Groundworks:

• Clearance of site to remove overgrowth
• Grade and prepare site for installation and set ground levels (allotments, gathering space etc)
• Create space for delivery of materials and storage
• Plot and mark out site for paths and features
• Excavate for pond
• Prepare site to receive grass and ground stone paths
• Install paths
• Install car parking area
• Clear site perimeter for planting of mixed hedge
• Contour ground, add soakaways and drainage

The project is important for the community because:

• It is a demonstration of community empowerment
• The demand was confirmed by several surveys over 3 years
• Social cohesion has been identified as a particular issue
• It provides much needed outdoor space in the heart of the town
• It will provide for wildlife and biodiversity through native planting
• It will help to create a culture of local sustainable food growing
• Food growing experience will prepare people for the impacts of climate change

This fits with "Our Vision for the Future" (p16, Black Isle Local Place Plan) in these ways:

The Community Infrastructure Call for Action to have facilities and services which minimise the need for travel (specifically recreation and community facilities).  The garden will be near the school, library, leisure centre, care home, new and older housing, and accessible on foot, bike, mobility scooter or wheelchair.  Fortrose & Rosemarkie lack public garden and outdoor meeting spaces, which are important for health and wellbeing.  The garden would encourage physical activity; encourage good mental health via connection with nature and with fellow residents; provide support and opportunities for local agencies providing health and wellbeing services.

The Think Global Act Local call for action for a zero carbon, resilient and sustainable community.  Our community will be more resilient if we have the experience and knowledge of growing our own food locally.  Growing food together in a community setting is good for community cohesion, which our surveys have shown could be improved.

Our aim for nature is to improve biodiversity by planting which will support a healthy environment for diverse species' of wildlife.  We will not use any chemical fertilisers, weedkillers, pesticides or herbicides, nor create unnecessary hard surfaces.  Materials will be sourced locally wherever possible with a local business providing essential groundworks.

Expected Positive Outcomes:

Social, Health, Wellbeing Benefit

• More local people get to know each other through working together to create and maintain the garden (one third of households here are one-person, and the percentage of retired people living alone is higher than both Highland and national averages)
• More local people go outdoors because there is a place to go to, promoting health and wellbeing
• A "bridge" is formed connecting newer and older housing, improving community coherence
• Community groups work together more closely for the common good
• Older people have a garden, to walk, meet and sit in
• People use the space for creative arts

Environmental Benefit:

• Increased local knowledge about native plants and the wildlife they attract
• Local food growing and nature knowledge increase
• Increase in biodiversity
• People will be empowered to make the changes to achieve net zero

Key Milestone

• 2021              Facebook survey - overwhelming support from respondents
• 2022              Formation of Regenerate Our Green Space Ltd
• May-23          Stage One Application to Scottish Land Fund for Development Funding
• Jun-23           Incorporation of ROGS as a not-for-profit company
•                       Survey-Hero survey - 37 of 39 respondents approve of project
•                       Community Right to Buy Petition shows >15% of local voting population in favour
• May-24          Community Survey online for business plan
• Jun-24           Community Consultation and Information event on proposed garden site
• Aug-24          Final total of £11,676.20 awarded by Scottish Land Fund for a landscape design, valuation survey, ecological survey, topographical survey, leafleting, feasibility                              study and business plan
• 2023-24         Co-op Community Fund Donation of £2543.78
• Aug-25           Agreement reached with Tulloch's to buy site for £1.00, and Stage 2 Application to Scottish Land Fund cancelled
•                       Funding of £1,600 agreed with HIE to help with legal costs
• Sep-25          Agreement with neighbour to provide water supply
• Oct-25           Application submitted for Planning Permission
• Feb-26          Planning Permission granted
• Aug-26          Land acquired from Tulloch's
• Sep-26          Disposition received by Registers of Scotland - land now officially belongs to ROGS

Throughout             

We have worked with Rosemarkie Amenities Association, Fortrose & Rosemarkie Community Council, Black Isle Men's Shed, Transition Black Isle, Avoch Amenities, Historic Environment Scotland on this and other environmental projects in the area.  ROGS membership is now 234 of whom 215 are residents within FRCC area which in 2023 had 2,028 voting residents.  Membership is approximately 10% of the voting population.

Next Steps

Fundraising for Phase One: groundworks as above

Fundraising for Phase Two: perimeter hedge, seating, allotment shed, wind shelters, creation of pond, tree-planting, signage, gates, fencing

Fundraising for Phase Three: maintenance

Phase 1 Anticipated End Date:  Completed by June 2027

Phase 2 Anticipated End Date:  Completed by Spring 2028