Landscaping works on North Berwick Trust Ltd’s (NBTL) 2.36 acre ‘Triangle’ of land adjacent to Law Primary School off Haddington Road, North Berwick started in earnest in late September with the appointment of contractor, Faodail Landscapes. Hinterland Studio landscape architects have been contracted to manage the project on behalf of the Trust. Trustees are delighted to see works progress in the Trust’s 50th anniversary year to create a vibrant green community space, following months of planning.
Phase 1 of the project is due for completion early December at a cost of over £100,000. Its focus is on enhancing the western boundary with tree, hedge, and landscape buffer planting.
The site has been cleared and graded with all phase 1 ground works now completed. This concludes the preparation for the amenity grass areas, wildflower areas and formation of the mounds. Turfing of the mounds is currently ongoing. Posts for temporary tree protection fencing have been installed.
Trees and plants have been delivered, with planting tasks on site ongoing and expected to take 2 weeks thereafter. This includes the planting and staking of trees and the planting of hedging/buffer shrubs. There will be a diverse range of native trees planted and a variety of wildflowers will be grown to encourage biodiversity in the meadow. A community orchard will be created with heritage Scottish fruit varieties and an area is being included for recreational grass activities. The buffer planting consists of a mixed native hedgerow around the perimeter to provide separation from the road and a habitat for wildlife. This will be complemented by wildflower underplanting near residential garden fences.
The planting scheme will also include ornamental rowan trees with golden yellow berries in honour of the Trust’s 50th anniversary birthday this year. In addition, there are plans for commemorative benches to be installed.
Additionally, a significant wildflower meadow area will be created alongside the ELC path connecting to the nursery. This space will evolve during Phase 2 to include potential growing spaces and a seating area.
The orchard will serve as a community and educational resource, reflecting the land’s agricultural heritage and offering opportunities for community and school events, such as planting, maintenance and harvesting days.
“We are excited to see this project move forward.” said David Tweedie, Chair at North Berwick Trust. “The ‘Triangle’ forms part of the remaining land left in Trust ownership following the sale of 53 acres of land to Cala and Walker for housing. With the development of the school and nursery campus adjacent to the land, we have been working for some time to develop a plan to connect the new housing and the school to provide a community green space for all to enjoy and provide a safe route to school.”
Heras fencing has been constructed around the site and we kindly ask residents to avoid entering the construction zone.
Faodail Landscapes has been contracted by NBTL to deliver and maintain the site for the first 12 months, after which a contractor for ongoing maintenance will be selected. Maintenance tasks will include controlling weeds on site throughout the contract period, watering plants and grass as necessary to ensure establishment and the removal of litter and rubbish to keep the site tidy.
NBTL is aware of concerns raised by local residents around dog control on the Trust’s Park and there have been numerous requests for the ‘Triangle’ to be a dog-free zone. The issue of dog control is under discussion by the Trust’s Estates Group.
Future development (phase 2) plans include informal play features, growing spaces, hard-surfaced paths, and additional tree planting. Paths will connect various elements, including the pump track, orchard, and small seating areas, all facilitated by NBTL. This phase will be dependent on planning permission and a contractor will need to be appointed.
NBTL has leased a section of the land to East Lothian Council for building a community pump track. This will be phase 3 of the project. The track will be constructed and maintained by the council.
Planning permission for all phases of the project is being submitted to East Lothian Council (ELC) jointly by Velosolutions on behalf of ELC for phase 3 and by NBTL for phase 2.
We look forward to transforming this space into a cherished community asset and appreciate your cooperation and support during the development process.
Who to Contact?
For any immediate concerns during the Phase 1 landscaping works, please contact Faodail Landscapes directly:
Email [email protected]
Phone 07341845905.
