Friends of Westfield Park: Projects from Year 1

With Year 1 of the Just Transition PB Fund, Friends of Westfield Park received a grant of £10,400, following the public vote in Aberdeen, further allowing the group to focus on community engagement and creating a space to be enjoyed by all.

Westfield Park, bordered by three schools, a sheltered housing complex, and a doctor's surgery, is a sanctuary accessible to all ages and abilities. The dedicated group of volunteers who regularly come together as Friends of Westfield Park, have worked tirelessly over the past few years to ensure this local haven is preserved and it’s importance as a green community asset is realised.

The funding supported multiple essential projects, each contributing to the park's enhancement. First on the list was the purchase of a storage container to house tools and equipment. But this wasn't just any container; it featured a green roof. This unique addition wasn't just for show but also to ensure that the container itself could reflect the green ethos and aims of the organisation.

Gazebos, another item on their list, meant that no matter the weather, community events could take place, fostering engagement and knowledge-sharing. As well as creating a weather-resistant hub for learning and connection, Friends of Westfield Park are also able to loan their gazebos to other local groups, further benefiting the wider community.

Interpretive panels and signage will also make their way into the park, helping visitors identify and learn about the rich wildflowers and wildlife within. It was a nod to their mission of making the park not just a green space but an educational hub for nature enthusiasts and to engage with local schools.

The Friends of Westfield Park, a group of enthusiastic volunteers, are the driving force behind the park's transformation. Their endeavours include creating wildflower meadows, maintaining a thriving young woodland, establishing a nature trail, and hosting community events that connect people with nature and each other.

Kirsten, the Treasurer at Friends of Westfield Park, expressed her feelings about the transformation. "We had aspirations to get a storage container, but it wasn't just about storage. We knew we were taking space away from wildlife. That's why the green roof was vital for us. We also wanted to educate people about the wildflowers and pollinators in the park and also how to encourage this within their own gardens nearby."

Anneka, the Chair and Secretary of Friends of Westfield Park, highlighted the benefits of having a central equipment hub. "Now we have everything in one spot, reducing the need to use our cars for equipment pick-up. It's a huge advantage for us and the environment."

Kirsten adds, "Because we felt that we had really put our hearts into the application, it meant a lot to us to actually find out that the public had voted for us."

Anneka echoed her sentiment, saying, "To me, it was quite emotional to think that the community thought as highly as they did of us. It was just incredible to have our aspiration and our dream come to life."

The continued transformation of Westfield Park showcases the power of volunteering and community connection. Like other projects within the North East and Moray, money from the Just Transition PB Fund has enabled local, grassroots organisations, like Friends of Westfield Park to build upon their existing work, facilitating the introduction of solutions which enhance region and help us move towards a net zero future.

Watch the film produced by ACVO TSI which showcases Friends of Westfield Park’s project and the greenspace it has helped to enhance.