Discussions about planting beds and planters have been ongoing between North Ayrshire Council (NAC) and Cumbrae Community Council (CCC). The latest meetings have also included the Cumbrae SWI and The Field Studies Council (FSC).
While we are all committed to keeping the island looking attractive, cared for and welcoming, NAC doesn’t have funding to continue to plant and maintain bedding plants in the way it used to on the island. We would like long-term efforts to go into the key island beds near the Cenotaph and centre of town, where footfall is highest. If you have an hour to spare to help weed/maintain planting beds on the island, or if you can offer a donation to help buy plants, please get in touch through the WI.
PLANTING BEDS
CENOTAPH BEDS - SWI have already led on maintaining the area around the Cenotaph in 2024, and will continue this, please give an hour to help.
MARINE PARADE - The central beds will be perennials and the side beds will be permanent large bushes. NAC will help with this.
CARDIFF STREET - The main bed will be planted with low level perennials. Gail Murphy is leading on this.
NINIAN PARK - CCC is suggesting a community orchard could be planted in the grass at Ninian Park. The Place Plan identified this as a potential area for a skate park, and any planting would take this into consideration. This is currently in discussion with NAC.
KAMES BAY - The two beds created by Beecology will go back to grass, unless anyone wants to re-seed and maintain them. Please contact CCC.
PLANTERS
The key planters in town will be planted with bedding plants funded by SWI and community donations. Thank you.
Three tiered planters will be grouped at the front and planted with perennial base topped up with bedding. This will be funded by the Tourist Association. Thank you.
FSC will plant 2 planters with wild flowers at Kames Bay.
Other planters: We will use evergreen perennials to reduce maintenance and extend the season. CCC/FSC and anyone willing to help will plant up planters in the coming weeks. This will include: 1 planter at Cosy Corner, 1 planter opposite On Your Bike, 1 planter at the entrance to West Bay beach, 2 planters at the Crocodile Rock toilets, 3 planters at Cardiff St, 4 planters along Marine Parade.
Any spare planters will be taken by FSC and put out by the Scotia memorial or close to the pier, where benches have been put for walkers and people waiting for the Waverley.
HANGING BASKETS
Gail Murphy has organised for 16 hanging baskets to be installed on 8 poles in the centre of town (Douglas MacArthur will install free of charge). Thanks both!
