Kelty children help turn playing fields into a wildlife haven

Publish Date: Thursday November 12, 2026

Pupils from St Joseph’s Primary School have dug deep to help transform Kelty’s old playing fields into a rich and connected habitat for nature.

They planted the first section of a new mixed-species hedgerow today, in a planting programme organised by Fife Coast and Countryside Trust (FCCT) through Fife Climate Forest.

The hedgerow and a community orchard were identified as local priorities through the Kelty community place plan, led by Kelty Community Council and the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

Biodiversity benefit

Both are being planted in an existing area of long grass, which has been left to grow for the benefit of biodiversity. The hedgerow will connect habitats for wildlife, providing shelter, nesting sites, food and pollen. The orchard, which will be planted next spring, will support pollinators and offer fruit for local people to harvest.

Laurie Carruthers is Community Tree Planting Officer at FCCT. She said: “It was brilliant to see the St Joseph’s pupils get stuck in. Hedgerows are some of the most valuable habitats we can create close to where people live. They give birds, insects and small mammals the connections they need to thrive.

“The community identified this as a priority in their own place plan, and we’d love local people to come along on Friday and help us finish the job. We’ll also be looking for volunteers when we plant the orchard in spring.”

Councillor Jan Wincott, Fife Council’s Environment Spokesperson, said: “This is a great example of a community-led project making a real difference for both people and nature. It’s encouraging to see local young people helping to create habitats that will support wildlife for years to come.

“This is a community-led project and I’d encourage residents to come along on Friday and be part of it.”

Community planting

Locals can join in a community planting session on Friday 13th November from 10am to 3pm to help complete the hedgerow. No experience is needed, and the team will show volunteers everything they need to know. Tools, gloves and refreshments will be provided, and children are welcome with an accompanying adult. People can stay for as long or as little as they like.

The Fife Community Tree Planting Officer role is funded by the Scottish Government through the Fife Climate Forest. The Kelty project is supported though the National Lottery Community Fund, with support from Fife Council and Climate Action Fife and trees supplied by Woodland Trust Scotland.

Our picture shows St Joseph’s pupils and teachers with Fife Council officer David Penman, and Tom Corke and Laurie Carruthers from the Fife Climate Forest team (right).