Kinnesswood in Bloom Benarty View Kinnesswood in Bloom has Project Background Project Details Project Outcomes successfully created a wonderful community garden, Benarty View, The project was initiated by • The site was cleared of overgrown By fulfilling this project, Kinnesswood in on the outskirts of the village. Kinnesswood in Bloom (KiB) in 2016 with vegetation and trees were selectively Bloom has: the aim of transforming an overgrown thinned to open up the view to Loch After much planning, fundraising and inaccessible “nature strip” left over Leven. • Improved the environmental quality and hard work, the group following the completion of a housing of the village for the benefit of • New steps and a footpath lead to development. As a member of Take Pride residents and visitors. achieved their ambition to give a central seating area featuring a in Perth & Kinross Association (TPPKA), the local community a tranquil tapered drystone wall with bespoke • Enhanced quality of life by promoting the group were eligible and encouraged and scenic garden with stunning wooden seating. the health and wellbeing benefits to apply to TPPKA for project of being outdoors and experiencing views to Loch Leven, Benarty Hill management and fundraising support. • The area has been partly turfed with natural heritage and environment. and beyond. It is close to the This support and the determination of the remainder given over to existing golf course and popular cycle KiB meant that a final design for the mature trees and perennial planting • Created pride in the neighbourhood and walking ways including the garden was soon agreed, there was chosen to encourage pollinator and drawn the community together insects and enhance biodiversity. behind a shared goal. Michael Bruce Way and so is widespread community backing for the plans, funding was secured from a • The area has been designed to • Provided opportunities for all ages ideally located to be used and number of sources and KiB were ready be low maintenance so future and abilities to participate in the appreciated by a high number to get going... generations can continue to look project, learn new skills and share of people. after it with minimal effort. knowledge. • Another important aspect of the garden is its focus on the Village residents and project funders area’s heritage and history. were invited to a garden party to An interpretation board was celebrate the grand opening of commissioned which describes Benarty View and the dedication of the the area’s history in relation to memorial bench. This was held during archaeological finds throughout the the Portmoak Festival and was an ages, the importance of local quarry excellent way to make people aware of www.kinnesswoodinbloom.org and stonemasons, as well as its the site and encourage its use. natural heritage. Lessons Learned One lesson learned was the need to Stakeholders keep funders “on-side” when the project did not proceed as quickly as we had Kinnesswood in Bloom hoped. Having a Licence to Occupy at Local Residents an earlier stage would have enabled the Portmoak Primary School project to progress more quickly, but the Take a Pride in Perth & Kinross Assoc. transfer of land ownership timescales Portmoak Community Council were out with our control. Perth & Kinross Council Being adaptable was advantageous and actually added value. The memorial bench in memory of a well loved local was incorporated into the design at a Funders later stage, as was a sculpture designed by the Cubs as part of “Year of Young Community Environment People 2018”. When things didn’t go Challenge Fund £10,000 to plan, it was very helpful to have the support of TPPKA to get us back on Scottish Landfill Community track. Fund £9,698 Awards for All £7,669 “The bench was a fitting tribute to Memorial Bench £2,400 a genuinely lovely person and is a beautiful little area at the edge of the Kinross-shire Fund £2,000 village for people to rest, contemplate Local & Bloom Funds £750 and enjoy the view. Well done to Portmoak Community Council £463 Kinnesswood in Bloom - a real success!!” Ann - Kinnesswood resident Timeline Aug 2015: Jan 2018: June 2018: September 2018: June 2019: Total Project Cost: Project initiated Draft Heads of Terms issued Tendering process Land ownership transferred Official opening £33,000 Jan 2016 - Sept 2017: Feb 2018: Sept 2018: Nov 2018 - Jan 2019: Fundraising - project works PKC “In-kind” SLCF additional Work commences on hold due to land transfer tree removal funding secured on site.