The Drying Green Community Garden
‘The Drying Green’ community garden is a volunteer-led project in collaboration with Saline and Steelend Environment Group (SSEG). The Community Development Trust has a Memorandum of Understanding with SSEG, who have exciting plans for the garden, aiming to connect local people, young and old, with nature and one another. Through this experience, volunteers can gain valuable skills, increase biodiversity, promote climate change mitigation, and grow tasty vegetables to eat! It is hoped that the garden can also be used for wider community events, bringing people together to reduce loneliness and isolation, while introducing climate friendly solutions. |
Some early efforts to grow vegetables in pots and tyres
Collaboration with local groups and organisations
The Drying Green volunteer group has worked with Saline Primary School, the Fabulous Food Pantry, the Church and local Beavers and Cubs groups. The local Rainbows and Brownies currently have their own raised bed which they maintain. Drying Green activities range from growing plants, outdoor educational activities, family events, and workshops. This year’s workshops include gardening skills with Grant from The Sanctuary Garden, exploring the local flora with the Foraging Faerie, and children’s activities with Forth Pilgrim during the school holidays.
The Beavers’ bug hotel
Funding opportunities and links
SEGG is a member of the Fife Communities Climate Action Network (FCCAN). Through this connection and other funders such as Scottish Wood, Survivability Consulting Limited and Fife Council’s Community Food grant, The Drying Green has raised funding for accessible raised beds, compost and watering systems, a polytunnel, and a large tool shed.
Growing plants and flowers in tyres donated by T Page Motor Engineering in Saline
The Polytunnel
The polytunnel, a new addition to The Drying Green, will allow gardening to carry on when the weather is unsuitable for outside work. In there, SSEG hopes to teach gardening skills ranging from the propagation of seedlings to optimal use of polytunnel techniques. Growing vegetables here will encourage the community to grow their own vegetables. It will also break the supermarket chain, which includes high plastic use, carbon footprint, and food miles.
Mandy with her seeds and seedlings in the polytunnel
Permaculture and organic gardening
The Drying Green uses permaculture and organic methods to highlight natural gardening methods and the problem with agricultural chemicals. The group also intends to grow wildflower and some vegetable seeds from Scotland to reduce mileage on transport and give greater possibility of success in growing plants and foods in our climate and soil systems. Wildflower seeds will also encourage pollinators and increase the biodiversity of the garden.
Volunteering
There will usually be someone in The Drying Green community garden on Fridays from 9.00 am to 10.00 am. Have a look in the polytunnel if you can’t see anyone.
The Drying Green is always looking for new volunteers! Email SSEG on SSEG2026@outlook.com or send a message on Facebook to get involved!
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Fae planting in the tyres and the fruition of our efforts – lovely home grown potatoes
Photo Gallery
Have a look at photos showing the development of The Drying Green (once an actual community drying green) from its overgrown neglected beginnings to its present-day appearance!
For up-to-date information, visit the Saline and Steelend Environment Group Facebook page
