The art of the country
Project will develop walking routes
Volunteers are being sought to help improve vital walking and cycling routes from Millheugh to Chatelherault Country Park.
The project is taking place as part of the Make Your Way arts heritage and active travel initiative that links communities in Hamilton, Larkhall and Quarter with the park.
Led by Clydesdale Community Initiatives (CCI), the work will help keep the paths safe and accessible for all to use, and will include a chance to meet Make Your Way project artists during the first session.
Volunteer tasks will involve cutting back vegetation to widen paths, clearing moss and loose material to improve safety, scraping back steps and installation of fencing.
Sarah O’sullivan, Make Your Way development officer, said: “We are encouraging anyone with a little time to spare to help care for these paths connecting Larkhall and Chatelherault Country Park. It’s a fantastic way to really help out your local community, by helping maintain these well-loved paths.”
Volunteering sessions will take place 10.15am to 12.30pm on the following days: Tuesday, December 19, including an introduction with the Make Your Way artists; Tuesday, January 16, Wednesday, January 17, and Wednesday, January 24.
On December 19, volunteers will be joined by Make Your Way artists Jenny O’boyle and Hannah Brackston.
The artists will be recording, exploring and asking questions about these routes to inform future workshops, way finding and interpretation which will be created in collaboration with communities and installed along the routes, highlighting the unique history and heritage of each route.
They are particularly interested in learning about the present day ecology of Millheugh as well as the local food and agricultural heritage.
Sarah added: “There’s the opportunity for volunteers coming to the first session on December 19, to pass on what they love and know about the local area to Make Your Way artists Jenny and Hannah.
“This information will be used to build a picture of why the local area is special, which will be used in creating the community focussed signage and artistic interpretation for each route.”
No previous experience is necessary and all tools and hot drinks will be provided.
Volunteers are welcome to sign up to as many or as few sessions as they wish and are only asked to bring a packed lunch, waterproofs, and lots of energy and enthusiasm.
Wellies or sturdy boots are essential. Booking is essential via enquiries@cciweb.org.uk / 01555 663 430. Meet at the car park next to the roundabout at the bottom of Millheugh Brae near the river at 10.15am.
The Make Your Way project is supported by the Scottish Government Smarter Choices Smarter Places grant, Heritage Lottery Fund and Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership (CAVLP). It follows a first phase which focussed on Carluke, Glassford, Larkhall, Lanark and Stonehouse.