Citizens make real commitment to create impact on Glasgow's streets and gardens

Concerned about the impact of algae and wet and windy weather on breeding birds at Hogganfield Loch, the Friends of Glasgow Local Nature Reserves group sprang into action.

Working hard to secure funding, the team installed five bio-havens, or floating islands, to create nesting opportunities for wetland birds and help improve water quality, encouraging more birds – and visitors – to flock to the park.

It was a bold move, one that had never been attempted in Scotland before, but it paid off and the group were delighted when a pair of Great-Crested Grebes took up residence on one of the islands, nesting and raising their young. Already the islands have successfully boosted numbers of wetland bird species and inspired other lochs around the city to follow their fine example.

Jim Coyle, chairman of the group, said: “We are incredibly excited to have won especially as we dared to do what no-one else had tried before in Scotland.”

The group has around 30 members and works in close partnership with other local organisations arranging litter picks, park clean-ups and more.

RUNNERS-UP:

HAYBURN PLAY PARK ASSOCIATION

Our best Clean-Up Campaign winners narrowly missed out on a double triumph. The association has transformed the local park in Partickhill into a vibrant resource for people of all ages, running regular events and creating everything from a stone amphitheatre and boules area to its very own mini orchard. Their magnificent efforts have achieved what Streets Ahead is all about – encouraging people to take pride in their own community

JOHN MADDISON

John Maddison is a one-man clean-up whirlwind. The West End resident is often spotted on Crow Road and Marlborough Avenue, litter picker in hand, clearing up the streets, righting fallen bins and inspiring others to do the same. His neighbours say he is inspirational and motivated, never deterred by the weather. Judges were impressed by John’s selfless commitment, rain or shine, to his neighbourhood.

FRIENDS OF KELVINDALE RAILWAY STATION

It is an unlikely spot for an art gallery and bio-diversity hub, but Kelvindale Railway Station is both, thanks to the inspirational efforts of a group of local volunteers.

Fed up of looking at a drab platform, they decided to make the most of its lovely rural location, adding an open-air art gallery and planting wildflowers, with the aim of attracting bees and butterflies back to the city.

It’s the only project of its kind in Scotland and has already inspired local schools, charities and businesses to take part. Judges admired the group’s pride in its community and its determination to show it off to others.

Chairman Ken Windsor said: “Our projects are all designed with an eye on improving the environment and people’s quality of life, community cohesion and teaching new skills.

“We really want young people to understand that their community is owned by us all and they can play a part in making it a wonderful place to be.”

BEST COMMUNITY INITIATIVE

WINNER: MINI-MULTIS ASSOCIATION

Since it opened in 2016, the Mini-Multis Garden and Community Growing Space has transformed a piece of derelict land into a vibrant, beautiful neighbourhood hub. The residents who fought hard to create this fantastic resource wanted people to be proud of the place where they lived, rather than treating it as a stop-gap on the way to something better – and that is what they have achieved.

As well as providing a play area for children, there is a gardening group for people in the surrounding high-rise blocks, potting sheds, landscaped seating areas and pretty walks. People who once had no idea who their neighbours were now work together on a variety of projects. More than simply transforming the vacant ground, the Mini Multis garden has transformed people’s lives for the better.

Ann Fraser, of Maryhill Housing Association, who nominated the group, said: “Everyone is incredibly happy to have won. The team at the Mini Multis have worked so hard to create this amazing project, they really deserve this accolade.”

The award is a fitting tribute to one of the group’s founding members Alistair Goold, who died recently.

RUNNERS-UP: WELLHOUSE ALLOTMENT GROUP

Wellhouse Allotment Group works with local schools, housing associations and other support agencies, giving people the chance to grow food, take part in community clean-ups, make garden furniture and more. They act as role models to local young people, who can learn skills such as woodwork, cooking and glass etching.

The Wellhouse Allotment members understand and support their community in a range of heartwarming and inspiring ways – and always with a smile and the kettle on.

The group said: “We would like to dedicate our success in being finalists here tonight to Ian Scott, one of the people who made our project the success it is. Ian is very ill in hospital at the moment, so we just wanted him to know how much his support has meant to us.”

CASTLECROFT RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

In a neglected little lane between Croftend Avenue and Castlemilk Crescent, an unusual community project is taking root.

Castlecroft Residents Association have transformed the untidy space into a remembrance garden, complete with raised beds and seating.

They have made it safer for people to walk through, repaired broken paving and installed wooden poppies, working closely with local secondary schools, to raise money for Poppyscotland.

Judges praised the association for creating a touching project which is set to grow into a much-loved community resource.

POSSOBILITIES

Possobilities has grown into one of Glasgow’s most respected voluntary organisations over the last 33 years.

This groundbreaking initiative provides its members, who all have disabilities, with access to the resources they need to grow, learn and develop so they can achieve their goals rather than feel isolated at home.

The organisation’s purpose-built centre promotes independent living, recognising that, for many, disability can limit opportunities.

Judges commended Possobilities for its determination to change attitudes and break down barriers.