A community group determined to breathe new life into Balloch Castle Country Park have submitted their latest funding application.
If successful, the Balloch Castle Country Park Regeneration Group (BCCPRG) would be awarded £125,000 to work on a full master plan for Balloch Park including the funding possibilities available for the regeneration of natural and built assets.
The group applied to the Riverwoods Pioneers phase two fund -backed by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, who will judge the applications.
The 74 page document which formed the application to Riverwoods Pioneers contains details, including maps of the INNS (invasive non-native species) that must be removed as a first step to restore the biodiversity in the park.
Sally Page from BCCPRG said: “The clearing and cleaning of water courses and tree planting beside water is the focus of the initial work the group hopes to fund, in an effort to enhance the conditions for the protected Atlantic Salmon.
“Park users and BCCPRG are concerned at the lack of facilities within the park. This is backed up by a survey carried out last year, details of which appear in the submission document. Funding is being sought for the provision of more toilets.
“BCCPRG has worked closely with and has the support of West Dunbartonshire Council, the chief executive Peter Hessett, head of greenspace, Ian Bain, head of education, Laura Mason and from WD Estates Michelle Lynn.
“Martin Rooney, leader of the council, Jackie Baillie MSP and Pam Gosal MSP have all written in support of the application too.
“Stakeholder engagement has been a big part of of our preparation; local groups, adjoining landowners, SEPA, Loch Lomond Association, LLTNP, Woodland Trust, Loch Lomond Fisheries Trust, Loch Lomond Angling Improvement Association Kilmaronock CC and many more have contributed to supporting the work of BCCPRG in preparation for this funding application.”
The application documents can be viewed on the BCCPRG’s website - Ballochparkregen.co.uk.
A decision will be made by the judges by April 3.
