Its your neighbourhood assesment

 Here is the results from the “It's Your Neighbourhood” assessment conducted by Keep Scotland Beautiful. in early August this is a joint assessment, as we requested Keep Scotland Beautiful to include our associate group, Brae’s Friendly Growers (BFGs). They are currently based at the Hub and its land, But in future they aim to promote community education across the district regarding permaculture.



We believe the assessment provided by Keep Scotland Beautiful accurately reflects our efforts. The Hub is pleased with their level 4 (thriving)assessment of our achievements, although we are not yet sure how high the ratings can go. We understand that BFGs, being a grassroots pioneering group, are just beginning their journey; thus, a Level rating of one (establishing) is justified at this early stage of development.

we recieved this from KSB with further information -

Many thanks for taking the time to show our volunteers


 around.

 

Please find your 2025 It’s Your Neighbourhood report attached – I hope you find it useful.

 

Your groups well earnt certificates will be emailed to you towards the end of the year, and we’ll celebrate all of our groups at our online seminar (and in the press/on social media) on Wednesday 3 December – details to follow nearer the time.

 

Thank you to you and your groups for everything you do to keep your part of Scotland beautiful.

 

Best wishes,

 

Juliette

Your charity inspiring action for our environment 

  

It’s Your Neighbourhood report 

Name of group: Polmont Community Hub & Braes Friendly Growers 

Date of visit: 05/08/2025 

Name of volunteer assessor/mentor: Alma Toth & Colin Ainsworth 

Introduction 

Polmont Community Hub is a new organisation established in October 2024 and run entirely by volunteers. 

It was formed to save the Community Centre building from closure and has since been actively

managing  the centre.

Braes Friendly Growers, a newly formed group,

which plans to transform the surrounding green spaces into  orchards, fruit and vegetable beds,

and pollinator-friendly planting.

However, their plans are on pending  until the community building’s land transfer is completed. Pillar A – Community Participation 

The Community Hub is popular and hosts a variety of group bookings,

demonstrating support from the local  community.

Building a strong sense of community within the hub will help further develop project,

and  create a welcoming environment for diverse activities and events.

Opportunities to involve different age  groups and local organisations are being explored

to broaden engagement even further. 

Pillar B – Environmental Responsibility  

The group is committed to sustainable practices, currently recycling to reduce waste

and has also started composting. Plans are in progress to upgrade the Community Hub’s facilities

with LED lighting and explore  solar panel installation, reflecting their focus on energy efficiency. 

Braes Friendly Growers are currently developing plans for the surrounding green spaces based on  permaculture.They intend to plant locally sourced seeds and varieties, avoiding harsh chemicals to support  biodiversity.

These planned environmental initiatives align with the Hub’s broader goals of

promoting community wellbeing and sustainability, pending completion of the land transfer. 

Pillar C – Gardening Achievement  

The group have a small herb and rock garden, along with a few pots of plants at the front of the Hub,

and some apple trees have been gifted and planted as part of their future orchard plans.

Unfortunately, the main  gardening projects remain in the planning stages until -

The pending completion of the land transfer, as the current gardening activities are limited.  

Areas of achievement 

Since its establishment in October 2024, the Community Hub has successfully attracted a diverse range of  groups

and built a growing community that is eager to access the space. 

Braes Friendly Growers have lots of plans and ideas while in the early stages of development,

which is a  great start and will be interesting to see what will come alive from those plans.

Recommendations/suggestions 

As the group wants to focus on eco and organic gardening, I would recommend creating a detailed planning  map

or decision-tree outlining the stages of development. This step-by-step guide would help organise 

plans and ideas clearly,

provide flexibility for adjustments, and keep the group inspired and on track as they  progress.

Now that they have established groups and communities who are strongly connected to the space

this sense of commitment can be valuable when it’s time to bring the projects to life.


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