Go Greener orchard launched in Rouken Glen Park
The Go Greener community orchard in Rouken Glen Park was officially opened last week by former Eden Project sustainability director Chris Hines MBE.
The Eden Project is a popular visitor attraction in Cornwall whose claim to fame is that it has the world's largest greenhouse.
Inside are plants that have been collected from all around the world.
Chris coordinated a lively and interesting discussion on the way forward for Go Greener and the wider East Renfrewshire community in acting locally to protect the global environment.
Chris also presented award certificates to everyone who has helped Go Greener since its inception in 2008.
This was to thanking the individuals, community organisations and companies who have helped along the way. Go Greener is also now making a renewed effort to encourage people to volunteer with their projects and events in whatever way they can.
The orchard project has finally come together after around three years hard work. This is a community project funded by Whole Foods Market, East Renfrewshire Council and Rouken Glen Park based businesses.
East Renfrewshire Council environment officer Lorna Wallace said: "I initially conceived the idea after being inspired by John Hancox's Children's Orchard and Commonwealth Orchard project based at the Botanic Gardens in Glasgow.
"John and I then encouraged Go Greener who developed the idea into reality after a lot of hard work.
"I would like to thank ERC's parks team as they have supported the project from the start and helped to prepare the ground and plant the trees. The orchard will be a community space that generations of children and adults will be able to come to see native species of Scottish apple growing from the trees. It really will be a place to grow, ideal for East Renfrewshire's 'place to grow' campaign."
Go Greener chair Glyn Jones added: "The orchard is a space that people can use for learning, picnics, reading, music or just chilling out. Go Greener is now putting an action plan into place to use the orchard as an educational tool for schools and a training and volunteering facility for local people.
"The orchard is about:
- Showcasing trees that are native to Scotland
- Remembering the history of orchards in the area (Orchard Park etc)
- Keeping alive the old fashioned skills involved in pruning and maintaining an orchard
- Providing volunteering and training opportunities
- Teaching children where apples come from
- Providing a place where the community can come together
- A venue for community events such as picnics, small music/arty gatherings, family days.
- It should be a happy and peaceful community space."
