Give gift of nature in Riverside

A group set up to enhance the environment in Riverside this week made a fresh appeal for support.

Riverside Naturally is offering people the chance to sponsor the creation and management of a 1000 square metre wildflower meadow at a cost of £1 per square metre – although larger donations are welcome.

The meadow is to be created adjacent to community orchard, beside the outdoor bowling club, at the corner of Riverside Drive and Queenshaugh Drive. The low-growing meadow will have 20 native wildflower species, such as wild strawberry, cowslip and common dog violet. It will be cut throughout the growing season and left to flower between July and August, giving what the group say will be “more flowers, more wildlife, and less mowing”.

Riverside Naturally said those sponsoring the meadow would not be expected to maintain it, although they would welcome new volunteers at their regular sessions.

Sponsors will be invited to the sowing of the meadow in April/May and to any meadow events in the future. Group member Alison Swanson said the sponsorship represented an excellent “last-minute feelgood gift”.

“The meadow is not just for Riversiders to appreciate,” she added. “It’s location beside the Forth offers a pleasant addition to an already interesting walk where otters and a seals are regularly spotted.”

For further information visit https://www. riversidenaturally.org/ wildflower-meadow