A large package of greenspace improvements is soon to be delivered through an ambitious project at Lionthorn Policy Bing in Falkirk.
Close to £750,000 will be spent, benefitting an area of previously derelict land, with much of the funding (£560,000) secured through Scottish Government’s new Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme by the Green Action Trust and Falkirk Council.
Work is due to start in spring 2022 and will deliver a number of features that embody the CSGN’s aims.
Watch the video for an introduction to the project and how it’s delivering on these aims in Falkirk:
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Key features include:
- Landscaping to provide visual interest and shelter on this exposed site
- Creation of extensive meadow areas and ‘nectar rich’ bulb planting which will contribute to the creation of the ‘John Muir Pollinator Way’, Scotland’s first B-Lines project
- Native woodland planting
- Extra heavy standard trees – to provide immediate visual interest, structure, and amenity
- ‘Edible’ hedge planting to encourage wildlife and biodiversity
- ‘Kick about’ grass pitch
- Path links/access enhancements to improve the local active travel provision
Commenting on the project, Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council said,
“It’s fantastic that this last phase of major greenspace improvements at this vacant and derelict site is going ahead. Council staff continue to work with our partners and agencies, and we thank all of the funders, particularly the Scottish Government’s Vacant & Derelict Land Investment Programme for their support.
“We are very excited to be working with our partners, the Green Action Trust, to complete the regeneration of the long closed Policy Bing colliery site. On completion this will provide a tremendous new amenity park for the neighbouring communities of Lionthorn, Hallglen and Glen Village as well as helping to connect this area with the important habitats at Callendar Woods and South Falkirk allowing local wildlife to thrive.”
Green Action Trust’s CEO Derek Robertson commented,
“We’re delighted to be partnering with Falkirk Council to deliver the greenspace improvements at Lionthorn Bing. This is a great example of what can be achieved through partnership working and a shared ambition to improve the environmental quality of our towns. I look forward to seeing the plans come to fruition, which will deliver a valuable amenity for the local communities, as well as making a positive contribution to the aims of the wider Central Scotland Green Network.”
More information about the project, including detailed plans, is available on the Green Action Trust website at https://greenactiontrust.org/lionthorn
