A new community project is opening up the outdoors for more people to enjoy.
The Minto Woodlands Community Pathways has officially opened.
This upgraded pathway, connecting Cardenden and Lochgelly, provides nearly 3km of accessible tarmac trails through a woodland planted on the site of the former Minto colliery.
Elaine Collins from Cardenden Community Council said: "We are absolutely delighted to celebrate the completion of this transformative project and extend our gratitude to the Nadara Westfield Wind Farm Fund for its £5400 contribution.
"This funding was instrumental in helping us achieve our vision of creating accessible pathways that will serve our community for generations to come.
"The partnership between our community council, the funding panel, and all our supporters has created something truly special – nearly 3km of accessible pathways that connect our communities and provide a safe, scenic space for everyone to enjoy nature right on our doorstep."
The woodland itself was established in 2021 when Fife Council planted 65,000 trees across 98 acres, making it the largest council-planted woodland in Scotland.
The upgrade project was led by the Cardenden Community Council's Minto Working Group and supported by the Nadara Westfield Community Fund, which awarded £5400 towards the project.
This grant exceeded the fund’s usual £2000 limit due to the project’s wider community impact.
Erin Murchie, community relations manager for the Nadara Westfield Community Fund, said: "We are proud to support the Minto Woodlands Community Pathways project through our community benefit fund.
"This initiative demonstrates our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for local residents.
"The transformation of these pathways into accessible routes through Scotland's largest council-planted woodland will benefit the Cardenden and Lochgelly communities for generations to come.
"We look forward to continuing our support for community-led projects that make a real difference."
The Minto Woodlands project represents a £100,000+ initiative to transform 3km of grass pathways into accessible, multi-use tarmac trails within the woodland between Cardenden and Lochgelly.
The Nadara Westfield Community Fund will soon launch its first Participatory Grantmaking event, giving residents the chance to review funding applications and directly vote on which projects should receive support.
The event will be held on November 1 at the Bowhill Centre.
The wind farm fund, administered by Foundation Scotland, typically offers grants of up to £2000 to community groups and charities in the Cardenden Community Council area, with higher awards considered in exceptional circumstances where projects can demonstrate significant community impact.
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