Lyne Burn Green Network

For the 20ha Lyne Burn Green Network in Dunfermline UrbanPioneers developed a green infrastructure masterplan by connecting three greenspaces: Rex Park, Woodmill Park and Touch. Through layers of interventions the previously neglected, sidestepped, and underutilised green corridor was infused with life and has become a highly valuable contributor to active travel, recreation, education, and health. It has turned into a haven for wildlife which reconnects people helping the surrounding community to adapt to the impact of climate change.

The Lyne Burn corridor extends across three main greenspaces, which were visually and physically disconnected from one another providing ‘green & social deserts’ with limited habitats, biodiversity. Concerns of safety, poor surfacing, and lack of seating and opportunities for social activities, put the corridor on the council’s high priority list. With Touch being one of the 10% of most deprived area in the SIMD, poverty, unemployment, violence, health issue, substance abuse and social isolation are at the forefront of the community experience. 

The aim was to (re)activate the corridor to become a resource to the local community. This became particularly important during Covid when social isolation was felt even more acutely by many residents. 

For the design to be successful it had to be relevant to the local population and address the issues of, lack of safety, comfort, resting spaces and activities as well as the concerns of the council on limited resources for upkeep and maintenance. The design developed key layers of improvements:  

-       Social spaces and activities

-       Connectivity, access and circulation

-       Tree planting to frame and define spaces and entrances

-       Improved habitat structure through managed long-grass and wildflowers

The use of colour was of particular importance to create identity and connectivity and to bring joy and stimulate the senses. 

The success of the scheme is a result of intense and ongoing partnership working between SEPA, Fife Council, Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, Dunfermline Play and Grow (now Touch Community Garden), local residents, businesses and the consultant team. This collaboration led to a successful implementation with buy-in and participation of the local community, addressing the climate, biodiversity and health crisis, which resulted in limited vandalism, increased volunteering and events, social spaces and the community garden offering a variety of opportunities for activities.

This project is currently being used as a case study for its successful multi-partner and community collaborative approach by several organisations within Scotland.