A GARDEN centre in Auchinleck has become one of four groups in East Ayrshire to be recognised by a major environmental charity for their efforts to enhance their local community.

At a recent virtual seminar and celebration event hosted by Keep Scotland Beautiful, The Knowe Garden Centre was congratulated for its commitment to support the climate and nature.

Make Afton Water Prosper Scheme (MAWPS), Sinclairston and Hayhill Rural Initiative and Branching Out Community Initiative in Kilmarnock were also commended.

Cumnock Chronicle:

Kaye Hannah, Garden Centre Manager, said: “It has been so rewarding for everyone involved at ACDI to see a 2.5 acre sloping site which was waste land turned into a community garden and social enterprise garden centre providing training, volunteering, jobs, plants and produce.

"Our community garden is well stocked with pollinators and carbon busting trees and hedges to create a colourful eco-friendly garden in the heart of the village for all to enjoy.

“We are delighted that all the hard work has been officially recognised with this certificate – this has inspired us to work towards getting our green flag next.”

The annual seminar celebrated everything that the entrants, from 30 local authority areas, have achieved in their communities to combat climate change and support biodiversity.

Entrants have also worked to enhance their neighbourhoods, involve the community, and improve areas through gardening and horticulture while tackling litter and other environmental quality challenges.

Cumnock Chronicle:

Catherine Gee, Deputy CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “With the world’s biggest and most important climate change conference to date having taken place in Glasgow, it is brilliant to be celebrating the work of these communities in East Ayrshire who are taking action now.

“These people are making a real difference and I would like to thank them for inspiring us every day.”