Funding for final touches to green space

“A biodiverse space which acts as a link to the centre”

A group of volunteers are seeking funding to put the finishing touches on a community green space.

Ury Riverside Park (URP) has applied for £22,401.72 from the Inverurie Common Good Fund to create an official entrance from reclaimed granite.

The charity, formed in October 2016, aims to develop the site between Inverurie Retail Park and Osprey Village into a public park for the community to walk, jog, or enjoy wildlife, given the abundance of otters, fish and insects near the River Urie.

Volunteers have planted hundreds of trees over the years, and managed wildflower meadows and wetlands.

It is also hoped that an informal sports area, playpark and series of foothpaths and cyclepaths will connect the community.

Members of the Garioch area committee will consider the request on Tuesday.

A report prepared by Laurence Findlay, director of education and children’s services, said: “The application demonstrates a unique project within the Inverurie area.

“The URP charity have worked with many sections of the local community in the creation of a biodiverse space which acts as a link to the town centre.

“It is the ambition of the group to submit an asset transfer application within the next year for a long lease of the area.

“There will be little or no maintenance once the entrance has been built. Any maintenance costs will be covered by URP.”