Garden Project
The club is located in an idyllic setting on land purchased and held in trust on behalf of the members. The surrounding area is at least equivalent in size to that of the green but due to the lack of land management over the years, the playing area was in danger of being invaded by weeds and other shrubs.
The aim of the Garden Project is to redress the balance by regenerating the grounds in order to realize their full financial potential. The vision includes a number of phases or sub projects which are designed to encourage participation and eventually develop the grounds into a living . self funding environment open and available to all.
A Potential Disaster
Ivy has the potential to kill trees and if not managed , become a lethal hazard to pedestrians and motorists traveling under the infected tree. This image was taken in August 2010 and depicts one of the infected trees adjacent to Dalmuir Library. The trees have been inspected by West Dumbartonshire Council and are likely to be removed.
A major characteristic of Dowanhill are our trees and their loss would change the whole area. If you see ivy growing near a tree, check it out.
Glasgow West Green Network Sept 2010
A new green network sponsored by Glasgow District Council has recently been initialized within the Glasgow West area. The aims of the network group include :
- Publicity for the local initiatives
- Attracting scaled sponsorship through group engagement
- Providing representation at local and national government level
- Creating a learning and mentoring system to share knowledge and expertise.
- Development of a framework which encourages the preservation of our open spaces
- Developing links with other community groups and enterprises.
The network coordinator encouraged project leaders to visit the various initiatives in order to identify potential resources. Some of the projects have already received substantial funding from national and specialized sponsors. If you are interested in gardening and the environment and wish to become involved, please contact the Garden Project team.
Lower Green
The lower green was originally constructed as a second overflow green and in continuous use until the mid 1980's. The decline in the number of playing members has forced management to let the green degenerate and return to grassland. This is one of the largest green areas in the West End and a short walk from Byres Road . The images illustrate the progress between May 2009 and May 2010.
Progress Report April 2010
The Lower TriangleThe lower triangle has now been cleared of non-organic contaminates and is in the process of being landscaped to provide ease of access.
The next task is to clear the area of ivy by killing the root systems which now cocoon the trees and ground area. The plan is to provide nursery areas and additional composting locations.
The lower greenThe lower green has recently been cut to provide seating and recreational space. The cuttings are being used to seed the bare patches in the north triangle created when the spirea was removed. The next task in this area is to trim Bert's Bowl and the adjacent bushes to halt their invasion onto the lower green.
Rock GardenThe access work to the lower triangle has enabled the ladies to pursue their Rock Garden project. The plan is to provide a splash of colour over the summer months.
Spring is blooming in the North Triangle
The recovery and regeneration of the North Triangle has been a major milestone of the Garden project since its conception in July 2009. Clearing the invasive spirea Douglasii and Rhododendron has prompted the Cherry trees to blossom, providing an attractive panorama for residents and players alike.
Progress in the North Triangle
During the summer the area surrounding the East Hut was dug over and re-seeded with grass. The next objective is to condition the soil and improve the main area surrounding the flagpole. The surface is rock hard due to the compacted clay base and will require to be spiked then coated with top dressing. This enriches the lawn and improves its appearance over time.
Garden Team's Magnificent SevenOur most sincere thanks are due to the magnificent seven - the small group of members who bussed the bushes, shipped the spirea and trawled the trunks in order to accelerate the project outcomes for the start of the new playing season. Visitors to this site can see the impact for themselves. Well done guys!!!
Disposal and Recycling of Waste
One of the outcomes of the garden project is to reduce the environmental impact caused by the clubs social activities. The introduction of new composting areas within the north and lower triangles are now producing dividends in the form of mixed organic compost. This resource will be used to improve the quality of the soil within the new planting areas when they are prepared.
Recycling Partners required.
The club relies on social events as the major source of finance. This is facilitated through bar turnover and catering services which generate waste in the form of glass, cans, paper and direct food waste. The glass and cans are valuable but the lack of a recycling partner means the club has no option but to dispose of the glass and paper in council bins located at the University Avenue recycling point. If you know anyone willing to work with the club and provide this facility, please ask them to email the garden Project.
Fly Tipping
Extensive work has been carried out to clear the estate of non-organic waste created as a result of commercial and residential fly-tipping. Our partners, Glasgow District Council enforce a state of zero tolerance on this activity. Please contact their Land and Environmental Services Division if you witness this activity.
Firewood Project
The club now has an excess of dead trees and cuttings which could generate potential income for the project. One idea is to convert the wood into kindle and logs for sale to the public as firewood. If you have an open fire or rayburn and would like to purchase some of the wood, please contact the project. We are currently seeking suitable retail outlets and distributors.
Tree Management Inspection. September 2009
The primary reason for carrying out the inspection was to obtain advice on the status of the trees within the grounds in order to create an action plan for their management. The author acknowledges the assistance of Judith Parsons, Senior Landscape Architect at Glasgow District Council. Judith has kindly provided a 12 point action plan which identifies the trees species and recomended action.
Glasgow Woodland Trust.
The Glasgow Woodland Initiative is a joint venture between the Glasgow District Council. Forrestry Commission and Scottish Natural Heritage. Their principal aim is to support charritable organisations and local community groups to promote the use and maintenance of woodlands within the city for environmental and educational purposes. Further details are available here.
User Guide To Map
This map is interactive and requires the user to select a subject area. The sports areas are indicated as red stripes and not green.
The author recommends setting your application browser to view at 10% before zooming in to the desired Locale within the city map. Use the horizontal and vertical scroll bars ro move across the map.
- Select Map Data
- Select Planning & Development
- Click checkbox for Housing Land Supply
- Click View Map
Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN)
The CSGN is an environmental initiative sponsored by the Scottish Government in partnership with the Forestry Commission. The aim is "to make Central Scotland a more attractive place to live and do business, help to absorb CO2, enhance biodiversity, and promote healthier, more active lifestyles" .
Detailed information is available here.
Gardening Equipment
The club urgently requires some gardening equipment for this project and would appreciate the assistance of members and residents. Essential equipment include :
- Large Rakes
- Strimer
- Old Plant Pots
Local Agenda 21
Click here for ReferenceLocal Agenda 21(LA21) is all about local people setting their own agenda for action within their local environment. LA21 provides the opportunity for all of us to make a positive contribution to our environment. Community composting is one of these initiatives. The quality of our Environment has a direct relationship with our quality of life and like all pro-active management initiatives, is cost-effective.
Composting reduces the amount of waste we throw away, acts as a free soil improver for gardeners, growers and landscapers. The benefits of making compost may be felt by individuals, by the community and in the natural environment. Dustbins smell much sweeter if the organic waste is removed.
Further ReadingThe following links provide detailed information on the composting process and are included here for your information.
Gardening Websites
Do you fancy helping out with the project but feel too old or unfit ? If you have a couple of hours a week and access to the internet, you could help to search for resources. Possible websites include :
If you know any good gardening websites, let us know and we will link them here.
[1] Titchmarsch A,(2003:12) The Complete Supergardener , Cassell Illustrated, London, ISBN 1844 032 094.
Glasgow Open Space Map
The following links provide background on the Glasgow District Council planning policy for green spaces within the city. The author would like to acknowledge the assistance of Cllr. Martha Wardrop for providing this information.
Designed by Computer Training & Business Support Email webmaster
Last Modified on 07 February 2012 17:09:36 GMT © Willowbank Bowling Club 2012