‘Hidden gem’ in running for title
Public urged to vote for Doune Ponds
Doune Ponds has been nominated for the UK’s best park title.
The beauty spot has been shortlisted for the Fields in Trust UK’s Best Park, as voted by YOU! 2017 Award.
Doune Ponds are run by volunteers from the Doune Community Woodland Group, who took on the running of the site from Stirling Council three years ago.
The group have since set out to improve woodland through a structured approach for the benefit of the community and its flora and fauna.
Now, the ponds have been identified as one of Scotland’s most picturesque parks and could be crowned the best in Britain.
The public have the opportunity to vote for their favourite local green space, with voting closing today (Friday).
The top parks in each of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be shortlisted before the winner is announced at the Fields in Trust Awards ceremony at Lord’s Cricket Ground on November 29.
Tony Farrant, from the Doune Community Woodland Group, said: “Since we have taken over, we have done a lot of work bringing the ponds back to life.
“It’s nice to be recognised and the work is done all by volunteers, we don’t use any outside contractors, the work is all done by the group.”
On the nomination, Councillor Martin Earl said: “Doune Ponds are a hidden gem and I would recommend a visit. They have been revitalised by the hard work of the volunteers that, week after week, look after this lovely area. They deserve our thanks for the huge amount of effort it takes to improve and maintain areas like these.”
Councillor Evelyn Tweed added: “Doune Ponds is a beautiful destination that residents and visitors alike enjoy all year round.
“I’m absolutely thrilled that it has been shortlisted and nominated for the best park award. It’s thanks to local volunteers that this park is highly considered and this nomination is recognition of that.
“This is a great opportunity for the ward I represent to show off this stunning asset and I would encourage everyone to get online, and get voting.’’ Voting closes at 5pm today (Friday). Votes can be cast at www.fieldsintrust.org/ bestpark/scotland.