We had a good turnout on a glorious winter’s morning. There were lots of bits of branches to clear after Gertrude and Henry had done their worst, we have put the potted irises into the sunshine and got on with the nature trail. And, because the weather is so good, the bergenias are flowering!
We’re making good progress with our nature trail. Most of the stepping stones have been laid and we’ll soon be preparing the ground for our first area of themed planting. Bird boxes are being assembled and insect hotels readied. There’s plenty of time for you to help, either volunteering on a Wednesday or a Saturday, or by donating through the MyParkScotland website at http://www.mypark.scot/projects/childrens-nature-trail/.
The Friends of Starbank Park are raising funds for this children’s nature trail, and we are already more than halfway to our target of £5200.
We are working with Victoria Primary School to create a Hans Christian Andersen-inspired nature trail that will feature statues of some of his most well-loved characters, including the Little Mermaid, the Ugly Duckling, Thumbelina and the Snow Queen. Each story will have its own area beside the path, with log seats for children and insect friendly flowers and bushes. Hans Christian Anderson had a connection to Trinity. He lodged round the corner from Starbank Park at 73 East Trinity Road and visited James Young Simpson of chloroform fame, just across Laverockbank Road from the Park in 1847 so he might even have visited Starbank.
We are now asking for your support and help with donations via the MyParkScotland crowdfunding site http://www.mypark.scot/projects/childrens-nature-trail. As Ian Goodman, of MyParkScotland, said: “The Children’s Trail is an inspired project which will benefit children and visitors for Edinburgh and beyond. …Your donation, no matter how large or small will help bring this project to life.”
The grass and paths are now almost clear of leaves as we managed to squeeze in a bit of gardening before coffee. It was sunny and easily warm enough for coffees in the Park. 19 volunteers followed up with Christmas Lunch at the Old Chain Pier. Lunch was excellent: good food, excellent service, fine views and mercifully few photos.
There’s a feature on Starbank Park at http://www.mypark.scot/myparkexplore-starbank-park-edinburgh. Please have a look. Many thanks to MyParkScotland.
There’s a gardening session on Saturday 23rd, usual time, 10.00-11.30. The forecast is good and the weeds are growing fast! Please come along if you can.
Good luck to MyParkScotland who launch this weekend. Our gardening sessions are part of the huge range of community activities in parks across Scotland.
Friends of Starbank Park 