Coalfield Communities Landscape Partnership to celebrate with Launch Day on 9 July
The Coalfield Communities Landscape Partnership is celebrating its work with a Launch Day on Friday 9 July with an exciting series of free events.
Over the next four and a half years, the Coalfield Communities Landscape Partnership (CCLP) - a non profit organisation set up to restore and protect some of East Ayrshire's most precious landscapes - will carry out 22 projects in the former coalfield area, with £2.2million support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The partnership is focusing on bringing “Life to the Landscape” - connecting communities with the local landscape and heritage. Visitors will be able to learn more on Friday 9 July, visitors as the CCLP launches its plans with exciting activities taking place at three key locations, Dunaskin, Loch Doon and Dalmellington.
The launch day will showcase some of these projects, demonstrating how the partnership is working with many other organisations in a collaborative approach to creating a greener, safer and sustainable future for East Ayrshire’s coalfield communities.
The Ayrshire Preservation Railway Group will be offering short train rides at Dunaskin, while Dalmellington Community Centre will host a whole range of activities including
- the screening of a short film by Cumnock Tryst featuring footage from their online music workshops
- an opportunity to reminisce and record stories of Lost Villages with University of Strathclyde
- a masterclass in the traditional art of butter making with Cumnock History Group
- understand and learn more about our landscape with Archaeology Scotland
- delve into the history behind place names with University of Glasgow
- a team from the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere will be on hand to discuss the benefits of being a UNESCO destination with the sense of place project.
Other partners at the Dalmellington hub include
- Police Scotland
- NHS Ayrshire & Arran
- Active Travel Hub
- Sustrans
- Vibrant Communities will provide a bouncy castle for younger visitors
- Coalfield Regeneration Trust has sponsored a climbing wall from Above Adventure.
The Roundhouse Café on the stunning banks of Loch Doon, is the third location for the launch event. Activities include:
- a taster course for geocaching
- nature and history walks
- bug hunts for children with The Conservation Volunteers
- guidance on wildfires from Scottish Fire and Rescue
- CPR training, water safety guidance and advice from the RNLI
- opportunities for young people with the landscape apprentices
- arts and crafts activities from The Zone
The chair of the CCLP Board, Deryck Irving, said: “We have all struggled to get projects underway in the unprecedented circumstances of the past 18 months and it is a testament to the commitment and effort from partners that we can have this launch at last. The Partnership Board would like to thank partners and the staff team for the work so far and look forward to the coming years.”
Councillor Jim Roberts, elected member with responsibility for Economy and Infrastructure said: “Our coalfield communities are steeped in history, heritage and tradition, which must be preserved for the future. The partnership has to be congratulated in their efforts to bring these to life as part of this launch event. This is a stunning part of our countryside and I hope visitors from near and far will join us on the day to find out more.”
Visitors can get between the three centres on free shuttle buses running regularly from site to site. Parking is available only at Dunaskin and Dalmellington Community Centre. There will be NO parking available at the Roundhouse Café. Local community cafes will be open on the day and Dalmellington has some lovely cafes and pubs that will also be open offering a warm welcome to visitors.
Numbers will be restricted due to COVID-19 regulations, visitors must book online through Eventbrite. Please plan ahead and book early to avoid disappointment. COVID-19 regulations must be followed, and if possible please take a lateral flow test before attending our event. Please be responsible and have a great safe day out!