Local community improves the biodiversity of Stonehaven’s Farrochie Park
800 native trees and shrubs were planted around the margins of Stonehaven's Farrochie Park as part of Aberdeenshire Council’s latest community planting event.
The planting took place over two weeks in October and involved local volunteers, community groups, and a school following a public consultation on proposals to enhance the park’s biodiversity.
The new trees and shrubs, once grown, will provide shelter, nectar, and fruit for local wildlife while also adding colour and interest for park visitors.
Aberdeenshire Council’s Ranger Service played a key role in encouraging and supporting community involvement throughout the project, which included Mackie Academy, Horizon, Aberdeen University Conservation Society, and many local residents and families.
Cllr Alan Turner, Chair of the council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, said: "It’s been fantastic to see so many people come together to make a real difference to Farrochie Park. This community event has not only supported local wildlife but will also create a more vibrant and welcoming space for everyone in the community to enjoy.
“A huge thank you to all the volunteers, schools, and community groups who gave their time and energy to help bring this project to life."
Further improvements to the park are planned based on the same feedback gathered via Aberdeenshire Council’s Engage Aberdeenshire platform and from discussions with Stonehaven Community Council. These include...
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Planting wetland species to provide a wildlife habitat and wildflower interest;
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Including community pick and eat fruit trees in shrub planting proposals for the park;
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Moving a path to a higher drier area;
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Additional wildflower planting and seed sowing; and
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A further opportunity for community planting of wildflowers to look out for in the spring.
The work, including the tree and shrub planting, is funded through the Nature Restoration Fund, a Scottish Government grant dedicated to projects that restore Scotland's biodiversity, combat climate change, and improve community well-being.
Engage Aberdeenshire is the local authority’s online community engagement hub, providing the opportunity to input into a broad range of projects, activities, and decisions. To share your ideas and have your say on a variety of matters, head to engage.aberdeenshire.gov.uk
For more information about Aberdeenshire Council’s nature conservation and biodiversity work, head to aberdeenshire.gov.uk/biodiversity