Article Source: East Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 5 February 2014 9:29
The massive round concrete tanks are to be turned into large wild flower gardens to create a unique fusion of industry and countryside.
The Waterworks project scooped £100,000 of Big Lottery Fund money in November 2013 when it was nominated as Grow Wild’s top Scottish community growing project through online votes and at a series of community events.
The project is being led by East Renfrewshire Council in conjunction with Barrhead High and local community groups.
Work got underway last week when eight huge skips of rubbish and fly tipping debris were taken off the site. Then East Renfrewshire Council’s hit squad swung into action to clear dense vegetation from the site.
A total of 90 first year pupils from Barrhead High were then involved in cleaning out the old treatment tanks, cutting back over growth and litter picking.
One of their main tasks on site was to plant 10 silver birch trees.
The pupils are photographing their work to keep a record of the site’s transformation.
Supervising the youngsters was Lindsey Potter, depute head and geography teacher who is in charge of the John Muir Trust award scheme at Barrhead High.
Awards are presented by the John Muir Trust, the UK conservation charity dedicated to preserving wild spaces. It is inspired by John Muir (1838-1914), the Dunbar-born founder of the modern conservation movement.
Also in attendance at the tree planting were teaching staff from Barrhead High and Constable Alan Walker, community cop at Barrhead High School.
Environment convener Councillor Vincent Waters, who visited the site last week, said:
“I was most impressed with the progress the youngsters have made and they worked hard despite the bitterly cold conditions.
“The tanks are ready for planting and the trees the pupils planted make a fine avenue into the gardens. Deputy head Lindsey Potter told me the school will be back on site in April to help plant the gardens. In the meantime volunteers will pick up the baton and and start planning some of the planting as they continue the hard work to make the site ready.”
Convener for infrastructure and sustainable growth Councillor Tony Buchanan added: “This is a fantastic project and the work will revitalise the area by playing on its industrial heritage and using old structures to improve the quality of the environment. It also gives people the opportunity to enjoy native plants. Just as important though is that it will also encourage both young and older members of the community to work together.”
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