A little oasis in the heart of Kirkcaldy

The sheltered spot has been created from a piece of neglected, overgrown space hidden from view in Kirk Wynd - thanks to the efforts of a team of volunteers.

The garden is behind Andersons Coffee Shop at 27 Kirk Wynd.

The work has been done by Ross Anderson, cafe proprietor, and friends, but a call has gone out for volunteers to get involved.

The garden sits opposite another green oasis in the street as part of the Kirk Wynd Action Earth Project.

The Old Kirk graveyard is home to sweet peas cascading over the church fence, while another flowerbed carries a rainbow.

The work cultivating the area has been going on, socially distanced, as lockdown restrictions have eased.

It has also not gone un-noticed.

The secret garden has been backed by Volunteering Matters Action Earth has which has donated £200 for resources to make this corner of the natural world an environment for people to enjoy and birds, plants and insects to thrive.

Rosemary Potter, from the Old Kirk, explained: “Lockdown has made many in our community slow down, look around them and” appreciate the natural world around them.

With the threat of climate change, growing more vegetables and encouraging green spaces is vital.

“Everyone can lend a hand to improve their local environment, and to start you can get involved in this Kirk Wynd Action Earth project.

“The activity is part of the Volunteering Matters’ Action Earth campaign which wants to help local communities respond to climate change.

“In Scotland we need to change how we view and use the world around us. A nature-rich future is our best response.”

The work also allows local people to learn new skills as well as finding out more about the environment - and reaping the rewards of volunteering to make a difference to their town.

To get involved, call Rosemary at the Old Kirk office on (01592) 265499, or speak to Ross in the shop.

All hygiene measures and safe distancing are adhered to during the project.

> If you think you might have your own great idea for a project call Volunteering Matters’ Action Earth team on 07808 860356 or register at www.volunteeringmatters.org.uk/actionearth