THE Ochil Community Garden in Tillicoultry was officially opened last week, following some collaborative work with the Wee County Men’s Shed.

Based at their new premises in the Ben Cleuch Centre, the community garden provides opportunities for service users and local community groups to experience practical gardening activities in a protected and supported environment.

It includes raised growing beds with paths to allow access for everyone; a polytunnel for seeds and bringing-on young plants; and a small sensory garden to make the experience as enjoyable as possible for everyone.

The fruit and vegetables grown in the garden are used in cookery classes and in Centre Space’s community cafe, encouraging service users to try new food.

The ribbon was cut by Keith Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, who said: “It is just under a year ago that I attended the garden’s first partnership event along in Menstrie where I learned about some of the great work that was happening with a number of local organisations – like the Men’s Shed – to provide a wide range of opportunities to local adults with learning disabilities.

“The garden has come a few miles along the road since then but I’m very pleased that everyone has settled in so well and that the garden is flourishing in its new home.

“I’d also like to congratulate everyone at the garden for winning Gardening Scotland’s Gold Award in the Royal Caledonian Society Pallet and Planter Competition for the second year in a row, as well as a number of silver awards.

“This is a fantastic achievement and everyone involved should be very proud of this achievement.”

The Friends of Ochil Community Garden welcomed the help from Clackmannanshire Council land services who did a “wonderful job” of developing the garden with polytunnel, shed and paving slabs from Glenochil nursery and new raised beds.

A spokesperson added: “We were pleased to be joined by children from Menstrie Primary School, family and friends of service users, councillors, and members of the Tillicoultry community.

“We hope that the local community will enjoy using the garden and enjoy the improvements made to it as a result of Ochil Community Garden’s move.”
The centrepiece of the garden is a wooden wishing well, complete with a “house sparrow hotel” in its roof, consisting of six nest boxes.

It was designed and built by the Men’s Shed, using recycled materials.
The two groups have worked with each other in the past, having previously shared a site at the former Glenochil nursery, near Menstrie.

The Men’s Shed workshop manager Scott Cameron said: “We are glad to continue our relationship with the Ben Cleuch Community Garden as we are now moving to new premises at Devon Park Mills in Tillicoultry.

“We have already been approached by community groups in Tillicoultry to help with their Christmas festivities.”

This was one of the final projects for the Wee County Men’s Shed at their meeting place at the former Glenochil nursery near Menstrie.

The group will continue their meetings each week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday mornings.

A spokesperson added: “At our new location, we will continue to offer friendship, share our knowledge, experience, and skills to promote health and wellbeing.”