Many will recall Network Rail’s intention to erect a high security fence along the edge of Moray Place, back in January 2015. Well after a lot of protest, historical research, and more latterly civilised discussion, with the assistance of the Strathbungo Society, Network Rail have a new proposal which appears much more sympathetic to affected residents. Attached below are a communication from the society, and a formal notification from Network Rail, delivered to Moray Place residents in the last week, setting out the plans, which are likely to go ahead in February.
One major change is that the new fence will now be set back approx 5 feet from the road edge (in line with the wall at one end, and the post & wire fence at the other end, of Moray Place), but that there will be considerable loss of vegetation installing the fence, including the majority of trees. This will leave a strip of land that is part Network Rail, and part residents’ property, but which Network Rail are happy for us to cultivate, within reason.
If you are a resident, the choice is yours – it’s your land – but there are some obvious choices
- Retain what’s there, where practical – for instance the laurel planting at the Gardens end
- Rip it up and start again – and do your own thing
- Rip it up and start again – as part of a community planting scheme
There seems to be a lot of interest in the latter, which the Society would be glad to facilitate, and we are already looking into possible options, and funding sources. However we need your help and suggestions, especially if you would like to get involved yourself. Suggestions so far include a continuous scheme the length of Moray Place, anything but a continuous scheme (!), beech hedging, small trees such as Rowan, various shrubs, a seating area at the end of Marywood Square, and lovers’ seats; so one can watch the trains while their partner turns their back on them!
February isn’t far away, so please get in touch. See the documents for contact details, or comment here.
Andrew Downie, Fiona MacKinnon, Heather Alexander, Kevin Kane
for The Strathbungo Society
Society Communication to Moray Place Residents Nov 2016
Network Rail Communication to Moray Place Residents Nov 2016
Well done to all! I think option three is an inspired idea. Although not much of a gardener myself, I would happily help out with this. A lovely legacy to pass on as the Victorians did. Good luck!
As I’ve already written, each block of properties along Moray Place should be asked the selection of bushes, shrubs etc. to be planted along the strip of land opposite to it. They should be required to commit themselves to their maintenance thereafter. This would generate good neighbourliness, a commitment to the area’s amenities and a welcome variety of plants along the entire length of Moray Place. Get this agreed and sort the money out later.
How about some Heritage fruit trees :
http://scottishfruittrees.com/Scottish_Fruit_Trees/Welcome.html
Flowering shrubs or small trees would be lovely.
Well done to everyone who worked on this and thank you.
I do not live on Moray Place however I am aware of residents at the far end of Gardens between Vennard and Carsewell who have for years looked after the strip of land opposite their homes and have been great community gardeners. I don’t know if they are likely to have access to this site and therefore may not be aware of the ongoing discussion. You may well already be aware of how they have looked after this land but thought I would mention it as they may want a say in how the strip of land is planted.
Thanks once again for the hard work and effort that has gone into finding a more reasonable solution to the fencing.
They have been kept informed, as they are directly affected. Some have expressed a desire to keep their planting as much as possible, and all are encouraged to attend the drop in session on Tuesday to make their wishes on this clear.