Greening the streets in Dunipace
A local residents’ association secured funding to regenerate their village. Trees, flower beds and a garden that celebrates the village’s heritage were amongst improvements made to restore pride and community in Dunipace.
Dunipace is one of the most deprived areas of Scotland. The proportion of crime for the area is much higher than national figures and nearly half of households are included in the social rented sector. Despite this, there has a strong sense of community spirit and heritage that local residents are working to bring to life.
Living Streets met committee members at the Canonvale Tenants’ and Residents’ Association meeting to discuss ways they could reclaim a public space and get residents to promote walking. Having consulted with local residents, an area at the entrance to the village was identified for improvements, which has a rich history and is flanked by a boundary wall dating back to 1893. The local Heritage Society was very supportive of the project as they saw it as doing justice to the area’s history.Councillors also wanted to see the space developed for community events and local gatherings.
The group drew up plans and consulted horticulturalists on their vision for the space.
Priorities:
- To secure funding from a suitable source
- To restore Milton Row to a street lined with lime trees
- To plant additional cherry trees within a Heritage Garden area, and replace the rose bed with colourful flowering shrubs
- To remove concrete and seed with grass
- To encourage youth groups wtihin the community to become involved in the project through planting days and local history projects
- To promote the environmental benefits of the area to the wider community. These included reduced noise, filtered air pollution and food and shelter for the local wildlife.
Making an impact:
- A successful application was made via Falkirk Environment Trust to secure £6.000 for the project
- Volunteers were recruited to take part on the planting day with Girl Guides, Scouts and church groups, among others, rolling up their sleeves to plant shrubs, Azaleas, trees, and over 2000 daffodil bulbs
- The Local Heritage Society is working with students in Denny High School to discuss a project for bringing the Heritage Garden’s rich history to life
- A local Wind Farm Benefit Trust is sponsoring a year-long Neighbourhood Beautification Competition in the village with prizes for residents to refurbish their streets and spaces
- Since the area is a key route for dog walkers, the Green Dog Walkers Scheme has worked to prevent dog fouling by providing dog bags, arm bands, dog leads and information designed to change attitudes.
Speaking from experience
- Initial checks had to be carried out to ensure the whereabouts of water, electrical and gas pipes prior to planting which was arranged through the council
- Due to insurance issues and heavy duty work a contractor was appointed to manage the planting process. They excavated the tree pits and positioned heavy trees ready for planting
- Lime trees were chosen because of their substantial width and height to ward off vandalism
- Labour costs for preparing the site where met via the criminal justice programme
- It was important to record thoughts, feelings and views on the day so that they can be compared over time
- The community planting day was chosen to coincide with National Tree Week to help with promoting the project and publicity.