£50,000 funding secured to replace boardwalk in Kirkcaldy park’s bog garden

The bog garden was created in 2009, taking advantage of a natural spring in the area and included suitable plants and a boardwalk to let nature lovers get closer to the wildlife attracted to it - but the boardwalk was closed after its condition deteriorated in recent years.

Now, after a securing funding from the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, it is being replaced.

The Beveridge Park Development Group, supported by Fife Council’s grounds maintenance service, made a successful bid last year for the £52,000 needed to carry out the work which will take around six weeks to complete. It is being carried out by specialist contractor, Water Gems (Alba) Limited.

The new boardwalk is being built using Siberian larch timber, a naturally rot-resistant wood, giving it a long lifespan. Any vegetation that is removed as the bog garden is tidied up will be processed through green waste streams.

The restoration will be welcomed by many park users.

Scott Clelland, Fife Council’s grounds maintenance service manager, said he was delighted that the bog garden would soon be accessible again.

He added: “We know that park visitors have missed being able to use the boardwalk while it’s been closed, so I’m really pleased that the new one will be open soon. We’ll also be tidying up the vegetation in the bog itself to ensure there’s a good balance of plant species and valuable habitat for insects and other wildlife.”