Middlefield and Northfield greenspace and path network to benefit from significant enhancements

19 June 2018

Up to £270,000 is to be spent on improvements to paths around Heathryfold Park and Auchmill Wood as part of the wider regeneration of the area.

Grant funding from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) will be used to carry out the work, alongside ongoing flood alleviation and active travel projects, and was approved at today’s (June 19) City Growth and Resources Committee meeting.

The Heathryfold Park Steering Group has had a key role in shaping the wide-ranging plans. A key focus will be improving and expanding the path networks in Auchmill Wood, including measures to enhance biodiversity.

Cllr Gordon Graham, Vice-Convener of the City Growth and Resources Committee, said: “There is a real momentum to the work being done in Middlefield and Northfield. The most important thing is the input of local residents, who are passionate about the improvements being made.

“As a Council we are committed to working in partnership with communities and external organisations. Scottish Natural Heritage is supporting the plans, which will enhance a popular area for walkers as well as providing new opportunities for play and education.”

The funding will be used to support the steering group’s priorities to provide further improvements to the play facilities to the park, implement measures to tackle damage caused by cars parking on the grass at Heathryfold Circle and make improvements to Auchmill Wood.

The Middlefield park ranger’s support for community activities will also be expanded following today’s decision to accept a £64,668 grant from SNH to extend the post through to October 2019.

Councillors have also given advance approval of an anticipated grant of £50,000 from Sustrans to undertake surveys, consultations and develop the designs for further active travel improvements in Middlefield and Northfield.