A determined wave of community action has swept through Kettins, a picturesque village nestled in Perthshire, as residents took it upon themselves to manicure public green spaces that had become overgrown. Frustration had mounted over the Perth and Kinross Council’s ‘Grow Wild’ strategy, which has permitted extensive stretches of communal land to remain untended, prompting villagers to proactively restore the visual appeal and usability of their local environment.
The ‘Grow Wild’ initiative, now in its second year of implementation across the region, was introduced by the local authority with the stated goals of fostering biodiversity and reducing carbon emissions. However, its practical execution has ignited considerable debate. Many residents argue that the resulting wild, untamed landscapes are more unsightly and pose health hazards rather than offering genuine ecological advantages. Critics increasingly suggest that the policy appears to be driven more by a desire for cost efficiencies than a true commitment to environmental enhancement.
The recent community clean-up in Kettins was spurred into action by Patrick Grigor, a local teacher and businessman who grew up in the area. Upon his return from living abroad in China, Mr. Grigor was visibly dismayed by the condition of Kettins’ village green. He observed that patches of grass had reached an imposing height of two to three feet, threatening to suffocate newly planted trees and providing an unwelcome habitat for invasive species like Himalayan Balsam. Furthermore, the once-tidy roadside verges, stretching from the village’s historic bridge to the entrance of its venerable 18th-century churchyard, had devolved into a dense, matted tangle.
Motivated to instigate change, Mr. Grigor engaged with the local community council and personally canvassed residents, finding unanimous support for a volunteer-led clean-up. He noted that every individual he approached readily offered their endorsement, highlighting a widespread discontent with the current state of their communal areas.
Energized by this clear mandate from the community, Mr. Grigor commenced the daunting task himself, beginning with the area directly in front of the church, armed with his strimmer. His individual dedication quickly inspired broader participation. Mark Gow, a local joiner, generously provided necessary equipment, while Brian Lundie contributed invaluable mechanical assistance with his vintage tractor. Additionally, Mark Low’s construction company supplied a heavy-duty strimmer, significantly accelerating the clearing process. Even the village’s children enthusiastically joined in, forming a brigade to move the substantial piles of cut grass, transforming the laborious chore into a vibrant, shared community endeavour.
The collaborative effort yielded impressive results, visibly rejuvenating the village green. Mr. Grigor expressed profound gratitude for the collective spirit, emphasizing the remarkable transformation of the area. He recounted how the children, during their lunch break, were already brainstorming various new uses for the now-clear space, illustrating the tangible positive impact on their local recreational opportunities.
Following the successful clean-up, the volunteers contacted Perth and Kinross Council, requesting assistance with the disposal of the considerable volume of cut grass. However, the council’s biodiversity operations team declined the request, stating their policy does not cover the collection of waste generated by private community clean-up efforts.
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council issued a statement regarding the ongoing situation: ‘Our Community Greenspace service are in contact with Kettins Community Council regarding biodiversity and open space management. We intend meeting with local residents in the near future to discuss how we can work with them to agree a way forward which aligns with our policy. We would encourage anyone wishing to feedback or make suggestions for the maintenance of their local green space to complete our online survey.’
The ‘Grow Wild’ policy continues to be a point of contention, particularly since its widespread implementation across Perth and Kinross last summer. Residents frequently report concerns such as an increase in dog fouling, visible litter, and a rise in tick populations within the overgrown areas. There are also notable worries that these untended spaces discourage children from engaging in outdoor play, potentially undermining the very purpose of public green spaces. For many, the policy is perceived as a strategic measure to reduce maintenance costs rather than a genuine effort towards environmental well-being.
As the residents of Kettins exemplify the profound impact of collective community action, the ongoing dialogue with Perth and Kinross Council highlights the complex challenge of balancing ecological aspirations with the immediate needs and quality of life for local communities in Perthshire’s green spaces.
The ‘Grow Wild’ initiative, now in its second year of implementation across the region, was introduced by the local authority with the stated goals of fostering biodiversity and reducing carbon emissions. However, its practical execution has ignited considerable debate. Many residents argue that the resulting wild, untamed landscapes are more unsightly and pose health hazards rather than offering genuine ecological advantages. Critics increasingly suggest that the policy appears to be driven more by a desire for cost efficiencies than a true commitment to environmental enhancement.
The recent community clean-up in Kettins was spurred into action by Patrick Grigor, a local teacher and businessman who grew up in the area. Upon his return from living abroad in China, Mr. Grigor was visibly dismayed by the condition of Kettins’ village green. He observed that patches of grass had reached an imposing height of two to three feet, threatening to suffocate newly planted trees and providing an unwelcome habitat for invasive species like Himalayan Balsam. Furthermore, the once-tidy roadside verges, stretching from the village’s historic bridge to the entrance of its venerable 18th-century churchyard, had devolved into a dense, matted tangle.
Motivated to instigate change, Mr. Grigor engaged with the local community council and personally canvassed residents, finding unanimous support for a volunteer-led clean-up. He noted that every individual he approached readily offered their endorsement, highlighting a widespread discontent with the current state of their communal areas.
Energized by this clear mandate from the community, Mr. Grigor commenced the daunting task himself, beginning with the area directly in front of the church, armed with his strimmer. His individual dedication quickly inspired broader participation. Mark Gow, a local joiner, generously provided necessary equipment, while Brian Lundie contributed invaluable mechanical assistance with his vintage tractor. Additionally, Mark Low’s construction company supplied a heavy-duty strimmer, significantly accelerating the clearing process. Even the village’s children enthusiastically joined in, forming a brigade to move the substantial piles of cut grass, transforming the laborious chore into a vibrant, shared community endeavour.
The collaborative effort yielded impressive results, visibly rejuvenating the village green. Mr. Grigor expressed profound gratitude for the collective spirit, emphasizing the remarkable transformation of the area. He recounted how the children, during their lunch break, were already brainstorming various new uses for the now-clear space, illustrating the tangible positive impact on their local recreational opportunities.
Following the successful clean-up, the volunteers contacted Perth and Kinross Council, requesting assistance with the disposal of the considerable volume of cut grass. However, the council’s biodiversity operations team declined the request, stating their policy does not cover the collection of waste generated by private community clean-up efforts.
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council issued a statement regarding the ongoing situation: ‘Our Community Greenspace service are in contact with Kettins Community Council regarding biodiversity and open space management. We intend meeting with local residents in the near future to discuss how we can work with them to agree a way forward which aligns with our policy. We would encourage anyone wishing to feedback or make suggestions for the maintenance of their local green space to complete our online survey.’
The ‘Grow Wild’ policy continues to be a point of contention, particularly since its widespread implementation across Perth and Kinross last summer. Residents frequently report concerns such as an increase in dog fouling, visible litter, and a rise in tick populations within the overgrown areas. There are also notable worries that these untended spaces discourage children from engaging in outdoor play, potentially undermining the very purpose of public green spaces. For many, the policy is perceived as a strategic measure to reduce maintenance costs rather than a genuine effort towards environmental well-being.
As the residents of Kettins exemplify the profound impact of collective community action, the ongoing dialogue with Perth and Kinross Council highlights the complex challenge of balancing ecological aspirations with the immediate needs and quality of life for local communities in Perthshire’s green spaces.