Promoting natural heritage

LOCAL children have been helping Valleyfield Environment and Recreation Trust (VERT) to raise awareness of Valleyfield’s rich natural and man-made heritage.

Pupils of St Serf’s and Torryburn Primary Schools have taken part in VERT’s improvements to the western end of the village by producing artwork that has been incorporated into an information panel.

The panel designs can be seen at the entrance to the recently tarred track leading off Woodhead Street (beside the historic West Lodge buildings), at the Newmills entrance to Valleyfield Wood and at the car park serving the wood in Shiresmill.

VERT chairperson, Sylvia Maxwell, said: “We have received funding from Fife Council, Fife Environment Trust and Scottish Natural Heritage, plus help in kind from Bracken Lea Homes Ltd, to improve access to the village from the west and into Valleyfield Wood.

“Many people are unaware of the wood’s importance and the panels are intended to overcome this by depicting the wildlife that can be seen there and outlining the history of the former Valleyfield Estate.”

A class from each of the schools worked hard to create the artwork, which depicts the flora and fauna that can be seen in Valleyfield Wood.

As part of the project, the pupils first visited the wood with John Le Marie from VERT and Fife Council Ranger, Stephanie Little, whose knowledge of natural history was taxed to the full as the children’s keen eyes spotted things requiring identification.

“We have been able to give the children a greater awareness of the environment on Valleyfield’s doorstep,” says John, “and hopefully their enthusiasm will be maintained, especially as their efforts will be permanently displayed in the village.”