Irvine Bay Green Network

The Irvine Bay Green Network is a programme of environmental improvements, planting and improved access between open spaces and communities in Irvine Bay. It is part of a wider North Ayrshire Green Network, which in turn is part of the wider plan to provide a network of paths and connections between North, South and East Ayrshire.  The Irvine Bay Green Network is a key component of the Irvine Bay Coastal Park.  

The Strategic Framework for the Irvine Bay Green Network was carried out by The Paul Hogarth Company in 2010. This work was part funded by the Forestry Commission through the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) Development Fund. 

With the help of a further £70,000 grant from CSGN, Irvine Bay and North Ayrshire Council have funded environmental and path improvements at Irvine Beach Park, Irvine New Town Trail and Ardeer Quarry.  The path network has been improved and upgraded; there are new directional and interpretation signs to inform people about the natural heritage of the area. New benches and picnic areas have been put in to Irvine Beach Park, and there is new outdoor gym equipment in the beach park to encourage visitors to the park to be more active.  

Wildflowers, shrubs and trees have been planted along the path network. This has resulted in these open spaces and connecting paths having a much more welcoming feel and will encourage the local community and visitors to actively use the open spaces and network of paths.

Local young people are learning new skills and undertaking training as part of the implementation of this project.

This first stage of the  work will be completed by March 2012. The improvements will also encourage people to come and enjoy outdoor recreation. Better connections with the rivers, the coast and other places of interest will make these ideal places for walking, cycling and just enjoying the beaches and panoramic views offered along the Irvine Bay coastline. 

This is the start of a longer term programme of improvements and further development of the Irvine Bay Green Network planned for future years.

Partners

The partners for the first phase of the project were  RSPB Scotland, greenspace scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland and Central Scotland Green Network. North Ayrshire Council and Scottish Natural Heritage are also key partners. The project will contribute to the greenspace scotland work on stalled sites and is intended to provide examples of good practice on enhancing the value of underused sites.

News items

Irvine Bay Green Network receives additional funding 8 August 2011