Council Launches Nature Focussed Project During Earth Hour Event

South Ayrshire Council's Ranger Service recently launched a brand-new nature focussed project at an event held on the day of 'Earth Hour' at Ayr Town Hall.

The new project, known as 'Stepping Stones', celebrates the inspiring ways local people have undertaken various nature focussed projects to create greenspaces that help facilitate ecological connectivity. The project aims to inform people of what's happening in the local area and offers those who want to join in and help support nature some simple ways to do so.

The project tells the story of 12 different groups who have been creating nature rich greenspaces within their local communities. The inspirational work led by the groups includes tree planting, improving outdoor learning areas to support nature, creating wildflower meadows and establishing food growing areas.

3 of these groups are featured in the 'Underfoot' booklet launched at the event. The 'Underfoot' booklet is one of many booklets which will be released during 2026 that will provide information, share best practice and give inspiration on ways people can get involved.

The stories featured in the 'Underfoot' booklet include those of the Coylton School Community Group, the One Small Thing group based at Carnegie Library and the work of the Rozelle Conservation Volunteers and Junior Volunteers Groups.

Coylton Primary School improved their outdoor learning area for nature. As part of their project they created wildflower areas, planted trees and hedgerow and implemented a scrape to support biodiversity.

The One Small Thing Group created a garden group to develop the small urban area at the back of the Carnegie Library in Ayr which will support and increase wildlife.

The Junior Volunteers and Rozelle Conservation Volunteers Group were also involved in the project by creating scrapes at Rozelle Park and providing volunteer opportunities to support learning of outdoor skills, climate literacy and wellbeing.

All three groups continue to develop their plans to benefit the local area, wildlife and the community.

Kevin Anderson, Assistant Director of Corporate Policy, Strategy and Performance at South Ayrshire Council said: "The Stepping Stones project is a fantastic initiative that highlights the work of many local groups to develop spaces that support nature and improve our communities. I would encourage anyone interested in getting involved to contact our Rangers Service or pick up a copy of the 'Underfoot' booklet at any of our South Ayrshire library locations."