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Pitcaple Environment Project |
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Friday, 27 August 2004 |
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The Pitcaple Environment Project is a community-based environmentally-friendly gardening project, which uses renewable energy sources. The project trains adults with learning disabilities to grow fresh vegetables.
Overview
The project helps by:
- providing a distraction from the visual impact of the quarry through enhancing the local environment;
- enabling the full utilisation of a disused nursery in the immediate vicinity of the quarry;
- developing an amenity for the local area; and
- screening the quarry with tree shrubs from the Pitcaple Environment Project.
KEY PARTNERS
Aberdeenshire Council (Housing and Social Work Service)
Macaulay Institute
Scottish Community and Household Renewables Initiative
Renewable Energy Systems, Balmoral Group Ltd.
Communities of Pitcaple and Whiteford
FUNDERS
Forward Scotland (CERS) - £19,000
Daycare Conversion Fund - £1,000
In kind contributions - £17,184
Plan
NEED
The project was set up to address the need to restore a former nursery and improve the environment around a quarry.
The need for the project was established through:
- contact with a Conversion Group, which has incorporated within its work the development of key aspects of this project;
- discussion with key figures in the environmental community (e.g. DTI, Scottish Enterprise);
- informal and formal contact with the people of Pitcaple and Whiteford;
- contact with the Scottish Enterprise Business Gateway;
- discussions with the North East Scotland Community Food network;
- development in the context of the local environmental policy;
- developments emerging from Earth Summit 2 and the evolving policy on renewable energy of the Scottish Executive and the UK government; and
- market intelligence relating to the market for organic fruit and vegetables.
PURPOSE
The project seeks to transform a derelict site adjacent to a working quarry by creating a unique and novel amenity for the local area. This is intended to improve the immediate environment, but also to introduce educational projects for people with learning disabilities, promote renewable energies and encourage community participation in project development and management.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The main aims and objectives of the project are to:
- restore a former nursery as a horticultural training project;
- provide recreational opportunities via the development of a sensory garden;
- develop an environmental education project involving the local schools;
- improve the environment of the former Pitcaple Nursery; and
- develop opportunities for local people to enage with and value the environment.
MEASURING ACCHIEVEMENTS
Project achievements are being monitored via a number of indicators including the:
- number of person training days;
- number of visitors to the Sensory Garden;
- number of contacts with local schools;
- number of local promotional opportunities;
- number of press releases; and
- via a continuing photographic record.
Progress
GETTING ESTABLISHED
The project was initially conceived in 2002 by Harlaw Day Centre staff, who wished to make use of the derelict land for the benefit of the Centre's clients.
Discussions within the Social Work Department developed the idea of an environmentally friendly, organic horticulture project, which could demonstrate good practice in renewable energies.
A community consultation was conducted among special interest groups and the people of Pitcaple and Whiteford.
Support for the project was obtained from local schools (including the local special needs school), the Macaulay Institute (an Aberdeen-based land use research body); and Renewable Energy Systems Ltd (a world leading wind
energy company).
The group took advice from the Aberdeenshire Ranger Service, SEERAD, SNH and Forest Enterprise on organic horticulture and improving the biodiversity of the site. Advice was also provided through the Scottish Enterprise Business Gateway.
In developing the concept the team considered local and international strategies on environmental management, renewables and economic diversification. It also made use of relevant market research.
IMPLEMENTATION
Following the successful funding bid, a steering group comprising Social Work Department staff was appointed to manage project implementation. This group oversaw the appointment of contractors to undertake the site works and provide background support. The Harlow Centre management team was responsible for addressing day-to-day issues.
The project was implemented in line with an agreed timetable. The only difficulty related to delays caused by adverse winter weather conditions.
Some of the works to date have been carried out by clients of the Day Centre (horticulture), while the physical infrastructure works to improve access and prepare the site was undertaken by an external contractor.
FUTURE STEPS
The next stage of the project will be to secure funding for the restoration of a drystone wall surrounding the site, educational materials and project staffing costs.
The project team is also currently examining the feasibility of installing renewable energy systems on site. The project recently benefited from a sizeable legacy, and has secured a new private sector sponsor as a result of attending the All-Energy Opportunities Exhibition in Aberdeen.
The Social Work Department is considering the feasibility of employing an Officer on a full-time basis to develop this project. It is also reviewing the legal status of the project, to retain the benefits of the project in the community.
Review
THE PROCESS
The team has sought to include the community full in project development. A community meeting was held at an early stage, which commanded a high degree of support. This consultation process helped to address initial concerns regarding the scale of the wind energy component of the project.
The community also has also been involved in the
Conversion Group, which comprises carers and representatives from the voluntary sector. The members of the Conversion Group have learned much from their participation in the project.
THE OUTCOMES
This project is likely to make a lasting difference to the local area through the promotion of social inclusion and environmental good practice.
It is hoped that local people and organisations will learn more about the potential of renewables and adopt some of the ideas in future.
THE LESSONS
The key lessons to emerge from this project are:
- take time to research the project in advance;
- consult with, and include, the community wherever possible;
- work towards highest sustainable standards;
- secure hands on support from the local community; and
- work within the practical limitations of the group/project, and do not underestimate the potential burden of management and administration.
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