Natalie Don MSP was delighted to visit the Erskine Community Garden on Friday to discover the valuable work that the team of volunteers are doing to support the local community.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West was welcomed by volunteers Heather Clissett, Chrissie Johnson and Sylvia Sneider to the project which, since its launch in 2018, has flourished into a beautiful area with something for everyone including an eight-seater picnic benches for teenagers, a stick store for four-legged friends and a sensory area will soon be available for children’s play.

The development of the area is hugely appreciated throughout the community, with thanks given in the form of donations which have been integrated into the garden. The trees are decorated with bunting gifted by neighbours and the path is accompanied by benches kindly given by members of the wider community.

As well as providing a safe, relaxed environment for people to meet at any time, Erskine Community Garden hosts organised activities for many groups within the community such as a children’s garden club which entertains and educates local young people about the great outdoors. Sylvia also hosts meditation sessions as part of mental health support as we move out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Heather Clissett from Erskine Community Garden said: “We were extremely pleased to welcome Natalie to the garden. Knowing her interest in the communities she supports, it was good to tell her of the garden’s openness and inclusivity, what has been achieved and what we hope to achieve in the future in keeping with the garden being a positive resource for all.”

Natalie Don MSP said: “I really enjoyed my visit to this beautiful space and was very impressed by the Erskine Community Garden team offering so much to support people and encourage wellbeing locally.

“It was a real pleasure to learn about all the different areas and features within the garden from the labrynth to the up and coming sensory area and I give my thanks to Heather, Chrissie and Sylvia for showing me around and giving me a great insight into their inspirational work.”

Renfrewshire Council also recognises and appreciates the work that the team at Erskine Community Garden is doing and has provided funding to support the project, which can be found at Barwood Road, Erskine, PA8 6AB.

Author

Founder of Paisley.org.uk in 1998 and constantly strives to change peoples attitudes to the town, Brian is a self described Paisley Digital Champion who promotes Paisley via any means necessary. You can also follow me on X