A popular Bridge of Allan recreational space is considered an unsuitable location for a scheme aimed at encouraging wildflower pollination.
Stirling Council is in the process of introducing a pollinators’ strategy across the district to reduce grass cutting and the use of pesticides to encourage biodiversity.
Locations in the Stirling area earmarked under the scheme include grassland at the head of John Murray Drive, bordered by Ferniebank Brae and Sunnylaw Drive, Bridge of Allan.
But Tuesday evening’s meeting of Bridge of Allan Community Council heard that the greenspace was “sorely needed” for general recreational use by residents and groups like the Scouts.
Two cutting strategies had been presented to the community council for the site.
One from Stirling Council officials involved cutting a central area for recreational purposes and letting surrounding borders to grow wild.
The other, from Bridge of Allan councillor Alasdair Tollemache, suggested that the majority of the area be cut while a smaller area to the north east is left for the pollination initiative.
But, while he supported the biodiversity initiative, Bridge of Allan Community Council chairman Mike Watson took the view this particular greenspace was unsuitable as it is “so well used”.
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John Murray Drive resident Gavin Drummond pointed out that the area south of the town’s Henderson Street had a range of recreational areas like two MUGA pitches and the Pullar Memorial and Haws Parks.
The grassland off John Murray Drive however was the only recreational space in Bridge of Allan north of Henderson Street.
Mr Drummond added: “The area is used by Guides and Scouts and people from all over. Since Covid a tremendous amount of people use it for walking and onwards on to Fishers Green etc.
“The general view of residents up here is they would like to see the status quo”.
Community council member Alasdair Taylor said: “It seems a loss of amenity. It could be done a better way”.
Mike Watson added: “For me it is a no-brainer. I do not see the sense of a recreational area being turned over when there are other areas in Bridge of Allan which do not compromise recreational space. It doesn’t make sense to me.”
A Stirling Council spokesperson said: “These changes to our grass-cutting policy featured as part of last year’s Climate Conversation survey and we’re currently holding ongoing discussions with local communities over the development of a new pollinator strategy based on that feedback.
“The council is trialling locations for a new grassland management strategy that will change the way grass is cut in parks and public spaces across Stirling.
“The aim is to increase the diversity of plants and wildlife across Stirling, which is particularly appropriate to consider on World Bee Day (May 20).”
