An image (not painted by us!) that illustrates the style of tree planting we
propose along the paths.
And old map showing the extensive Stevenston Muir around 100 years ago.
Jonagold apples growing in another community orchard we planted
elsewhere in the town.
Andrena clarkella carrying its yellow pollen load back to its sandy nest
burrow. This is one of several species of sand-loving mining bee that
would be expected to colonise the restored sandy grassland.
We would like to make improvements to the green space between Hillside Street and New Street. We want to make it a more interesting, attractive and biodiverse place to visit. In the first instance, we’re keen to get local people’s opinions on our proposals. Below, we outline the proposals and, at the bottom of the page, provide a link to a survey. If you have an opinion on the proposals, we would be grateful if you would spend two minutes completing the short survey.
Project summary:
1) Tree planting. A network of tarmac paths runs around and through the field. We’d like to line the paths with trees. We illustrate what we propose using the image directly opposite. We would plant a tree species which has colourful foliage in autumn, such as Field Maple or Small-leaved Lime.
2) Installation of goal posts. A single set of goal posts is present at the site. We’d like to put in a matching set. We are particularly keen to do this considering the loss of playing fields at Auchenharvie.
3) Orchard creation. We’d like to plant a small orchard of about 16 apple, pear and plum trees at the edge of the site, which is currently overgrown and unused. If this exact location proves unsuitable (because of, for example, underground amenities), then we will identify another corner of the site in which to locate the orchard.
4) Restoration of sandy meadow. This field was once part of Stevenston Muir, a large area of dune heathland and grassland that extended from the dunes at Stevenston to the town centre. We’d like to restore a patch of this sandy, flower-rich grassland habitat. In order to do so, the top layer of soil would be removed from part of the site, exposing the sandy soil underneath. The sandy soil will naturally revegetate with a sward that will have a large proportion of wildflowers characteristic of sandy grassland (e.g. species such as Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Wild Thyme, which still persist at the site in small patches). The meadow would be 0.41 hectares, 21% of the field.
Visual summary of the plans:
Click image to open a larger version in a new tab.
The benefits:
-The field will be a more attractive and interesting green space to visit. As well as a walk across lawn, visitors to the site will be able to experience avenues of trees, an orchard and a wildflower-rich meadow.
-The field will be much more biodiverse. In large part because of their warm microclimate, sandy grasslands and heathlands are very biodiverse habitats and support many rare creatures.
-As well as being an attractive and interesting feature, the orchard will be a source of free, fresh fruit for the community.
The survey:
We are currently consulting on these plans and are very keen to hear the opinions of local people. If our proposals don't prove popular, then we'll drop them. If you have an opinion on the project, we would be very grateful if you would complete the short survey at:
https://derby.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3z4rbYhwzmq67dP
You can contact us at: stevenstonconservation@gmail.com