Executive Summary
Greener ColGlen has met most of its objectives and has engaged more people than ever before in Glendaruel and Colintraive. 2 community growing sites have been delivered, complete with composting facilities, outdoor growing areas, tools and storage and these have provided vital new focus for community activity.
We have started to increase road safety by clearing Rhododendron from sight lines, improved community spaces by landscaping and drainage, and improved bio-diversity by removing invasive species.
6 people have been directly employed by the project, 18 people have received training, qualifications or learned one or more new skills, enabling some to benefit from paid employment in a new area. 40 people have formed and joined a new community group – The Colglen Growers. Over 30 people have given voluntary time to the project, and we have re-used and recycled local materials and employed local contractors whose knowledge, experience and flexibility greatly benefitted the project. We have created new social networks, made friends and links with other community groups, and formed partnerships with other organisations.
Over 200 people have attended our informative and educational events or taken part in the project in some way.
We have grown over 189Kg of vegetables, composted over 100 Kg of food waste, dealt with over 1.2 tonnes of garden waste, and through the production of 25 tonnes of wood fuel, we have eradicated over 1 hectare of Rhododendron ponticum using low carbon methods, whilst also investigating biomass district heating and the Green Deal.
Over the course of the project we have saved 161 tonnes CO2e, and over the lifetimes of the different elements we could save a further 181 tonnes CO2e.
Project Development Officer “We’ve definitely had a lot of fun over the last 17 months, and this has been mostly due to the amazing community spirit and the cooperation and support of the ColGlen Community; the farms, friends, neighbours, contractors, suppliers, land owners, village halls, ColGlen Shinty Club, Community Council, Argyll and Bute Council, volunteers, ColGlen Growers and Project Staff. Thank you All”
Local Councillor Bruce Marshall stated, “Colintraive and Glendaruel Development Trust are leading the way in Cowal in setting an example of what can be done in a comparatively small rural community.”
From a Volunteer – “I believe the community is better prepared for the future in that we have received high quality training in relevant areas, job opportunities have been created and that you have opened people’s eyes to new possibilities. Oh yes, and I’ve developed a passion I didn’t even know I had – it’s just great eating what you’ve grown!”
Read the full report here CCF2765FinalReportGreenerColGlen
For the sciency bit CCF2765 Appendix A CO2 calcs
Photos CCF2765 Appendix B Photographs
And to all involved a very big thank you!
