THE last five years have seen a buzz of activity in the Ken/Dee Valley thanks to the successful Galloway Glens Scheme.
Set up in 2018 as an initiative of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s environment team, the aim has been to ‘connect people to their heritage’, boost the local economy and support sustainable communities with the help of lottery and other funding.
The scheme has overseen more than £6 million in activity, supporting projects varying from training and education programmes, visitor facilities, outdoor access improvements, activities & events and community development initiatives.
More than 40 projects were supported up and down the Ken/Dee valley including ten new or refurbished community buildings; 15 interns taken on; 206 hectares of land brought into conservation management; 23 miles of footpath installed or improved, including four bridges.
There were also ‘Nature Positive’ projects; ‘Go Wild’ outdoor camps; place names, oral history and historic mapping endeavours; educational assets; and the national-acclaimed ‘Can You Dig It’ community archaeology project
Reflecting, Galloway Glens Partnership board chairman Ted Leeming, above, said: “From small acorns, mighty oaks grow: to see the Galloway Glens Scheme develop and grow in size and ambition over the last five years has been incredibly rewarding.
“Based around an approach of trust, empowerment and a ‘can-do’ energy, the team has sought to tackle some of the largest challenges we face, delivering tangible and measurable progress.
“All of us on the Partnership Board are grateful to everyone involved – from funders through to the delivery team, all project partners and especially to all the community interest groups of all ages who engaged so passionately to deliver the projects.
“The legacy of the Galloway Glens Scheme lives on not only in the projects supported and activities undertaken, but also in the increased sense of connection and appreciation for Galloway’s amazing natural and cultural heritage and confidence in our unique identity.”
Caroline Clark, from main funders, the National Lottery, added: “The Galloway Glens project team can be very proud of what has been achieved in partnership with local people and local businesses over the last five years. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players they have delivered new opportunities to learn and work, supported environmental recovery, improved access to nature and outdoor activity for all, and supported a huge variety of community activity and initiatives.
“The Galloway Glens project may be coming to an end but it leaves a legacy that will continue to have a significant and positive impact for many years to come.”
