Environment Trust - Dumbarton - Bellsmyre

Woodland Creation

The Bellsmyre EAP highlighted the need for a more diverse landscape in Bellsmyre. In The Environment Trust’s 2008/09 programme, the intention was to create a new woodland of native trees on steep grassland area, improving biodiversity and adding interest next to the new adventure play area in Howatshaws Road installed by The Trust in 2007/2008. This project involved local people of all ages with a view to not only undertaking this particular project but also to stimulate interest in the environment and woodlands with the intention of developing other woodland projects throughout the estate in the future. To implement this project The Trust has established a partnership with The Woodland Trust to deliver a schools programme of education about native trees and the opportunity for children to engage with their environment by planting the trees themselves. Other opportunities will be extended to the wider community. This project has also reduced the cost of grass maintenance by taking over 1ha out of the grass cutting regime reducing the carbon footprint and investing in future carbon reduction as the trees grow. Further to this, the project will hopefully contribute to the long term health and stability of local natural wildlife habitats.
Project Costs: £723
Partners: The Woodland Trust Scotland, BHA

Native Hedgerow

In response to WDC’s request to fence off the play area, the Trust has planted a native hedgerow which enhances local biodiversity, creates a landscape feature and forms a natural barrier between the play area and Howatshaws Road.
Project Costs: £1,645
Bellsmyre Project Costs: £2,368
Partners: Bellsmyre Housing Association, WDC, Bellsmyre Advice Centre,
Bellsmyre Neighbourhood Forum.

 

 

Bellsmyre Youth Shelter

Prior to the construction of the adventure play area a youth shelter had been installed at this site, but this was little used given its isolated position, primary colours and dysfunctional seating arrangements. Following the success of the new adventure play area, the shelter has been re-painted with more ‘youth’ appropriate colours which reflect the play equipment and the seating arrangement has been altered to improve comfort and sociability making it a more inviting and vibrant space for young people. The shelter has now been transformed and together with the play equipment now offers renewed value and purpose with the result that it is now well used, both by teenagers as well as parents who visit with younger children.