COUNCILLORS from Clackmannanshire West recently paid a visit to a community garden in Tullibody.

The elected members took up an invite earlier this month to visit Tullibody Community Garden, the Clacks Community Group of 2022.

They saw photographs that charted the creation of the garden in 2014, from what was once a rather wet patch of grass within the grounds of St Bernadette's.

A tour of the garden highlighted some of the successful projects undertaken by the volunteers over the years, including gardening and the sale of fresh fruit and vegetables from the Barra, the new wildlife pond and square foot gardening with Banchory PS parents and pupils.

Everything fits in with the garden's charitable aims: improving the health and wellbeing of people – and the planet; offering a relaxing social space, and carrying out educational activities.

Provost Donald Balsillie was amazed at the variety of apples being grown on the garden's 'cordon' system

An apple enthusiast, he said: "This is tremendous – I've never seen so many different varieties of apple in one place.

"I know all the hard work that the volunteers must put in to make them so productive."

Cllr Mark McLuckie, who grew up knowing the garden site, added: "I never realised quite how big the garden is.

"I am so impressed with all that the volunteers are doing, and their plans for the future. I would really encourage more people, especially those on the doorstep in Tullibody to come and visit, and show their support."

Anyone who is looking to visit the garden can do so this month.

The garden is taking part in Clacks' Doors Open Day and is open for garden tours and apple and vegetable sales on Saturday, September 24 between 12pm and 3pm.

It is also open every Tuesday and Wednesday between 10.30am and 1pm.