The first month of the New Year sees some major work going ahead in Glenfinart Walled Garden. Thanks to David Robertson and colleagues from the Forestry Commission the ground has been cleared for the arrival of 30 fruit trees on Thursday, 31st January.

John Forth from the National Park is organizing half a dozen volunteers to help with planting along with our volunteer co-ordinator, John Kloumann. John Hancox from the Children’s Commonwealth Orchard  will be on hand to advise. We plan to have plenty of hot soup and sandwiches. Weather permitting of course, we will be glad to see anyone who would like to lend some time and energy on the day or even to just come and say hello.

Ardentinny Community Trust would like to thank all of the above and also a special thank you to Jim Robinson, Ardentinny, who stepped in during an emergency with good humour , much hard work and expertise! For more information you can contact Bill, Convener, tel. 01369 810238 or Merle, Secretary, tel 01369 810220.

Merle Ferguson.

The ambitious Glenfinart Walled Garden project took a major step forward this week with the installation of a 24 square metre log cabin. The building will be used as the main administrative centre for the project.

Trust Convenor Bill Williamson said “2012 has been a remarkable year for Ardentinny. With the support of the community and our funders, we have acquired this historic garden and are now on the way to returning it to its former glory”.

Despite the freezing conditions on Tuesday, the crew from Forest Craft completed the cabin build before nightfall. Volunteers from the village also braved the elements to dispose of the recently felled birch trees and goat willow.

Over the coming weeks the group will be planting some 30 fruit trees in the garden as well as fitting out their new premises.

The Trust would very much welcome additional help. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Bill or Anna on 810238, Merle or Dennis on 810220 or Jimmy on 810170.

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Ardentinny Community Trust this week published its first newsletter which has been distributed to all village residents. The update follows the progress of the garden from March 2012 to the present. Highlights from the year include the acquisition of the garden in late March; an Open Day at the Village Hall in May; clearing of part of the site in June; the agreement for Emma and Sophie Thompson to become patrons of the garden in August; and the construction of a small shed and polytunnel frame in November.

Throughout the year Trust Directors have also made several visits to similar projects throughout the UK and there have been visits to the Walled Garden by horticultural professionals in an advisory capacity. Before Christmas, the Trust hopes to have new fruit trees in place as well as the completion of the large timber shed.

With much work still to be done, the Trust would very much welcome additional volunteers. If you are interested, please contact Bill or Anna on 810238, Merle or Dennis on 810220 or Jimmy on 810170.

Ardentinny Community Trust Newsletter (PDF).

Minutes of Ardentinny Community Trust AGM 31 July, 2012.

Ardentinny Community Trust displayed its Glenfinart Walled Garden project at the Hunter’s Quay Holiday Village ‘Small Acorns’ environmental event on Sunday 8th August. In addition to the information video and leaflets, there was a Wish Tree where young and old alike could hang their wishes for the garden. Among the many wishes for sunshine, rain and strawberries, two of the most memorable were one from a three-year-old who wished for ‘compost’ while a ten-year-old boy felt ‘a million pounds’ was what the garden needed most.

The Trust thanks the organisers for their invitation to exhibit at this wonderfully entertaining and informative event.