Project aims to increase built up area biodiversity
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An environmental plan which promotes changes to areas of greenery within towns and villages within Formartine including Turriff and Fyvie is set to be discussed by councillors.
In a report which goes before members of the Formartine area committee next Tuesday, council officers from the Greenspace Project will showcase proposals to develop a long-term sustainable model to increase biodiversity and reduce carbon emissions.
Across the whole of Aberdeenshire potential area specific sites for maintenance modifications to increase biodiversity have been identified.
A number of local groups, including various community councils, Trusts and steering groups have been involved in the project to date and have suggested specific sites that could benefit from the altered maintenance regime.
Although some of these sites have been proposed by the community, or by interested groups within a community, there has not as yet been a comprehensive discussion on the complete list of proposed sites, one of the reasons for the report being brought before committee.
Furtehr sites have also been suggested by Aberdeenshire Council's landscape services that may benefit from the changes in addition to suggested ones.
For Turriff, the sites identified so far include the Delgatie Terrace play area where it is proposed to increase the diversity of the existing species and replace several trees.
A grassland meadow area with wildflowers is also planned for the edge of the site, leaving the play area unaffected.
The grass areas around the boating pond at the Haughs are cited as an area which would also benefit with plans to allow the grass to continue to grow as it is at present with paths cut through for access.
Plans also include creating a grassland meadow on the eastern edge of the Highfield Walk playing field to increase biodiversity while at Johnstone Park, the central grass island area would see spring bulb planting and a wildflower meadow area added.
In Fyvie several of the villages green spaces have been noted including the potential for a community garden area at the rear of Fyvie Primary School as well as wildflower and meadow grasses at Parnassus Gardens, on the roadside next to Fyvie Church and opposite the Sheiling Tor.
Several community groups have already developed their own projects with support from the Greenspace Team and changing practices are now happening within Aberdeenshire Council’s landscape services teams as they work towards creating these new areas.
Elsewhere in Formartine plans have been created for Oldmeldrum, Daviot, Ellon, Balmedie, Tarves and Potterton.
