Lyne Burn Project Delivers Willow Planting Event

Publish Date: Thursday March 24, 2022

Fife Coast and Countryside Trust (FCCT) working as part of the Lyne Burn Project recently co-ordinated a major willow planting event, with 1000 willows being planted along the newly restored banks of the Lyne Burn, in Rex Park, Dunfermline.

This section of the Lyne Burn has recently been restored from an artificially straightened channel to natural meanders; the work was funded by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s Water Environment Fund, with the Lyne Burn Project being led by Fife Council.

The planting is essential to the river works and will also provide new habitat for wildlife. A mix of willow saplings, alongside willow cuttings were planted by 60 volunteers, including local Dunfermline residents and members of two local Scout Groups – the 26th Fife Scout Group and the Cub Pack from the 44th Fife Scouts both participated in the planting event.

The willows were very kindly donated to the project by Vilana Natural Beauty, who also took part in the planting. Vilana commented: “We are very happy to be part of this amazing tree planting project. Supporting this project is our way to give back. Our love for nature not only allows us to draw a breath of fresh air and inspiration, but it gives us an opportunity to give back.”

Alexandra Hoadley, Conservation Officer at Fife Coast and Countryside Trust commented: “I would like to say a huge thank you to all our volunteers, who came along to plant the willow with us! It was great to plant the willows with so many people who regularly use Rex Park and live nearby – they will be able to watch the willows they have planted grow year on year. As part of the project, wildflower seeds have also been planted underneath the coir matting – these will provide a valuable nectar source for many different insect species, such as bumblebees. We look forward to watching as the willows become established and play their part in supporting the newly created riverbanks.”

More volunteer events are scheduled in the coming months – keep an eye on Fife Coast and Countryside Trust’s social media platforms.

For more information on the Lyne Burn Project visit the project’s website – https://www.fife.gov.uk/lyneburnproject