Proposed Changes to the Park in Eildon Street Galashiels - Freedom of information requests

Title or Description: Proposed Changes to the Park in Eildon Street Galashiels
FOI Number: 376
Date Received: 11/04/2022
Type of Request: EIR
Request or Question: All information regarding any proposed or any changes being made to the Park in Eildon Street Galashiels.
Response: The introduction of wildflower areas within Scottish Borders Council’s green spaces has been approved as part of Phase 1 of the Scottish Borders Climate Change Route Map. Scottish Borders Council have committed to striving to increase the habitat value of our greenspaces for pollinators, through measures such as incorporating areas of wildflower planting. This approved action is part of the Council’s response to the Climate Emergency declaration. The wildflower pilot areas have been carefully selected as areas that can provide visual interest to the local area at the same time as providing pollinators (such as bees and butterflies) with a local food source. The proposed introduction of wildflowers at Eildon Street is part of this initiative, as one of 27 sites across the region. This follows a successful pilot last year, which has received almost unanimously positive feedback. The sites selected were all assessed for their appropriateness based on visual amenity, recreational use, access and ground conditions, as well as any other issues that arose (such as visibility splays). The proposed pilot sites were subjected to consultation with relevant Community Councils and ‘In Bloom’ groups in letters sent via email on 25th February 2022, specifying each proposed site and seeking any comments or feedback. No objections were received.