its inclusion into new development. It created two key case studies highlighting these very different approaches. The first is Clyde Gateway where integration of the Green Network at an early stage of the regeneration process has been vital in encouraging inward investment and delivering benefits to existing residents. The naturalised approach to sustainable urban drainage (suds) in the area has helped provide a place for nature and for people to enjoy. The Partnership has also acted as catalyst helping to make the new Cuningar Loop Woodland Park a reality. New IGI in Glasgow Secondly, a Maidenhill case study has been developed. This is a potential exemplar of Integrated Green Infrastructure (IGI) in East Renfrewshire. Green Infrastructure is at the heart of the Masterplan in this new development which will site around a thousand new homes. East Renfrewshire Council has led the way in adopting the Partnership s Integrated Green Infrastructure (IGI) approach to create a cutting edge, innovative urban masterplan where a central green spine will connect communities within and beyond the area. The Partnership also completed a major study working with the CSGNT to estimate the capital costs for the components of the CSGN Vision. The Costing the CSGN study was presented to the CSGN Programme Committee Board where it was well received as a significant strategic planning document for the delivery of the CSGN.

15 Ayrshire Green Network (AGNP) The AGNP operates in East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire and South Ayrshire and works closely with the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership. The Ayrshire and Arran Forestry and Woodland Strategy was launched by the Ayrshire Green Network Partnership in October It aims to provide a policy and spatial framework to guide woodland management and expansion in Ayrshire and Arran in an effort to maximise the contribution of woodland and forestry to the people, environment and economy of the region. The Garnock Valley Futurescape Partnership is a landscape scale initiative to value and enhance the heritage of the area for residents and visitors. In 2014/15 the Partnership carried out habitat enhancement projects, community based conservation projects and community engagement through recruiting volunteers to support the work throughout the Garnock Valley area. within the proposed Local Development Plan as a green network opportunity. It is also part of the Edinburgh Living Landscape initiative. Working in partnership, ELGT submitted an application to the Sustrans Community Links Fund and was successful in being awarded 300,000 towards the design and implementation of a new high-quality walking and cycling route through what will become Little France Park. This project will provide an exciting opportunity to create a new landscape setting for the south east of the city, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation which brings social and health benefits to this area. The parkland will be an important part of the green network, providing a focus for local and sub-regional leisure and amenity, improved connectivity and enhanced biodiversity. Other Ayrshire projects which have expanded activities include East Ayrshire Woodlands which has continued to train young people in environmental management skills whilst undertaking valuable works which improve local green infrastructure. Another is the East Ayrshire Coalfield Environment Initiative which has been particularly successful this year in engaging the local community in wildlife surveys, peatland conservation works and education events. Lothians & Fife Green Network Partnership (LFGNP) The LFGNP operates across five Local Authority areas: The City of Edinburgh, East Lothian, Fife, Midlothian and West Lothian. Over the past year, LFGNP has continuted to work in partnership with Fife Council and SEPA to help deliver improvements to the Lyne Burn Green Network - a linear greenspace and active travel route serving the communities of Touch, Abbeyview, Woodmill and further into Dunfermline. Fife Council obtained an award from SEPA s Water Environment Fund for scoping, feasibility and design work to implement improvements to this water environment. This is particularly important as the watercourse has potential to enhance its drainage function and help prevent flooding. Another project which was progressed during the year was Little France Park. This is a key piece of green infrastructure for Edinburgh and surrounding region and a crucial regeneration tool linking local communities to employment opportunities. The park area is identified Forth Valley Whilst there is no defined regional partner for the Forth Valley, as reviewed in the Local Authority section above, there has been no shortage of activity in the area over the past year. Cycling Stirling Hub celebrated its first year of operations promoting active travel and the city launched a cycle hire scheme in October Funded through the CSGN Development Fund, Forth Valley Orchards Initiative has continued to make huge progress, inspiring communities and landowners to plant, care for and use orchards throughout the Forth Valley and the wider CSGN area. During the year it administered the CSGN Orchard Grant Scheme and the Orchard Futures Fund which supported projects led by schools, businesses and community groups. It also held 15 orchard training workshops and the Orchards Roadshow visited 13 venues engaging with nearly 900 people. Lyne Burn

16 Stalled Spaces Scotland Greyfriars Garden, Glasgow. Image: Lenny Warren In previous Annual Reviews, we have reported on Stalled Spaces Glasgow an innovative idea supported through the CSGN Development Fund. This initiative has gone from strength to strength; winning national and international awards. In July 2014, a national initiative was launched to roll out this concept across other parts of Scotland. From its legacy of intensive industrialisation, Glasgow has a problem with stalled sites across the city. Many of these sites may have plans for future development, however this can be anywhere from one to over ten years until development is scheduled to begin. Stalled Spaces delivers an innovative approach to dealing with issues relating to poor environmental conditions that have become more prevalent due to economic downturn. The project focuses on the temporary use of vacant land, under-utilised open space and sites earmarked for development though stalled. These projects deliver a range of initiatives that promote health and wellbeing. Examples of uses include: green gym/play space, event space, outdoor education, urban beach and growing spaces. To date, the Glasgow project has brought over 22ha of land into temporary use since 2011 including the development of a community garden in Govanhill, a community growing project in Shettleston and a forest education initiative in Easterhouse. Accessible, safe urban greenspace has a positive and significant influence on levels of physical activity, as well as enhancing an individual s sense of wellbeing by providing opportunities for engagement with nature, and social interaction. Recognising that these issues of VDL and lack of community space are not confined to Glasgow alone, the Scottish Government has funded Architecture and Design Scotland (A+DS) to set up Stalled Spaces Scotland as part of the Legacy 2014 programme from the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. After a competition seven local authorities across Scotland were selected to receive funding. These included East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Fife, North Ayrshire and Renfrewshire from the CSGN area. A condition of funding was that local authorities match the funding received through the programme. Following the launch, A+DS has provided support, guidance documents for communities, landowners and local authorities and held workshops for local authorities to help them in taking forward the programme. Several materials including a toolkit can be downloaded from the A+DS website. The Walled Garden, a Bothy Project initiative. Wall mural by Nicolas Party. Image: Patrick Jameson

17 Scottish Canals Detail from Kelpie in the Helix Often we concentrate on the green elements of the CSGN but of equal importance to people, local economies and wildlife is access to high quality bluespace. Scottish Canals is at the forefront of this activity and, over the past year, has delivered several significant projects. Canoe trail Pinkston Watersports Centre In May 2014 the 3.25 million Pinkston Watersports Centre was officially opened and handed over from Scottish Canals to the charitable body, Glasgow Watersports. Located in Pinkston Basin on the Forth & Clyde Canal, Pinkston Watersports is Scotland s first and only competition-standard, purpose-built paddlesports venue. This project is an element of wider regeneration activity which Scottish Canals is leading on in the Speirs Wharf and Port Dundas area which has the potential to create a new city quarter that will attract people and investment to the area, as well as support existing communities and businesses within the locality. Canoe trail Opened officially in June 2014, the trail is 92 kilometres in length and runs from Pinkston Basin in Glasgow to Edinburgh Quay in the heart of Edinburgh. Previous CSGN development funds contributed towards the installation of 30 new pontoons at key access points and locks, installation of new signage and interpretation along the route and the production of marketing material. Andrew Thin, Chairman of Scottish Canals, said: Encouraging people to paddle between Glasgow and Edinburgh not only makes our canals much more vibrant and interesting but supports local businesses and showcases a greater range of destinations to visitors from at home and abroad. Kelpies and The Helix Park In the six months since their inauguration in April 2014 the Kelpies and Helix Park hosted over 650,000 visitors, placing it among the top cultural and recreational destinations in the country. Official accolades have been heaped upon the Kelpies over the past year. They were awarded the UK National Structural Steel Award, the Saltire Award for Civil Engineering and were also officially recognised as a National Treasure by the UK Lottery. Canal College Scottish Canals was also a key partner with the Scottish Waterways Trust which delivers the Canal College programme. Over the last two years, 165 young people took part and over 60% moved on to a job, training, education or volunteering. The scheme has been delivered with the assistance of 24 volunteer mentors and, together, everyone contributed a staggering 19,568 volunteer hours (the equivalent of almost 1m in time) to helping improve the network of waterways in Scotland. Canal college

18 Cumbernauld Living Landscape Across the CSGN area a number landscape scale projects are having a positive impact in some of our most disadvantaged and vulnerable areas. Two projects launched between 2013 and 2014 have now developed some real momentum in delivering important contributions towards CSGN goals. Carbrain Primary School Tracy Lambert Cumbernauld Living Landscape Cumbernauld Living Landscape (CLL) aims to enhance, restore and reconnect green areas of the town. Over half of Cumbernauld s town centre is made up of green spaces: parks, woodlands and gardens. However, these areas are often disconnected from one another and many are not as good for people, or wildlife, as they should be. In the last year the programme has delivered the inspirational Living Windows to Cumbernauld town centre, where artists took over unused spaces to celebrate the town s great green spaces. Working with TCV Scotland, the partnership has improved the engagement of the local community with over 5,800 people attending events in the town. A series of successful school workshops increased environmental awareness of 500 children and led to the development of the Natural Connections project. How the town deals with future changes will be key areas of work in the next year. The Natural Connections project will work with marginalised young people to create action plans and deliver environmental improvement in their communities. With support of the CSGN Development Fund CLL will carry out a feasibility study for the creation of three key green routes. This will propose targeted practical interventions to improve active travel and the quality of the green network in deprived communities. Without good quality, healthy places people and wildlife cannot flourish. Working closely with the local community, CLL wants to ensure that healthy places are at the heart of the town s future. The Cumbernauld Living Landscape s long term vision is for a green network in the town, providing clean air, water and retreats from the busyness of everyday life. With the support of local groups the programme leaders have demonstrated the principles of the Living Landscape by delivering practical projects. The project portfolio has grown with 18 projects now complete and a further 25 ongoing. Living Window Launch Beth Chalmers

19 Inner Forth Landscape Initiative Louise Greenhorn The Inner Forth Landscape Initiative The Inner Forth Landscape Initiative (IFLI) is a four-year project supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, which began delivery in It is a partnership of eight organisations, including RSPB, SNH, Historic Scotland, Falkirk, Clackmannanshire and Stirling Councils, Sustrans and CSGNT, working together to deliver 50 inspiring and intrinsically linked projects around the Inner Forth. Through these projects the aim is to bring lasting, positive change to the Inner Forth landscape and for the people who live and work there. In its first year it has made a great start and has contributed towards the development of the CSGN through celebrating, protecting and improving the natural, cultural and historical landscape of the area. Highlights include: Restructuring work at Kinneil Estate has revealed historic views and new trees have been planted. Nearly 1,000 people attended IFLI events such as an IFLI-themed Forth Naturalist and Historian Conference. Volunteers donated over 2,000 hours of their time to help IFLI make the area a better place. Clackmannanshire Field Studies Society carried out a huge amount of useful research on local waggonways as part of their Tale of Two Estates project. A new community orchard was created in Valleyfield Woods with West Fife Woodlands CommunityGroup. The RSPB s Future Tides project took 15 primary school groups out and about in the landscape to learn about its management and some of the pressures it faces. The IFLI begins its second year with 32 projects underway, and more to come. CSGNT will be starting work on a new IFLI community project called A Fruitful Landscape, creating new orchards at historic sites and work will commence on Telling the Inner Forth Story a suite of interpretation resources to highlight this fantastic landscape. Also, an Inner Forth Artist-In-Residence will be appointed with the remit to inspire more people to appreciate their landscape. A programme of events is being planned with activities, workshops and training, including the IFLI Inner Forth Festival in September. This will encourage as many people as possible to get involved and celebrate the Inner Forth landscape. Miranda Shepherd IFLI at Kincardine Community Futures event Kincardine Community Futures

20 A place to feel good (continued) A place to feel good (continued) CSGN Development Fund Now in its 6 th year, the CSGN Development Fund has distributed over 5m to help the development and implementation of projects delivering the CSGN on the ground. In 2014/15, an additional 242,695 was awarded across 6 projects. Trainees improving access in Castelmilk Community Woodlands Castlemilk Community Woodlands Castlemilk Woodlands cover an area of 30 hectares located around a densely populated housing scheme on the periphery of Glasgow. For many years the woodlands and path network have been neglected and local residents have increasingly viewed the park as a place with poor environmental standards and a focus for anti-social behaviour. This is the fourth time the initiative has been successful in bidding for a Development Fund grant. The funding helps to consolidate previous work and momentum, assisting the project to provide opportunities for a further 30 individuals to gain improved employment prospects through a programme of practical work, training and qualifications. The funding has also facilitated improvements to some 3.5km of path network and 0.5km of steps helping local residents to use the woodlands. Fife Pilgrimage Route The Fife Pilgrim Route is an exciting community heritage project developing a new long distance walking route through the heart of Fife. It seeks to give people the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims across Fife to St Andrews Cathedral. With a total distance of 223km, the route links together many examples of the regions medieval and pilgrim heritage passing landmarks such as the Inverkeithing Hospitium, Markinch Church, Ceres and the Waterless Way. It ends in front of the grand ruins of St Andrews Cathedral. This initiative has recieved previous funding through the Development Fund. In this phase of the project, two sections of the Fife Pilgrimage Route covering some 0.8km were improved at Crosshill and Balcurvie. Works undertaken included path widening, installation of self closing gates, drainage improvements, resurfacing and hedgerow management. The improvements also enhanced access to Loch Meadows Country Park.

21 CATCA attending the CSGN Forum Core Path & Greenspace Still in Fife, this project erected way markers across 161km of the Fife Core Path Network. It also delivered training to 12 young people, undertook clearance of invasive species, designed, installed five interpretation boards and brought several areas of Fife s woodland into management. Connecting Communities - Kilbirnie Green Network In North Ayrshire this project improved and connected a number of sites around the town of Kilbirnie to create a green network, improving biodiversity and promotion of active travel within the local community for everyday journeys. The project was delivered through a nine month Intermediate Labour Market training project in partnership with East Ayrshire Woodlands. It provided practical and vocational training for five young unemployed people from the local area. Activities included path improvements, installation of seats, picnic benches and bins, creation of a wildflower meadow, tree planting, fly tipping removal and the installation of signage and interpretation boards. Camlachie Multifunctional Greenspace Project As one of 20 Commonwealth Games Greener Legacy Projects, Glasgow City Council, in partnership with the West of Scotland Housing Association and others, delivered a greenspace improvement project on an area of contaminated vacant and derelict Land which was formerly the bus park of Celtic Football Club. The origins of this project stem from strategic work funded through the CSGN Development Fund in 2012 which identified suitable sites across Glasgow for Climate Change Adaptation Pilot Projects. It delivered a new multifunctional greenspace for the local community which links adjacent green networks and provides vital habitat creation and enhancement works. The local community, including young people, are now working to establish a community council group to help direct Phase 2 of the project which is likely to see the addition of a skateboard/bmx park and adventure play resources. This work is being progressed through SportScotland and ERZ. The Carron Loop Communities Along the Carron Association (CATCA) is a group of volunteers committed to the regeneration of the River Carron, its communities and adjacent land. It has been working in partnership with Falkirk Council, CSGNT and other community groups to develop a 10km long path network connecting local settlements. This final phase of work has involved upgrading an existing core path and improving the greenspace and vegetation either side of the route. Launch of Camlachie Multifunctional Greenspace Project

22 A place to feel good (continued) A place to feel good (continued) Development Fund - update Since 2010, over 120 projects have received CSGN Development Funding. These projects have all contributed towards the outcomes and ambitions of the CSGN Vision, meeting clearly identified needs and delivering (or likely to lead to) transformational improvements on the ground. An update on three such initiatives is presented below. Irvine Bay Access Improvements In 2013, North Ayrshire Council was awarded 48,875 between 2013/14 and 2014/15 to undertake a programme of improvements to the path network and greenspaces linking the town of Irvine with the Irvine Innovation and Industry site (i3). As identified by the Irvine Bay Green Network Study, the improvements included the design and construction of new and existing link paths; wildflower and tree planting; and the installation of new signage and interpretation. The [works] have improved the image of both areas and local communities perceptions of safety and confidence in using these areas, have made both locations more accessible for everyday journeys which enables local communities to connect with the sites and have an increased pride in the local area. This will improve local communities health and well-being in the long run and improve their appreciation of the natural environment. North Ayrshire Council, Access Officer, Louise Kirk. Lochend Secret Garden In 2011, Carr-Gomm Scotland used a grant of 17,300 to create a new 1,200m 2 community growing space at Lochend Quadrant in Edinburgh. The funds also helped provide training, advice and support for local people to grow their own fruit and vegetables on the previously unused space. The Lochend Secret Garden now contains 52 raised beds for individuals and 13 group beds which collectively enable around 330 people to get involved in growing their own fruit and vegetables. Local growers formed themselves into a registered charity in The Secret Garden has become much more than a community growing resource, it is also a venue for frequent community events such as bee keeping and gardening workshops, healthy eating and cookery training and vibrant social gatherings. Glasgow Community Growing Project In 2010, Glasgow City Council working in partnership with Glasgow Housing Association, Glasgow Community Planning Partnership and Glasgow Allotment Forum was awarded 90,000 to develop plans for vacant or underused sites where new community growing plots could be created. This project increased the number of growing opportunities in Glasgow by 165 plots over 6 sites. It gets you out of the house and I enjoy passing on the experience we have gained over the years. I m glad to get out and enjoy the freedom for 2-3 hours. GAMH Participant at Bellahouston Demonstration Garden. The project partners continue to support the development of community growing spaces and have since launched Glasgow s Green Champions Sustainable Site Award. These awards highlight the contribution that allotments make to the environment, the community and the wellbeing of the plot-holders.

23 Green Infrastructure Community Growing Green roof on George Herriot s School, Edinburgh Part of CSGN s role is to stimulate and support partnership organisations which are working towards CSGN goals. Two of these groups are the Scottish Green Infrastructure Forum and the Grow Your Own Scotland Working Group. Example of a raingarden Stebonheath Primary School, Llanelli, Wales susdrain Scottish Green Infrastructure Forum Green infrastructure in general terms is the green features that exist in a landscape. This could be anything from existing parks and greenspaces, through to designed environmental features such as green roofs and street trees. Green infrastructure is important to the CSGN because it provides environmental benefits, biodiversity refuges and connectivity across a landscape, and can be particularly beneficial in urban environments where they can mitigate against climate change. The Scottish Green Infrastructure Forum concentrates on urban green infrastructure, particularly green roofs, green walls, green streets, raingardens and green networks, providing a hub for collation and dissemination of information. Over the past year, activity has focused on developing communications such as launching a website and social media. The Forum has also made progress on its 10,000 Raingardens for Scotland project which will form the basis of activity into the future and is currently organising a two day international conference taking place in Grow Your Own Scotland Working Group This is an initiative which seeks to create a single resource for all grow your own and greenspace organisations. It was set up by the Scottish Government in 2009 to take forward the part of the Food and Drink Policy relating to growing your own food. In 2014, CSGN supported the creation of a new guide for Scotland s community gardeners and allotmenteers offering information about growing food on land that may be contaminated. A Guide For Growing On Land Which May Be Contaminated was written in response to an increasing demand from community groups particularly those located in the CSGN area. The resource focuses on what to do about sites which could be contaminated through past use. It details the steps needed to determine if land is suitable to grow food, illustrates methods to mitigate contamination, provides case studies of techniques that groups have used to overcome the issue and signposts to specialist agencies. Community growing at Toryglen, Glasgow

24 CSGN Community Projects Fund The CSGN Community Projects Fund is focused on projects undertaken for the benefit of, and/or involving children and young people. The fund is intended support small-scale, community led projects that increase use of and foster community pride in local greenspaces. Supported by FCS, the CSGN Community Projects Fund provides one-off grants of up to 3,000 to support smallscale projects at a grass-roots level to improve local greenspace. During the most recent round of funding in 2013/14, 26 projects in local communities across central Scotland, received a share of the 20,244 available. greenspace scotland and partners were asked to provide additional support to the successful projects. Teir project evaluation report is available from our website s Publications section. Linnvale Primary Eco Group upgraded a space of grassy land on the primary school grounds in Clydebank in order to engage pupils in nature and the outdoors through the creation of an outdoor learning environment. The CSGN grant was used to install a learning circle and to create a wetland area and a forest of over 700 trees. The group also planted wildflowers and purchased bird houses and feeders. In addition, waterproof clothing and tools were bought so the pupils could help in the creation and maintenance of the garden. Larbert and Stenhousemuir Environmental Response (LASER) Group in Falkirk used its award to support pupils from Larbert High School to enhance a piece of orphan land in the heart of the local shopping area in Stenhousemuir. The grant was used to purchase plants, seating and create onsite interpretation to encourage local people to explore nearby greenspaces and heritage. The Employment Training Unit of Falkirk Council delivered the associated construction works. This allowed young trainees to gain new experience and deliver something local and community orientated. Germiston Allotments was able to upgrade its newly created allotment site for the benefit of local children. Located on a former brownfield site which lacked suitable cultivation conditions, the purchase of new tools enabled the removal of vegetation from the area s perimeter and the preparation of the soil for planting. Additionally, it helped purchase of 175 established bushes which provide shelter for the exposed site. The allotments involve children from the local primary school which has a plot, as well as the children and grandchildren of other plot holders, helping to educate young people on the benefits of eating healthy produce and engaging in outdoor activities. Tracy Lambert LASER Group, Falkirk

25 A place to feel good (continued) A place to feel good (continued) Ideas Fund - update RSPB Scotland / David Palmar The CSGN Ideas Fund was introduced in The aim of the CSGN Ideas Fund is to support the development of innovative concepts/projects. Eligible projects include research, feasibility studies, study trips, project development or project delivery. Winners are chosen by delegates at the CSGN Annual Forum. David Anderson, Project Officer, Inner Forth Landscape Initiative 2014 Winner: Future Tides This project aims to help school children of the Inner Forth region connect with their local environment and is one of 50 within the Inner Forth Landscape Initiative, an Heritage Lottery Funded partnership operating between Stirling and Blackness. The Ideas Fund money enabled Future Tides to take pupils from three schools within the area on an adventure through the ever changing landscape of the Inner Forth, exploring its wildlife and land uses to enable a greater understanding of why the landscape is shaped as it is and how it may change in the future. The project examined three different aspects of the landscape (wildlife, industry, agriculture) before looking at how climate change may have an effect on the landscape. David Anderson, Inner Forth Futurescapes Officer, RSPB Scotland, said: We believe this innovative project has had a lasting impact for these pupils and for the Inner Forth landscape by encouraging the next generation to understand and appreciate their natural environment and strive to ensure it remains a special place Winner: Seven Lochs Bridge Seven Lochs Wetland Park will be the largest urban nature park in Scotland. However, the M73 motorway currently divides key wetland and woodland areas within the park and restricts access from the surrounding communities. The GCV Green Network Partnership used the Ideas Fund prize money to work with the Glasgow Institute of Architects on a Green Bridge Design competition, In 2014, the Partnership commissioned a more detailed feasibility study to be produced to assess the buildability of the winning scheme. These findings were used to support a successful application to Sustrans Community Links Fund, to further design development and land acquisition for the Green Bridge. Subsequent workshops have helped to build support for the Green Bridge amongst key stakeholders, and look at how construction of the bridge could be funded. The Partnership has made a bid for EU funding and are exploring other funding options with their partners. Scott Ferguson, Development Officer at the GCV Green Network Partnership, said: The Ideas Fund definitely helped get the ball rolling and we believe we can now keep that momentum going and make the Green Bridge a reality. RSPB Scotland

26 CSGN Partners The CSGN would like to extend thanks to all the partners listed below and others which are contributing towards delivering the CSGN.

27 C O U N C I L

28 CSGNT Hillhouseridge Shottskirk Road Shotts North Lanarkshire ML7 4JS Tel: Fax: Join our mailing list at beckyduncanphotographyltd/snh