Fife environmental group scoops second major accolade

Nature of Scotland food award for town’s community garden

Tayport Community Garden has cultivated a second major accolade.

The volunteers are among the winners of the sixth annual Nature of Scotland awards, organised by RSPB Scotland to celebrate the passionate and dedicated people fighting to save the country’s wildlife.

Its latest award comes after its success only weeks ago in the first ever Climate Challenge Fund awards organised by Keep Scotland Beautiful on behalf of the Scottish Government.

Then, the efforts of the garden, run by PLANT, Tayport Community Trust’s gardening group, won the national award in the food category.

In last night’s Nature of Scotland awards, the Fife project, which welcomes people of all ages to enjoy growing food together, was the winner in the community initiative category.

The group particularly wants children to experience delight in the natural world to encourage respect for the environment. It brings people together to learn about nature, carbon footprints and the impact of climate change.

Volunteer coordinator Jenny Glen said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our volunteers who support the project and who have ensured its success.

“Local people of all ages and abilities have come together to make the Tayport Community Garden not only a lovely place to be but also a celebration of informal learning about growing food and the natural environment.”

The other winners included a project to tackle plastic pollution in oceans, pioneering work to benefit birds of prey, and Scotland’s first ever snorkel trail.

RSPB Scotland director Anne McCall said the winners should be extremely proud of the work they are doing for nature conservation in Scotland.

“It’s inspiring to see so many people dedicating their time to protecting our country’s precious natural heritage, especially the number of young people who are making a real difference by engaging in conservation,” she added.

“Hopefully by continuing to talk about and celebrate these fantastic achievements, we can encourage even more people and organisations to get involved and help give nature a home in Scotland.”

Local people of all ages and abilities have come together to make the Tayport Community Garden ... a celebration of informal learning about growing food ... JENNY GLEN

Picture: Mhairi Edwards. Cultivating success – Volunteers at Tayport Community Garden.