Dunfermline "Secret Garden" Project Completed

During early October a large area of ground was transformed from an un-kept wasteland to a community garden designed to meet the wishes of the residents of Halkett Crescent in the heart of the Abbeyview Estate, Dunfermline. The local residents had initially come up with the idea of creating a “Secret Garden” in this unused concealed space as an amenity for all the residents, of all age groups. 

The idea was championed by Ann Neil, an Abbeyview Community Warden, and with support from Fife Coalfields Regeneration Trust the “Secret Garden” Project planning gained momentum.

Finally after years of planning and canvassing the views of local residents, the “Secret Garden” Project commenced on the 3^rd October with Fife Community Services clearing the site of tonnes of rubbish, bushes and scrubs and preparing the waste ground for safe access.

The entrance path was widen and on the 8^th October teams from West Fife Enterprise Ltd., Shell’s Fife NGL Plant, Mossmorran and the Shell Gas Plants Rejuvenation Project commenced the challenging tasks of:

• Cutting and removing brushes and scrubs
• Erecting of perimeter and internal fencing and painting
• Forming new footpaths

• Laying topsoil, tree bark and grassed areas
• Planting shrubs and flowers
• Creating recreational and play areas

After much “sweat and tears” the last grass turf was finally laid on Thursday 11^th October and the “Secret Garden” was no longer a secret…………………it was transformed in a wonderful community garden that could be used and enjoyed by the local residents.

West Fife Enterprise Ltd is currently manufacturing timber benching and tables, together with an innovative entrance feature to complete the Project.

Alex Baird (Shell Plant Manager, Fife NGL Plant, Mossmorran) said “this is a great example where diverse teams from local organisations can be brought together to make a significant difference to the local environment and for the benefit of local residents”.