Kinnesswood brings people towards nature through growing projects
17 June 2025
The community of Kinnesswood welcomed Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie MSP and members of #TeamKSB to their village on Monday 16 June to showcase their commitment to building a climate and nature friendly community.
Mr Fairlie met with representatives of Kinnesswood in Bloom – an award-winning community group - which has been cleaning and greening the village for two decades as part of our annual Beautiful Scotland competition. He was taken to see some of the group’s projects, including the community owned bus shelter, art gallery and recycling hub and the flower cart which celebrates the local agricultural heritage.
Members of Kinnesswood in Bloom have been working closely with pupils and staff at Portmoak Primary School - which has been involved in the international Eco-Schools programme for 14 years, showing a commitment to environmental education and learning for sustainability.
Mr Fairlie MSP met some of the pupils in the school grounds who talked to him about the tree planting, wildlife identification and food growing projects they have been involved with this year, and the mentorship that Kinnesswood in Bloom volunteers have provided.
Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said, “It was great to meet with Kinnesswood in Bloom and see the exceptional work they have undertaken for the community, and the positive impact their work has had on the environment. The colourful garden areas, information displays describing the local history and wildflowers throughout the village are impressive.
“It was also fantastic to see the children getting involved and being encouraged by community residents to grow fruit and vegetables in their primary school garden. The visit really highlighted to me how much can be achieved when a local community comes together.”
Barry Fisher, our CEO commented: “We know that greening our communities is good for our health, our mood, and our wildlife, and it can also mitigate the effects of climate change and restore nature and biodiversity.
“So, I’m delighted that Jim Fairlie MSP was able to join us to meet members of the community that we have the privilege to work with from Kinnesswood. There are so many wonderful examples of how growing projects can help create social connections and support the learning of new skills in communities and education settings – but the way that Kinnesswood in Bloom and Portmoak Primary School work in partnership, bringing two of our programmes, the Climate and Nature Friendly Communities Network and Climate Action Schools, together - is truly inspiring.”
Norma Smith from Kinnesswood in Bloom said, "We are delighted that we have established a fantastic working relationship with Portmoak Primary School over a number of years. It means all the children have the experience of growing food and flowers for use by themselves and the community. The school has beautiful grounds maintained by Kinnesswood in Bloom and the polytunnel and raised bed area has been developed successfully over the years."
Anna Nesbitt, Headteacher of Portmoak Primary School commented, “We are delighted that the special connection between the school and Kinnesswood in Bloom has been recognised, and that we have been able to share our achievements today. It’s a wonderful example of how learning can extend beyond the classroom, nurturing not only the produce, but a sense of responsibility, teamwork and pride in our school grounds and village.”
More information on how you can access support through Climate and Nature Friendly Communities Network and Climate Action Schools is available.
You can watch a wee video capturing some of the sights and sounds of the day aon YouTube here Kinnesswood June 2025
