Community land open day
An open day event at the community land above Whiting Bay will give visitors the opportunity to see what is being done on the land and provide adults and children – and dogs – with a host of activities to enjoy.
The event, which is open to everyone, will take place today (Saturday) from 10.30am to 3.30pm when trustees and gardeners will be on hand to show people around and answer any questions.
In full bloom and bursting with fruit and vegetables after such a great summer, the 12 community allotments, polytunnels and orchards are particularly impressive this year despite the recent drought which required regular watering.
Behind the allotments is a newly planted ‘fruit walk’ made up of Scottish varieties of apple, pear and plum.
To the far corner there are three bee hives looked after by John Cruikshank of the Arran Bee Group and the much-sought-after Arran honey will hopefully be on sale, alongside potatoes, at the open day.
Although the bees were hard hit earlier this year and hives were lost, the good spell of weather is reversing the damage and John is hopeful that the hives can recover.
The trustees and gardeners will be offering additional activities on the day such as digging for potatoes, den building and camp fire cooking using some ingredients from the community garden. Accompanied children are encouraged to visit and to try their hand at the den building which will see the best den winning a prize.
Everyone is welcome including dogs on a lead, who can take advantage of the pleasant dog walking paths. There is a small car park by the site off Golf Course Road though pedestrian access is encouraged.