A DERELICT eyesore in Dunfermline has been transformed into a wellbeing garden.
An overgrown space at Leys Road car park is now unrecognisable thanks to the work of TURN men’s group.
They co-designed the garden with Fife Council and partners, and the new-look area will feature two benches and large planters for flowers to grow.
TURN men’s group is for male service users who are involved with justice social work and serving community payback orders.
One of the group’s co-ordinators, Rachel McMurray, told the Press that it is voluntary and anyone that takes part in the project is doing so by choice.
Revealing how the project unfolded, Rachel said: “A local councillor had brought up during a meeting this piece of land in Leys car park that was unused and had become horrible to look at. They had asked whether any community group could do something with the land and that’s when we stepped in.
“The service users designed it all from the get-go and they worked with us and the Dunfermline community payback team.
“The service users decided that it should be a wellbeing garden as mental health is a large topic right now, and has been discussed more since the pandemic began with many people’s mental health becoming worse during that time, for obvious reasons.
“That’s why they thought a garden space where people could sit and relax would be a good idea.
“The area is also a complete suntrap! I’ve been working there with the men and I’ve been melting on the spot some days.
“It was at the end of last year when the guys started drawing and designing plans for the garden, and their idea has now become a reality. There were problems along the way, such as a material shortage and a lockdown to start this year, but we’ve got there.
“We’ve received funding from Fife Council as well to help and we’ve had donations of equipment as well but I think the project as a whole has cost around £2,500 when you think about all the work that has gone into it.
“The land was in a horrible state to begin with and so much had to be done before the garden could even begin to take any kind of shape. It was overgrown and there were weeds about half a metre high, up to your knees – it’s a massive difference now.”
An opening ceremony will now take place at noon on Wednesday, September 15, with a short ceremony followed up by a selection of refreshments.
Fife Provost and Dunfermline Central councillor Jim Leishman will deliver a “motivational speech”, with TURN group users, councillors and other representatives in attendance.
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