A Tesco Bags of Help grant of £3,000 has helped to create a pond platform at Beechbrae Wild Pond so that it now provides a free and open community asset for Blackridge village. The pond, designed and dug by expert pond designers, was created in a naturally low lying, boggy area and was and then filled naturally with water from field drains. A pond dipping platform and seating was then installed so that everyone is able to enjoy this wetland haven and explore its wildlife more easily.

The project has been delivered by Beechbrae, a young social enterprise and charity established to promote local community development; provide a range of outdoor training opportunities including food growing and woodland management; improve outdoor recreation facilities and enhance biodiversity in this small village in West Lothian.

Local volunteers helped to plant the pond up with suitable water plants.  Now young people and the wider community can enjoy taking part in events, activities, volunteering and training or just enjoy a visit to see the wetland wildlife.

 “This pond has transformed the area and created a haven for wildlife and the platform has created an accessible quiet place to sit and watch the wildlife dance about.”

- Ally Graham, Project Manager, Beechbrae

Beechbrae are also currently delivering a community carbon reduction project which involves a community garden as well as other small environment and mental health projects throughout the year.  They collaborate with local schools and as well as with other conservation organisations working in the local area.

Key facts

Location: Blackridge, West Lothian
Project type: Wildlife area improvements
Bags of Help Funding: £3,000
Grantee: Beechbrae
Website: www.beechbrae.co.uk

View the printable pdf Beechbrae Wild Pond

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Up to £2000 is available from Tesco Bags of Help to support a wide range of projects that benefit your local community. Tesco Bags of Help is administered by Groundwork working with greenspace scotland to support applicants and successful projects in Scotland. 
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