Completed project
Enhancing valuable greenspace, making it a more accessible, biodiverse and enjoyable space for the community.
Overview
Green Action Trust was commissioned by West Dunbartonshire Council to improve the Faifley Knowes greenspace. Initiated as part of the Local Development Plan, we worked closely with the council to improve accessibility and biodiversity within the 19-hectare mixed habitat greenspace.
The project was delivered in 2024 after 4 years of planning and development, with funding secured from the Nature Restoration Fund. This project is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Green Action Trust and WDC, transforming Faifley Knowes into an accessible and biodiverse greenspace for the local community.
The Faifley Knowes Greenspace project was supported by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot.
What was achieved
The project delivered multiple outcomes across these key areas:
Through path surfacing, a new formal entrance and bridge replacements, access was markedly improved and the site made more welcoming.
The new formal paths connect residential areas to local amenities and schools, encouraging travel through the space.
Healthier habitats to improve biodiversity were created through the removal of invasive species and new woodland planting.
The Faifley Knowes Greenspace project spans a significant 19-hectare area, strategically located within the Central Scotland Green Network on the edge of Faifley and Hardgate. The project is part of West Dunbartonshire Council’s Local Development Plan and aims to enhance both the ecological and recreational value of the area.
Despite connecting the residential area to local amenities, the site had a range of issues such as fly-tipping and littering, along with the degraded paths being overgrown, making the space unsafe and unattractive. The project took advantage of the site’s potential, aiming to deliver multiple benefits to the local community.
Upgrades to the path network and bridges have made Faifley Knowes more accessible to all. New waste bins were also installed at key locations, contributing to the ongoing maintenance and cleanliness of the area.
Completed over two phases, the Faifley Knowes Greenspace project has significantly transformed the area, making it a more accessible, biodiverse, and enjoyable space for the local community. It provides safe, off-road routes that connect residential areas to local shops and schools, promoting green active travel. The improvements have not only provided opportunities to improve health and wellbeing, but have also improved the biodiversity and ecological value of the site.
Faifley Knowes
Improvements to the space included the establishment of a new entrance, replacement of degraded bridges and making paths more accessible to people of all abilities. Browse the gallery to see the transformation.
Before
After
Before
After
Improved access
How we delivered at Faifley Knowes
The site was largely underutilised because of the degraded and overgrown paths. The area was also affected by fly-tipping and littering, creating an unattractive greenspace area.
We worked with West Dunbartonshire Council to develop detailed plans for a range of access and habitat improvements.
An online consultation gathered strong community support and funding was secured soon after, allowing the project to move forward.
The community support was an integral part of this project, and their concerns helped shape the development process.
Biodiversity improvement works included the removal of invasive species like laurel and bracken, and the planting of native trees to create a sustainable and diverse woodland environment.
These efforts have helped to create a more diverse and sustainable woodland environment, addressing national priorities like climate adaptation and mitigation, and combating biodiversity loss.
This phase focused on making extensive upgrades to the existing path network. This included resurfacing paths to improve accessibility, addressing drainage issues to prevent waterlogging, and re-grading or removing steps to create smoother, more navigable routes for all users.
The replacement of degraded wooden bridges with durable metal ones further improved the safety and longevity of the infrastructure.
The final details were completed in 2024 and the project awarded Practical Completion status.
The enhancements have significantly transformed Faifley Knowes into a more accessible, safer, and more enjoyable space for the local community.
From feasibility studies to forests, grant management to greenspace, we can help to make your project a reality. It all starts with a conversation, so contact us now to get started.
