Published on:
27
November 2012
Clackmannanshire Council has been successful in an application to the Central Scotland Green Network Development Fund for an environmental enhancement scheme on the Devon Way between Sunnyside Court and Greenside Street Alloa.
The Council has received a grant of £10,000 which will be used to plant native trees and shrubs to improve the appearance of the local area and its nature value.
The planting was carried out by pupils from Sunnyside Primary School with the support of Council officers.
Clackmannanshire Council's Convener of Enterprise and Environment, Councillor Donald Balsillie, said: "The project has been planned in a way that will not only benefit the environment around this important cycle route but help the children's learning in line with the Curriculum for Excellence."
As well as being actively involved in the planting, the pupils will, with direct input from Central Scotland Green Network, the Council's Sustainability Team, Ranger Service and Roads and Transportation staff, learn about a variety of issues.
They will learn about the background to the project, the railway to walkway/cycleway; active transport; biodiversity; green networks and sustainability.
The Devon Way was created on the southern section of the former Devon Valley Railway from Dollar to Alloa by the Council to provide an off road pathway for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
For over 100 years the railway was an important route for Hillfoots residents and goods to access Alloa and the wider railway network .
The route is still performing an important transport function by providing off road access linking local residents to Clackmannanshire Community Health Centre, Alloa town centre, Alloa railway station, Sterling Mills and the Hillfoots. It forms an important local part of a wider National Cycleway Network that the Council aims to promote and improve.
Central Scotland Green Network covers an area of 10,000 square kilometres from Girvan in the west to Leven and Dunbar in the east.
Its aim is to make Central Scotland a more attractive place in which to live, do business and visit, while mitigating climate change, enhancing biodiversity and promoting active travel and healthier lifestyles.