Menstrie Community Gardens were established about twenty years ago on derelict land once used as 'drying greens' for the flats at Menstrie Castle when they were owned and rented by Clackmannanshire Council. The community took responsibility for the area and created the gardens, with most of the wood and soil coming from the old Council nursery at Glenochil Nursery. There is now a thriving team of volunteers who look after the garden, growing vegetables and fruit for distribution to local residents. The garden was refurbished earlier this year to make the spaces more accessible. The orchard is now open.
The creation of a garden that encourages the community to develop their skills and get outdoors has required significant effort. The original areas were not accessible to wheelchair users, so the beds have been raised and some of the paths have been paved. An accessible-height bench is currently being built. The garden has transformed into a peaceful haven for learning new skills in the polytunnel or amidst the vegetable beds. Securing funding to develop the gardens and orchard remains an ongoing challenge. The orchard is adjacent to the community woodland and is proving to be a difficult area to cultivate. Ground clearance is demanding in an area that is sunken from the footpath. Steps have been established in the area and efforts are underway to create accessible access. The woodland to the north of the main road extends towards the Ochils. Extensive work lies ahead, with collaboration with TCV this year to enhance the paths. The ponds and the area along the lower paths are now well established, boasting fantastic biodiversity and thriving wildlife.
The garden provides growing space for the community, working in collaboration with primary and nursery schools, as well as older residents, to cultivate fruit, vegetables, and flowers. Flowers are also supplied for village displays. Regular meetings are conducted to encourage residents to enjoy the produce grown. The orchard is still in its early stages of development, with residents contributing to land clearance and the planting of various fruit trees and shrubs. Maintaining the forest is a substantial undertaking for the small community. Following preliminary surveys, the community is initiating a woodland management plan, with aspirations of creating a robust network of footpaths, reinstating a central path, and establishing links to Dumyat.
Menstrie Community Council (MCC) has devised a Community Action Plan, with the prior plan outlining actions for 2017 - 2022, encompassing the gardens, orchard, and woodlands. The current focus involves consultation to update the CAP and draft a Place Plan based on the Scottish Government's Place Standard. Collaborations have been established with various groups, receiving support from Clackmannanshire Council's Land Services and Rangers, the Woodland Trust, TCV, Epic, EDF, Kerry, and CTSI, among others. Much of the work is conducted by local volunteers, while local tradespeople are engaged where feasible. Materials are sourced ethically in accordance with Scottish Procurement guidelines.