A big step forward for sensory garden
GREGOR FARQUHARSON
After a number of years working on proposals for a new sensory garden for Strathaven Park, a funding package has finally been secured.
This was announced by South Lanarkshire Council and the Friends Of Strathaven Park (FOSP), and work is already underway.
FOSP have been trying to secure a funding package for nearly three years now.
The project has been made possible through a combination of funding from the Renewable energy fund, Lands Trust, Adams Community Trust and South Lanarkshire Council.
Tricia Summers, FOSP chairwoman, said: “In 2017 a committee member suggested that a Sensory Garden would be a wonderful addition to the park, benefitting local people and visitors.
“The committee decided to consult local people and groups via a questionnaire in June 2017, in which the replies were overwhelmingly positive.
“After establishing that there was keen local support for a Sensory Garden, detailed plans were drawn up by designers at South Lanarkshire Council and letters of support for the project were canvassed and our advisors felt that the case we made was very strong.
“Friends of Strathaven Park are really grateful to all those who took the time to complete our questionnaire or to meet with us.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm shown for the sensory garden and the response were extremely constructive, interesting and useful.”
FOSP first applied to funding organisations in January 2018, and after some talking back and forth from potential funders, they finally reached the target needed in December 2019, with work starting just last month.
The project is being carried out by South Lanarkshire Council, and it is hoped that the work will be fully complete in Spring this year.
You can keep up to date with the progress of the garden via Facebook.