A volunteer-run community garden in Winchburgh has welcomed ten hens after a donation by Taylor Wimpey East Scotland and Winchburgh Developments.
Local firm Fitz Timber Supplies built a new enclosure – affectionally known as Auld-Cluckie – for the hens, which are located at Winchburgh Community Group’s volunteer-run garden in Auldcathie District Park.
The idea took flight when John West, founder of the group, approached Penny Lochhead, community engagement manager at Winchburgh Developments, to explore whether the project could be supported and safely located within the open park’s Growers area.
Once John outlined his plan for secure, fox-proof enclosures; security cameras linked to volunteers’ WhatsApp groups; support from The Builders Den to construct the henhouse; and opportunities to educate young volunteers and local pupils while selling eggs to help sustain the group, the response was immediate enthusiasm.
Penny Lochhead said, “From the outset of setting up the Growing Group in 2018, and after being handed the growing area in 2021, John always had the ambition to have chickens.
“Following the group’s eighth birthday celebrations this summer, it felt like the perfect time to help bring that dream to life. The Growing Group’s work supporting volunteers and welcoming new residents to the village has been phenomenal.
“The chickens have added a new dimension – bringing more people to visit, enjoy the growing area, and explore the park. The excitement in the village has been wonderful.
“We’re delighted to have funded the new enclosure, built by the local company Fitz Timber Supplies Ltd, and to have Taylor Wimpey East Scotland join us by providing a substantial donation, which has enabled John and his team of volunteers to provide the chickens with essential enrichment toys, feeders and straw.”
Kirsty McGill, sales and marketing director for Taylor Wimpey East Scotland, added,“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Winchburgh Developments and the Community Growers Group on such a positive and imaginative project. The new hens have already become a talking point in the village, and it’s fantastic to see how they’re helping bring people together.
“Supporting local community activity in the areas where we build new homes is incredibly important to us, and we’re proud to have made a meaningful contribution to this project in Winchburgh, near our Seton Rise development.
“It’s wonderful to see the Growing Group’s vision come to life, and we look forward to seeing how this project develops further to bring volunteers, families and the wider community together.”
John West, of Winchburgh Growers, added, “We were overwhelmed by the partnership support from Winchburgh Developments and Taylor Wimpey East Scotland. Their funding made this dream a reality, helping us build a safe hen run and coop.
“The project is an exciting addition to Auldcathie District Park’s growing area and is already attracting visitors daily. The hens are eating pests, creating valuable manure, and supplying fresh eggs for volunteers. Once they fully settle and increase their laying, we look forward to selling eggs to help fund our community work.”
