How Local Volunteers Are Transforming Castle Heather Park
John Orr joined forces with local volunteers to realise a vision for a greener and more accessible park
Over the past few months, its been my pleasure to work alongside a dedicated group of local volunteers in making a real difference at Castle Heather Park. The Hilton, Milton, and Castle Heather Community, along with other passionate individuals, have been working together to improve both access and biodiversity in this well-loved green space.
At our latest session, we were delighted to be joined by members of the newly resettled Afghan community, who have shown great enthusiasm in contributing to the betterment of their new city. Their involvement has been inspiring, demonstrating how community action can bring people together from all walks of life to enhance our shared environment.
One of our key tasks this winter has been tidying up brash and creating a dead hedge. This simple but effective method not only provides a neat boundary along the path but also serves as an excellent habitat for small creatures and birds.
Dead hedges are made from layers of cut branches and twigs, which naturally break down over time, enriching the soil. They offer vital shelter for hedgehogs, insects, and nesting birds, while also serving as a windbreak and a protective corridor for wildlife moving through the park. By reusing natural materials in this way, we are supporting local biodiversity while making the park more welcoming for visitors.
Looking ahead, we have exciting plans to further enrich the park. In partnership with The Highland Council's environment team, we hope to plant additional trees, including orchard trees, as part of our 'Food for Nature, Food for Life' initiative. These plantings will provide food and shelter for wildlife while offering the community a space to enjoy nature’s bounty in the years to come.
We would love for more people to get involved in this rewarding local environment project! Our next volunteer session at Castle Heather Park will take place on Thursday, 13th February, from 1:30 to 3:30 pm.
If you’d like to lend a hand, please contact John Orr (local ranger) or Sarah Walker (Chair of Hilton Milton and Castle Heather Community Council) to join the working party.
Whether you're passionate about nature, keen to meet like-minded people, or just looking to give back to your community, your help will be greatly appreciated.
Together, we can continue to make Castle Heather Park a thriving space for both wildlife and people!
John Orr is the High Life Highland Countryside Ranger for Inverness. Throughout his career spanning 30 years, John has demonstrated a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and education. His work has not only contributed to the preservation of Scotland's natural heritage but has also inspired many individuals to engage with and appreciate the natural world around them. His work includes developing and implementing management plans for local habitats, leading educational programmes, and working collaboratively with local communities to raise awareness of our natural world.