Thornliebank Library unveils new community gardens

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure welcomed local school pupils, volunteers and community leaders to the unveiling of its new Community Garden at Thornliebank Library.

Article Source: East Renfrewshire Culture & Leisure
Last Updated: 4 September 2024 12:20

Library staff have worked with local volunteers and school pupils over the last three years to transform the outdoor space at the library into a Community Garden for local residents to enjoy, with funding from the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC).

Thornliebank Primary School pupils devised initial design ideas and were delighted to see their ideas come to life, with planters for growing fruit and vegetables, fruit trees and seating areas for children and adults to relax and enjoy the space.

The Community Garden features a large bug hotel, ladybird crossing and children's games, as well as vegetable planters, rhubarb and herbs, apple and gooseberry trees and various plants that attract bees and butterflies. An eco mosaic, created using recycled materials by young art enthusiasts who attended East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure's first Eco Art and Drama Camp, is also on display in the garden. A potting table, cold stores, garden storage and composter completes the transformed space.

Scott Simpson, Head of Library and Information Services at East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, said: "We are very proud to present our new Community Garden, which is now available for all local residents to enjoy.

"This has been a real community effort and we're grateful to everyone involved for their ideas, skills and support in transforming the space. Thornliebank Primary School pupils were welcomed along to explore the new garden, play games, take on a Scavenger hunt, add to our Bug Hotel and listen to stories read by our library team during their visit to the transformed space. Volunteers have been instrumental in getting the garden to where it is now, and we would like to thank them for their efforts. There are opportunities for more volunteers to get involved as we continue to nurture the space, which will be used for community events and activities, such as outdoor Bookbug, school visits and for adults to relax and enjoy reading outdoors."

Jenni Miller, Head Teacher of Thornliebank Primary School, added: "Pupils from Thornliebank Primary have been involved in the development of the Library Community Garden from the very earliest planning stages. They contributed to the design of the logo for the project as well as the plans for developing the library garden space. We were delighted to be invited to the official opening, and the children who attended on the day loved exploring the garden and seeing how the plans have come to life. The bug hotel was a particular favourite, and our Gaelic class will be back along to investigate this further as part of their learning about minibeasts. We are looking forward to continuing the partnerships that have been established through the project and making use of the garden regularly with our classes for outdoor reading and wider outdoor learning opportunities."

The library partnered with Thornliebank Together and successfully received an additional £2000 from Participatory Budgeting, as voted for by local residents. The funding has allowed us to add more storage, equipment, extra planters and a much needed Cold-Store for growing in colder months. Thornliebank Together also donated planters to the front of the library area, which were built by adults who attend the Thornliebank Resource Centre.

Local volunteer, former landscape gardener, Ben Sauer, said: "The space is very attractive and the kids will enjoy using it. It will help them become more interested in birds, smaller animals, insects and wildlife, which will be great, and they will get a taste for planting and growing things too."

Thornliebank Library's new Community Garden is part of a wider initiative, The Root Cause project, which has been running across East Renfrewshire libraries, and includes partnerships with local organisations such as Apparel Exchange for clothes recycling, Halloween costume and welly swaps, the introduction of seed libraries, and a range of programmes, events and activities that have been designed to raise awareness of sustainability, green issues and the environment.

For more information on the Root Cause project, visit: www.ercultureandleisure.org/blog/

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest East Renfrewshire News

Dinosaur Day at Dobbies

Children attending Dobbies Little Seedlings Club will get the chance to travel back hundreds of millions of years to learn about prehistoric plants and talk about their favourite dinosaurs!

Summer long celebration of the 90s and britpop launched

PubLife, a UK-wide summer celebration of the '90s will take place in over 500 pubs, including 7 in Scotland.

Family days out just got better with free entry for kids at Scone Palace

This summer, as school holidays get underway, families are invited to enjoy a day out at Scone Palace with their Kids Go Free promotion.

Scone Palace International Horse Trials

The inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials will take place from 21st–24th August 2025 in the stunning grounds of Scone Palace and Perth Racecourse.

Countdown begins: The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run returns to Glasgow in October

Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow on Sunday 5th October and they want everyone to 'Be Your Greatest'.

BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue

BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.

SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.

Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.

FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!

Flag raised to commemorate Armed Forces Day in East Renfrewshire

East Renfrewshire Council raised the Armed Forces Day flag today to mark Armed Forces Day which will be held on Saturday 28th June.

Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!

July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!

Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition

Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.

Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!

Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!

Busby pub celebrates triple award success

A Busby pub is one of six locals to have been selected from 2,400 around the UK to receive a prestigious Recognition Award from Heineken-owned Star Pubs.

Just Announced: Stars Set for the Stage at Eastwood Park Theatre

Eastwood Park Theatre has announced a whole host of brand-new shows featuring well-known faces.

25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway

Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.

Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland

Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.

Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland

The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure launches search for sports supporting superstars

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure has launched a search for local sports supporters in the community to recognise at its annual Sport and Physical Activity Awards.

Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM

Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.

Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores

Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.

Paws, play and heritage on parade

Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.

Dobbies hosts brand new Fairy Garden Tea Party

Dobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.

How to train your Dad in 4DX Cineworld enlists Gerard Butler

Cineworld is launching a brand new 4DX Father's Day gift experience, containing two 4DX tickets and ponchos, perfect for experiencing the new live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" film.

Summer of Roses: Free gardening workshop at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Rose-themed Grow How workshop this June, sharing top tips for caring for this beloved flowering plant.

Cheers to 30 years: Scottish Bar and Pub Awards celebrate with public voting now open

Scotland's longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 - and they want you to have your say!

Loch Lomond Unplugged is coming this weekend!

Loch Lomond Unplugged, our FREE showcase of talented buskers and singer/songwriters, is this weekend and we’re super excited to welcome great acts from across Scotland and beyond!

Veterans celebrate Health for Heroes Award at VE Day event

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure invited veterans for afternoon tea at Barrhead Foundry to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.