The project started in 2019 and through environmental and community based initiatives, this project aimed to improved the health and the opinion of tributaries that feed into the River Leven. This work was supported and funded by the Greggs Foundation as part of their #Greggs4good campaign. You can read about the sub-projects we carried out in the Vale of Leven to help us leave a lasting legacy for the area.
LEVEN LEGACY – SUB PROJECT – ‘INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT’
We worked closely with West Dunbartonshire Council to report and support the eradication of Giant hogweed, Japanese knotweed and Himalayan plants found in and around the River Leven catchment area. All three of these plants are invasive non-native plants that outcompete our native plants, proving detrimental to the overall biodiversity of sites. In the case of giant hogweed it can also prove to be dangerous to the public if touched. We wish to highlight and thank West Dunbartonshire Council for actively managing the invasive non-native species found within their area
LEVEN LEGACY – SUB PROJECT – ‘LEVEN TRIBUTARY IMPROVEMENTS’
A key objective of the Leven Legacy Project was to improve the environmental health and aesthetic value of local streams that flow into the River Leven. We began this work by delivering community engagement events, winter workshops, teaching conservation techniques to local schools, tree planting, litter picks and wildlife surveys in or around these local streams. We plan to expand on this work and continue to engage the local community with their local green and blue spaces so that these streams will continue to improve for years to come.
LEVEN LEGACY – SUB PROJECT – ‘SCHOOLS PROJECTS ’
In year one of the Leven Legacy Project we worked in partnership with local biology teachers to design a S2-S4 practical conservation programme for students to actively engage with and contribute to the conservation of their local streams. Through this project we taught students survey techniques that biologists use for their jobs, how to interpret data and how this will influence which improvement will benefit local streams most. At the end of each programme students delivered the improvement works to their local stream (tree planting, litter picks etc). During 2020 and early into 2021, we have kept engaged with our local high schools through Women in STEM events, and other online career events.
LEVEN LEGACY – SUB PROJECT – MURAL ON NCN7 WITH SUSTRANS SCOTLAND
Sustrans are a charity making it easier for people to walk and cycle. In 2020 the Trust secured funding from their “Artroots Fund” for a mural. The mural was completed in 2022 on the support wall of the A82 road crossing near Renton. This location is in need of improvement to enhance users’ experience of the National Cycle Route .The mural was designed by local artist “Barry the Cat” using inspiration from local community artwork by members of various community organisations and school children.
LEVEN LEGACY – SUB PROJECT – BURN RESTORATION WITH SUSTRANS SCOTLAND
Sustrans are a charity making it easier for people to walk and cycle. In 2020 the Trust received funding from their “Love Your Network” fund for a burn restoration project. Environmental improvement work is required in this section of the National Cycle Route to enhance local biodiversity and increase awareness of vulnerable species in the area. The burn supports an abundance of fish species but has been negatively impacted by a series of environmental issues such as fly tipping, pollution and reduced tree cover. This project addressed these issues and engaged members of the local community who use this section of the NCN7 regularly.
