Fairlie Community Garden
Fairlie Community Garden is a gardening and organic recycling project built on the site of a derelict boatyard. The site lay abandoned for around 30 years and was overgrown with gorse, brambles, and Japanese Knotweed.
The potential of the site was recognised by Ron Gilchrist, who was involved with other community gardening activities. Drawing on a lifetimes experience in environmental management and 20 years research in organic recycling, he quickly took the project from recognition of community needs through concept to design.
The project was fortunate to be given a series of go-ahead nods from North Ayrshire Council at the concept stage, and as a consequence the community garden was operational within a matter of 8 weeks. The site is now a recognised centre of excellence for organic recycling where members of the community can learn to grow-their-own herbs, fruit and vegetables organically using intensive, raised bed, horticulture methods.
The team putting together the Fairlie Community Gardens project achieved so much, so quickly, and with so little bloodletting, that it seemed natural to continue the work. Community Gardens are able to meet diverse community needs by their ability to specify and deliver community gardens as a one stop shop.
Design - Supply - Install - Commission - On-going Support
The constituent members of Community Gardens are;
Tecorr Solutions Scotland - www.growbest.co.uk
Ron Gilchrist is the driving force behind projects and is in overall charge of delivery. Based on the requirements of the community, and resources available to them, Ron produces an optimum design which maximises the output of the garden. He oversees the commissioning, monitors progress and provides support once the project has been implemented.
Fairlie Furniture Works - www.fairliefurniture.co.uk
Jim Donaldson at Fairlie Furniture Works supplies the necessary materials to furnish a community garden with the equipment and facilities the growers will need. The workshop in Fairlie produces the pre-fabricated Hotboxes, Wormboxes, composting bays, and planters. FFW also fabricate the buildings and structures necessary for storage.
Caley Construction - www.caley-construction.co.uk
Iain Cameron of Caley Construction handles the installation and groundwork. Based on the design, he handles the initial site clearance, removing and safely disposing of any waste from the site. Caley Construction are able to provide all preparation work for the site and have the capacity to handle large scale projects throughout Scotland.
For more information on the turnkey Community Gardens package contact Ron Gilchrist on 01475 568 645.