Horticulture students and staff from Ayrshire College recently completed a major planting scheme as part of an ongoing collaboration with the Alloway Railway Tunnel (ART) project.
This latest initiative marks the first time Horticulture students, based at Dean Park in Kilmarnock, have been involved in the project. They designed, planned, procured and delivered a full planting scheme at the entrance to the tunnel. The team, which included lecturer Francis McCaughey and Horticultural Technician Mark Haining, worked with volunteers across two days to plant a wide variety of shrubs, climbers and herbaceous perennials that will enhance the space over time.
Shelagh McLachlan, Trustee at Alloway Railway Tunnel said: “The planting project has been a tremendous team effort from the whole class. They have done a fantastic job transforming the environment and enhancing this area for walkers, cyclists and wheelers. We are immensely grateful to all the students for their hard work and enthusiasm. It just shows what can be achieved when people come together, working in collaboration to make a lasting change.”
One of the key objectives of the ART project was to create opportunities for young people to gain relevant work experience that gives them a chance to put their skills and knowledge into practice and introduces them to a network of professionals working in the local area. Portraits of some of the students and staff who have worked on the project also feature in the Alloway Tunnel mural, which has been created by artist Chris Rutherford and is nearing completion.
Chris Cowan, a Level 5 Horticulture student, said: “The project truly stood out to me. From the initial planning stages to the final execution, every moment was engaging and rewarding. The collaborative environment fostered creativity and allowed us to share ideas and learn from each other. I found the process to be both educational and enjoyable.”
Dan McDermott, a Level 5 Horticulture student, added: “It was a great exercise. I learned so much from a great lecturer and technician. It was planned well. I had a great time and can’t wait to see the plants mature over the next few years.”
Ged Freel, Head of Learning & Skills - Engineering, Science, Motor Vehicle & Horticulture, added: “This type of hands-on experience is hugely beneficial for our students and it’s particularly rewarding for them to be involved in a project of this scale that is so embedded in their local community.”
The ART project has involved several departments across Ayrshire College over the last two years, including:
Business students who helped build a dedicated website, developed a business plan, created social media channels, organed a public consultation survey and other administrative tasks. Painting and Decorating students applied the base coat for the tunnel’s mural; with Art and Design students adding vibrant detail by painting a bustling market scene. Graphic Design students captured local heritage by producing a short film on the Maybole boot industry and much of the project’s progress has also been captured by HND Photography student Rosa Finucane.