The Skelmorlie Community Garden Group took over the running and maintenance of the space outside Skelmorlie Library from North Ayrshire Council in Spring of 2023. The local community have put a lot of work and love into making the space beautiful and relaxing, and would like to add a little lending library to further enhance the garden's aims to promote wellbeing, sustainability and community spirit.

We think that this speaks to the goals of this round of participatory budgeting; building community, looking after the environment (re-using books), cost of living and health and wellbeing. The garden has been set up to be a contemplative space and a little library would foster this.

We have spoken with the staff of Skelmorlie Library, who fully support the project.

We have spoken with the North Coast and Cumbraes Men's Shed who could build this for us for around £100. We have uploaded a picture to show you the type of little library we are intending to install.

This is a continuation of an activity that we have been running since August 2022 following a successful bid to Last years NAC Participatory Fund.  costs are 

£30 per half hour session with Instructor 

£25 for Room Hire 

£0 for  advertising via social media & DFL website

We’re planning to pave round 4 raised beds in Cumbrae Community Garden to make access easier for people with restricted mobility, such as wheelchair/mobility scooter users or those needing walking aids. The Community Garden has a positive impact on health and well-being, not only for plot-holders but for the wider community who can access the peaceful outdoor environment of the Garden and take part in organised social events. This project will encourage more participation and improve community cohesion by improving access for people with a range of mobility needs and will help us promote community growing within a more vulnerable group.

The project costs exceed the PB grant limit but we have funding in place from the National Lottery which will meet the balance.

Costs:

Slabs £1300

Additional materials, delivery costs, labour: £1500

Total project cost £2800

Funding already in place: £1800

Funding requested from PB: £1000

To prepare ground/beds by tidying, clearing of weeds and leaves before adding own mulch and compost to area, then planting of bulbs - tulips and daffodils throughout the park but especially to the front of park near railings in order to have a beautiful 'harvest' in the spring.

 multi combined top soil =                                                      £150.00

40kgs of daffodil bulbs (varied) £40.00 x 2                              £80.00     

Tulips - 200 bulbs                                                                    £60.00

Delivery                                                                                   £10.00                = £300.00

To get the project off the ground and be gardening for all during year one of the growing season, raised beds are a solution agreed on by the committee.

Corrugated planters 320cm x 80cm x 44cm at a cost of £179.99 each

 6 planters = £1079.94

We have raised funds elsewhere which will take care of the shortfall

Relocate existing central hanging basket framework within garden £50 : Replace with less intrusive (no hanging baskets) metal frame to secure Seasonal Displays in Central position £250

Install new pipe ducting for lighting cables (Christmas Tree) £50 :  Install Two secondary metal frames to secure side seasonal displays £150

Install Two additional half barrels for seasonal planting £50 : install additional paving slabs to displays/garden £150 

Introduce "Largs Community Council Garden" sign to promote group and encourage membership / let people know who maintains garden area £150 

Introduce information sign that advise "what's happening" in Largs ie Viking Fesival, Yuletide, Barrfields Theatre shows etc £150