Hard work pays off for Ochiltree

Village is awarded Biosphere Community status

An East Ayrshire village has become a ‘Biosphere Community.’

Ochiltree becomes the fifth to be designated within Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation makes its awards in recognition of attributes which are unique and of global importance, and Galloway and Southern Ayrshire was named a ‘UNESCO Biosphere’ in 2012.

Over the decade since, the Biosphere team have delivered projects across conservation, education, and sustainable development, with a strong focus on community-led initiatives that support inclusivity and the celebration of local heritage.

The creation of Biosphere Communities allows villages and towns of the region to explore what is special about their locality and the attributes that most inspire community pride.

Residents are invited to take part in a ‘Sense of Place’ workshop in which they

share local stories, favourite places, and thoughts on what makes their community unique.

Ochiltree’s workshop took place in October.

Within days, residents had submitted text and photographs for a dedicated Ochiltree page on the Biosphere’s website (www. gsabiosphere.org.uk).

Ochiltree locals highlighted the region’s colourful history: the area was first settled during the Stone Age, and since then has been a focal point for Covenanting fervour, a centre of rural industry from cotton weaving to tool manufacture, and a dairy farming and coalmining heartland.

Jenna Cains, community and education lead officer for the Biosphere, said: “It has been a pleasure to work with the community of Ochiltree in recent weeks.

“We look forward to doing much more as the relationship between the Biosphere and the village grows.”

Residents will also be able to call on the Biosphere team for help in developing community initiatives and promoting special events.

●For more information visit www. gsabiosphere.org.uk

IthasbeenapleasuretoworkwiththecommunityofOchiltree

Focal point Ochiltree Community Hub where many of the ideas were hatched. ●Pic Alex Baird Stakeholders Jenna Cains, community and education lead officer for the Biosphere, and Alex Baird, chair of Ochiltree Community Hub

Wildlife These Otters sum up the rich ecosystem in and around Ochiltree. ●Pic Stewart Morrison River Tranquil The of the Lugar Is one in scenic spots many the area. and around ●Pic Alex Baird

Creative The residents put their ideas on paper during a‘Sense of Place’workshop

Support The‘Sense of Place’workshops were well attended by residents