Gardening project takes root
Locked-down residents of Upper Achintore welcomed the local regeneration group’s Windowsill Gardening Kits project when the group set up its first of many visit and collect stances, writes Fiona Scott.
With support from High Life Highland’s Green Health Initiative programme, the group
has put together almost 200 Windowsill Gardening Kits for distribution to families and
children living in the Upper Achintore community.
The Windowsill Gardening Kits are free and contain bird seed, compost, plant pots and
seeds plus a selection of nature identification cards and a guidance note.
Additionally, the kits include some outdoor activity-based items appropriate to the
area. Each kit can be enjoyed by a person on their own or explored and shared as part of a family activity.
The purpose of the kits is to provide enjoyment, educate, release some creative talents
and hopefully discover a new hobby.
Group chairman Mark Linfield said ‘While initially aimed at residents in flats without gardens, we have now sourced material for almost 200 kits and are able to offer them to the wider community.
‘You don’t need a fancy bird feeder, simply sprinkle some of your seed on a windowsill and watch to see which winged visitors you attract.
‘Growing herbs, plants and flowers has been proven to reduce stress and have a positive impact on your mental health.’
To obtain a kit contact the group through their Facebook
Page or email uarg19@aol. com. Mark continued: ‘I would like to thank our hard-working team for sourcing and assembling the kits and also give a big shout-out to the Granite House for supplying the recyclable carrier bags.’
This Highland Green Health initiative was made possible with funding provided by EU Leader through the Rural Communities Development Fund.