West Balgrochan Marsh is looking blooming marvellous thanks to great partnership working between East Dunbartonshire Council, Torrance Greenspace Group and help from some hard-working school pupils.
The Torrance Greenspace Group was awarded £1,000 from The Central Scotland Green Network Community Fund and used some of it to commission a fantastic biodiversity totem pole which shows some of the plants and animals that can be found at the marsh.
The area is bursting with biodiversity and is a site of local conservation interest for both people and wildlife.
The Council's Streetscene Technical Support Team provided additional value by assisting the Torrance Greenspace Group to develop and implement the project.
Torrance Primary pupils also worked with the Council’s Countryside Rangers to plant a wide variety of wildflowers suited to the wet conditions of the marsh including Ragged Robin, Devils-bit Scabious and Meadow Cranesbill. These plants will provide nectar for many insects while some are food plants for butterfly caterpillars.
Councillor Stewart MacDonald, Convener of Neighbourhood Services, said, "This has been a great example of partnership working with Council officers providing assistance and advice to Torrance Greenspace Group. I wish to thank Torrance Greenspace Group and the pupils from Torrance Primary for all their hard work to make sure West Balgrochan Marsh is improved for visitors and wildlife.
“This totem pole provides an alternative method of informing visitors of the wildlife that can be found at the marsh. The end result is fantastic and it’s something that will benefit the whole community.
“The wildflowers planted by pupils will enhance our existing biodiversity and brighten the marsh up.”
Karen Smith of Torrance Greenspace Group, said, “The Torrance Greenspace Group were delighted to have been awarded a grant from Central Scotland Green Network Trust to fund the wildflower planting and totem for the marsh.
“We aim to enhance the open spaces around the village by planting spring bulbs/ wildflowers, maintaining the planted containers, flowerbeds and nature corridors for the benefit and enjoyment of the local community.”
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