We care for the great and small

Alistair said: ‘There are several good reasons for doing this work. Firstly, Bachelors’ Club is an important asset to the village, and keeping the garden in good shape sets the standard for the area. Local people see me working and stop to chat, which raises the profile of the Trust.

‘Money to buy tools, and the first plants, was actually donated by the Residents’ Association, which got things off to a great start.’

The Green Tourism Business Scheme, of which the Trust is a member, encourages managing gardens for wildlife. A variety of pollen- and nectar-producing flowers and herbs, including rosemary, lavender, thyme, feverfew and verbena, attract butterflies, bumblebees and hoverflies throughout the summer. As a result of Alistair’s hard work, the Bachelors’ Club assessment score has increased and is now edging towards a silver award.

Alistair continued: ‘It’s always going to be work in progress, and admittedly this year it has been challenging. I’m well used to wet Ayrshire summers, but this year, the wind and rain knocked the plants flat several times – however, I just propped them back up and watched as they kept growing!

‘The garden is a very small area – probably the tiniest garden in the Trust’s portfolio – but the impact for villagers and visitors, as well as its contribution towards biodiversity, makes up in local significance what it lacks in scale!’