We are on the cusp of a momentous occasion – the Largo Bay Clean, a large-scale and ambitious effort aimed at not only beautifying our beloved coastlines but also making a meaningful impact on national environmental policies.
This initiative is a pivotal component of our Great British Beach Clean and aligns with the objectives set forth in the Largo Communities Together Place Plan. Our goals are twofold:
1. To uphold the pristine condition of our beaches, reinforcing our commitment to environmental stewardship.
2. To contribute our litter collection data to the Marine Conservation Society’s Database, thereby influencing National Policy on marine conservation.
Your participation is crucial.
We have designated five key areas for cleanup this coming Sunday This role not only involves hands-on effort in the cleanup but also entails contributing to a larger database that aids in policy formation.
The areas targeted for this initiative are:
– The Temple
– Silverburn
– Dumbarnie
– Lundin Golf Club
– Cocklemill Burn/Ruddon Point
Your registration can be confirmed via email at : [email protected]
Warm Welcomes
We are immensely grateful for the enthusiastic participation and invaluable contributions from our community members during the Warm Welcome sessions.
These gatherings have not only served as a platform for sharing insights and ideas but have also significantly strengthened our community bonds. As these sessions draw to a close, we wish to express our heartfelt appreciation to everyone involved and to our sponsors including Ewan Fraser, the cooks, the volunteers and all the generous donations !
Your active engagement and presence have been pivotal . While we may be concluding this series of Warm Welcome events, we look forward to continuing our journey together, building on the solid foundation of collaboration and mutual support established during these gatherings.
-Final Warm Welcome Sessions: Join us at the Simpson Institute, Upper Largo, next Tuesday from 11 am and at the Largo Library and Community Hub from 11:30 am with added bingo.
– Souper Sunday: An informal get-together on Sunday, the 31st, at the Durham Hall following the service. Enjoy soup and engaging conversations.
Paths For Everyone
We really want to push ahead with making the area more walkable, and wheelable for everyone firstly we are focusing on the pathways between Upper and Lower Largo and between New Gilston and Woodside as these are affecting many peoples quality of lives
Your stories and testimonials about the current conditions of these pathways and their impact on your daily life are invaluable to our advocacy efforts.
We are putting together a collection of stories we would love your input: please send us your images or stories that highlight the urgency for improvement in good, safe pleasant walkways specifically at these key spots but also anywhere that impacts you. This will really help us build a strong case.
Your involvement is instrumental in driving positive change within our community and beyond.
Thank you for your support and dedication.
We look forward to seeing you at the Largo Bay Clean and our community events.
Email your pathway Story to [email protected]
This year we have two objectives for our Great British Beach Clean
1) to comply with the aim in our Largo Communities Together Place Plan to keep our beaches pristine.
2) to feed the results of our Litter Collection into the Marine Conservation Society’s Database to influence National Policy.
We have 5 areas targeted for the 24th and you can sign up to input information to the data base and become a Citizen Scientist.
Here’s the link for the 5 areas along the bay-
THE TEMPLE: https://www.mcsuk.org/beach-cleans/friends-of-largo-bay-great-british-spring-clean-2024-24-03-2024/?fbclid=IwAR2OqLEjtGVZD9x2bor4Vq52Pda-SgXr04xAvBQnwbzZ09zUk5yvr-2iKQI
COCKLEMILL BURN/ RUDDON POINT: https://www.mcsuk.org/beach-cleans/friends-of-largo-bay-the-great-british-spring-clean-2024-24-03-2024–4/?fbclid=IwAR18B26mQUkVKlYyX6RGD8ZGfeQ4yegEa-VpaRlrkAYfrdfHTGzHWVsReBk
Please check out the area you wish to clean and also remember to register at : [email protected]
#citizenscience #beachcleanup #GreatBritishSpringClean #familyfriendlyevent #volunteersneeded # Friends of Largo Bay
Below is a copy of the booklet sent to every household at the beginning of March.
On Saturday the 9th of March the volunteers of Friends of Largo Bay delivered a Science Saturday session at Largo Library and Community Hub on Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises.
They say Every Day is a Learning Day – certainly is when it is fact collecting and checking. A BIG shout out to our team of very enthusiastic and motivated volunteers who give freely of their time to plan and deliver.
We were too busy running around mythbusting and fact finding and watching very cool videos to take photos. Extras were left in the Largo Library and Community Hub, 7 Lundin Square so feel free to pick one up.
Did you know that the Sei Whale Sinks… rather than dive? Now you do… We also know why a seal is not a Cetacean and that the Orca is in fact a dolphin. Feel free to join in with other facts you would like to share.
The point of the session was to inform our young scientists and accompanying adults just what Cetaceans are right there on our very own doorstep – hidden depths indeed.
We had a fun information pack to give out at the end of the session so they can carry on their own enquiry at home.
Next up is our session on Spring Flowers on May 18th. More information to come…
( Thanks to Carol Duff for this update)
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Our Warm Welcome Tuesdays and Warm Wednesdays events will be continuing until the end of March. Join us at 11 am on Tuesday mornings in Upper Largo, and from 11:30 am at the Largo Library and Community Hub. If transport is needed to either location, please do not hesitate to let us know. Many thanks to all the incredible people who have helped and all our attendees and the sponsors for this who included local Ewan Fraser. It has been a great way to gather and get to know people and we hope to build on it year by year. Our efforts to celebrate our heritage, culture, and identity are underway. We are currently mapping out the intriguing and interesting features for heritage trails using our initial engagements as a starting point. While this process will take some time as we carefully consider all themes, access and needs. And we would love your input. Some ideas we initially gathered are below. We will follow up with some public meets, we are going to bring some ideas along to the Warm Welcomes next week and broaden it out to everyone as we go… An initial trail will come from Leven to link up with the new railway and will be supported by Welcome Levenmouth. |
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We are also planning for our annual Big Picnic at the beginning of June, which will coinciding with the Levenmouth Railway opening. We encourage all community groups across Levenmouth to participate in activities during that week. Are you going to get involved? Let us know what your requirements are! The latest edition of Largo Links has been distributed or is on its way to every household in the area. This issue includes summarised information on the local place plan and community action plan in a booklet insert, providing valuable insights into our collective vision for the future, so many great things is already underway by various groups and individuals but it is also good to have a framework for actions to help guide what we support. We have been asked by the Development Trust Association of Scotland to share our Local Place Plan experience later on this month in Edinburgh as so many communities are keen to have their say on local development. Progress on crucial projects such as beach wheelchairs and Changing Places Toilets is ongoing, and there has been a huge amount of work done already by several very committed people. We appreciate your patience and support as we work to enhance accessibility in our community and we will need your help once things are going to help with all the maintenance. Many people are currently unable to access one of the most popular features in the area due to access issues, and it will be amazing to offer better access to everyone. Our biodiversity/coastal group Friends of Largo Bay is diligently working on data collection regarding litter and organising a biodiversity walk for next month. ( more on that soon) Friends of Largo Bay also invite you to join them for our first beach clean of the year, The Great British Spring Clean. Last year, they removed an impressive 2 tonnes of detritus from the beach thanks to local Farmer Bill Clarke too for his help, and are eager to surpass that achievement together this time. We need your help !! Here are the muster points for the beach clean: A: Silverburn car park B: Lundin Golf Club car park C: Temple car park D: Dumbarnie Nature Reserve E: Ruddons Point at Cocklemill Burn, accessed through Elie Holiday Park. Please email [email protected] with your preferred location and the number of volunteers in your party. Sign up now 🙂 We have a limited number of litter pickers available for younger volunteers, so please let us know if they are required. As a token of appreciation, several local businesses have generously offered discounts on the day of the beach clean: – The Cottage Window Cafe, Silverburn Park, Leven – The Aurrie, Lower Largo – Lundin Coffee Co., Lundin Links – The Mirador Cafe, Elie Holiday Park at Shell Bay. We are immensely grateful for their support. (The Science Saturday on Whales and Dolphins has completely booked out ! Great result 🙂 They will have a whaley good time tomorrow) Lundin Mill Primary School Updates The Lundin Mill P7’s are organising and hosting a Spring Fayre on the 22nd March in order to raise much needed funds towards their end of year celebration and their leavers hoodies. The children have asked if there is anyone in our generous community who would kindly donate any raffle prizes or tombola goodies. Any help would be greatly appreciated and one of us is happy to collect. Alternatively, if you’d prefer, any items/prizes can be dropped off at the Lundin Mill school office. As ever, thank you for your continued support. Also a great update: As some of you may have seen, Lundin Mill Primary has started a Walking Bus in the mornings in an attempt to ease up on traffic/congestion at drop off and thus keeping our kids safer and our residents happier (and it also promotes active travel to school!). They leave from the corner of Crescent Road and Emsdorf every morning at 8:45 a.m. and have had a really good amount of children sign up and they really enjoy it. Look out for us in our fab hi viz next time you’re in the area! Also there is still time to get in to see the 50th anniversary of Lundin Mill displays: Due to the success of the 50th anniversary celebration Lundin Mill Primary will extend their open days tomorrow and next week, finishing on Thursday 14th March. The school will be open to visitors from 10am to 6pm so please come along and have a look at the lovely displays the children have worked hard at creating. Please note any under 16s should be accompanied by an adult |
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Also: We are also looking for help with fundraising – if you have the skills and time we would love to hear from you – email [email protected] |
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Huge thanks again for all the support and input ! Please get in touch with anything at all [email protected] |
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On behalf of everyone involved, we wish to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support of the Warm Welcome spaces across our community. Your contributions have been instrumental in transforming these spaces into beacons of warmth and hospitality for all who visit. We are excited to announce that these sessions will continue for a few weeks yet at least. We invite you to discover what the sessions are all about! Designed to offer a cosy and friendly space for our community members, these gatherings are the perfect occasion to enjoy a cup of tea, engage in warm chats, and enjoy the company of neighbours and friends. Here are the details:
The Warm Welcome sessions are open to everyone, aimed at providing a supportive and inclusive environment where all feel valued and connected. Whether you’re a familiar face or new to the area, a hearty welcome and a friendly atmosphere await you, they have been tirelessly supported by amazing volunteers, local businesses including Ewan Fraser who has generously sponsored the programme, Fife Council and other donations. Your attendance is what really makes it work ! Don’t miss this chance to warm up your week with great company and engaging activities continuing for a few weeks yet while the chill lingers. Us In The News We are also thrilled to share that Allan Crow, the esteemed Editor of Fife Today, recently visited to learn more about our Local Place Plan, a milestone development aimed at fostering a thriving community. You can read the article here on the following link: New Plan Unveiled by Largo Trust to Help Create Thriving Communities. A Few Updates From Friends of Largo Bay Following a recent meeting they have quite a few updates. If you want to get in touch with the group directly email [email protected] – here is some of the news… Biodiversity Monitoring Project Progress Our Friends of Largo Bay group has seen significant advancements in their Biodiversity Monitoring Project, led by local enthusiast Janice Duncan in collaboration with NatureScot, they were also visited by Jo McFarlane of the Charlestown, Limekilns and Pattiesmuir (CLP) Nature Conservation Group who shared their groups remarkable successes in campaigning for better conditions and connecting people to nature. We look forward to developing these links with other coastal communities. Friends of Largo Bay are committed to enhancing the project’s effectiveness through great local training opportunities so watch this space and they welcome everyone who may be interested in contributing to these studies, regardless of experience or knowledge, if you do have any special skills to share we would welcome your input, its a great way to learn and connect ! Key study areas include seaweed data collection, beach slope analysis, and rocky shore studies, with Lyle Boyle from the Ecology Centre and the Restoration Forth project as well as Fife Coast and Countryside Trust and NatureScot offering their ongoing invaluable expertise. Litter Mapping and Data Integration. Litter mapping has emerged as a crucial complementary study area, aiming to contribute to national data collection efforts and influence environmental policy. The group has explored several training opportunities for litter management and conservation, with numerous beach cleans on the horizon. If you are interested in this training we can point you in the right direction so let us know. Just reply to this email or get in touch with the group. Science Saturdays Update The recent Science Saturday events at the Largo Library and Community Hub have been met with enthusiasm. Friends of Largo Bay are looking to expand these educational opportunities, and volunteers are always welcome to join their efforts, see poster for upcoming dates, and how to book ! Restoration Forth Project Update The Restoration Forth seagrass officer Lyle Boyle joined the Friends of Largo Bay to share how the project continues to grow, with new team members and focus areas, including oyster conservation and the study of Blue Mussels’ decline. You can join their mailing list here: Restoration Forth | The Ecology Centre | Seagrass Beach Cleans Schedule Update Friends of Largo Bay have finalised the dates for upcoming beach cleans, detailed below. Meeting points are provided on the attached poster and these are the times.
Your support and participation are the lifeblood of these initiatives, driving our commitment to biodiversity, community engagement, and environmental conservation. |
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New plan unveiled by Largo trust to help create ‘thriving’ communities (fifetoday.co.uk)
Read full article above – quoted below:
‘Largo Communities Together is a vision for an area which covers Largo, Lundin Links and several villages stretching from Silverburn up to the boundary of Ceres – and the team behind it want it to be a blueprint which leads to actions and support.
The Local Place Plan and Community Plan are two documents created by the trust and Largo Area Community Council which, put together, could lead to a “thriving, sustainable community” – in short, the pages set out the aims and aspirations of the people who live and work in the area.
The place plan is rich in detail. It covers everything from traffic and pedestrian safety improvements, to preserving heritage and the environment, travel plans, and housing. It has been a huge undertaking by the volunteer members of the trust supported by Priya Logan, its development officer.
She said: “It is not a dry plan. It captures what local people are already enthusiastic about and where their energies are going. It’s easy to find out what people are unhappy about, but it is important to also know what they are passionate about.”And across the Largo area, they found people with a real desire to see their area improved and developed. Launched in 2017, the trust has some 350 members – 10% of those eligible to vote in the area – and for Alistair Brown, its role is to listen and make sure people’s voices are then heard.
“We have taken the past, we are in the present and the future will be community action plan,” he said “Our job is to keep engaging with people so we are aware of any changes in voices.”The trust has set up a number of sub groups to focus specific passions and knowledge on key areas as it takes its remit across a huge range of issues. It wants to see community assets such as the Simpson Institute retained, while tapping into the area’s rich heritage, with more done to promote and celebrate its links to Alexander Selkirk.
Its coastal setting is perfect to explore more use of beach wheelchairs to improve accessibility to the shore, while new pathways could open up the great outdoors even further. The Friends of Largo Bay has taken off with huge enthusiasm – it is one of several sub groups at the heart of the plan – and that could open the door to tackling major issues such as upgrading sewage works, expanding wooded areas, and preserving Largo Pier.’
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Hello All ! Firstly, a heart-warming thank you to everyone who came along to the Largo Area Resilience Team meet-up last Wednesday. What a brainstorming bonanza! Your ideas and suggestions are the bedrock of how we can enhance our preparedness and response to local needs. A special shout-out to Dave Wishart for leading an inspiring workshop – cheers, Dave! 👍 Don’t forget to keep an eye on Largo Communities Together and Lundin Links & Largo Community for the scoop on what’s coming up. 😉 Joyous News & Upcoming Adventures Championing Beach Access Let’s raise the roof for the Beach Wheelchairs initiative! With your backing, we’ve soared in the public vote for the recent bid at the OUR RIVER LEVEN COMMUNITY FUND, ensuring we can add to the beach walker kindly funded by St Andrews University Community Fund another amazing gift of Two Beach Wheelchairs to our community assets. We’re not just over the moon; we’re over the stars with the unity and support you’ve shown. We will be leaping bounds with accessibility with this addition to the Changing Places Toilets coming soon ! ( We will update you as we know timelines ) Friends of Largo Bay will be helping manage the running of the wheelchairs and we will need your help. If you have an interest in being a volunteer for this or any of our projects sign up here: VOLUNTEER WITH US. Science Saturdays – Spirals & Smiles In other news our latest Science Saturday was nothing short of a smash! A huge round of applause for our stellar volunteers who crafted a day packed with fun and learning around the Golden Spiral. It was a day of discovery, from pine cone artistry to pineapple spirals, leaving us all with a little more wonder in our hearts. And there’s more: Upcoming Science Saturdays:
If these spark your curiosity, hurry to book your place as they’re as popular as ice cream on a sunny day: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/largo-library-community-hub Watch this space for more details, and if you’re tempted to lend a hand, we’re always open to new volunteers who want to make a difference ( See above or email direct [email protected] ! ). Beach Cleans Calling Our Beach Cleans line-up is ready and raring to go (see the attached flyer below). Your hands and hearts can help keep Largo Bay’s sands smiling. We’d love to have you on board – the more, the merrier, just keep an eye on these emails for exact locations and come along on the day ! If you need any help to join let us know. |
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Stay Warm And Welcome With Us |
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And Do Remember Our Warm Welcome Days ! They’re the perfect spot to share a friendly smile and enjoy the company of neighbours. We meet every Tuesday at 11am at the Simpson Institute in Upper Largo. It’s a lovely opportunity for us to come together, catch up and forge new friendships. And there’s a bit of extra fun on Wednesdays at the Largo Library – it’s Bingo time! A great way to add a little excitement to your week, enjoy some laughs and maybe even a friendly game or two. A heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful volunteers – your contributions truly make these gatherings special. And a nod of gratitude to Ewan Fraser and Fife Council for their invaluable support. Why not drop by? Bring along someone from the street, make a new friend, and enjoy a warm brew with us.. |
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As always if you have any questions or comments just email [email protected] Contact us |
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Dear Friends and Neighbours, 📣 We’re delighted to unveil our Community Action Plan on the link below. This isn’t just a plan; it’s also the story of how we got there, mirroring the Local Place Plan yet offering a deeper insight into some of our engagements and findings, there is a way to skip forward too and have a look at our list of actions . 🔍 Central to the plan are the prioritised actions. These actions stem from a community-led process and are evolving and don’t include everything that is already in motion but do propose things that could make a difference. 🤝 Looking ahead, next up we are going to flesh out these plans with our subgroups and any community members eager to jump in. Your perspectives, voices, and feedback aren’t just welcome – they’re essential for shaping the future of these actions. 🔄 Regular reviews are on the cards to track changes in priorities and measure our path forward and make sure we are doing the right thing and spending our energy in places that matter. 🙏 Thanks again for your invaluable contributions. Stay tuned, share your ideas, and be part of shaping this plan and what happens ! If you have any feedback please do share either by replying or on the form at the bottom of the Storymap. |
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Dear Friends and Neighbours, Happy New Year to everyone! I trust you all had a restful Christmas break. As we usher in this new year, I’m thrilled to bring you some community updates and invite you to join us in various upcoming activities. Warm Welcome Spaces Are Back! Firstly, our much-loved Warm Welcome Spaces return this week. Join us tomorrow at 11:00 AM at the Simpson Institute in Upper Largo for a cosy gathering. Also, don’t miss Bingo on Wednesday at 11:30 AM at the Largo Library Community Hub. It’s a great way to catch up and have some fun! Huge thanks to Fife Council and Ewan Fraser for ongoing support !! 📣Exciting Community Action Plan Developments📣 We’re on the brink of unveiling our Community Action Plan, and it’s brimming with initiatives that you helped shape. Among the popular actions are community-led Skillshare workshops and our water improvement project, focusing on enhancing our local waterways and marine areas. Share Your Skills in Our Skillshare Workshops✍️ Do you have a skill you’re passionate about? Whether it’s crafts, cooking, DIY, or anything else, we’d love for you to lead a workshop. Please email me, just hit reply, if you’re interested in sharing your talent with our community. We are planning on getting these going from next month ! Be Part of Our Heritage Trails Creation🛤️🛤️ We’re also developing community-designed heritage trails. If you’re keen on local history current stories or want to contribute to these trails, get in touch. Your input is invaluable in bringing these trails to life. Join Our Cycling Pathway Project🚴♀️ If you’re enthusiastic about improving local cycling routes and all types of accessibility from walking to wheeling, we’d love your involvement in our cycling pathway project. Your ideas and efforts can help make our community more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Water Improvement Project – Seeking Your Insights💧💧 Our water improvement project is another critical initiative. We’re looking at ways to better manage and restore our rivers and marine areas. If you have insights, ideas, or want to be involved in this vital environmental effort, please reach out ! We Value Your Feedback 👥👥 Our Community Action Plan is dynamic and continually evolving, so your feedback is essential. Watch out for the full prioritised plan, which we’ll start sharing from next week. Your thoughts and suggestions are always welcome. And do check out the Local Place Plan on our website if you’ve not so far and come along to the Warm Welcome Spaces this week. We are very excited about the collaborations and community progress we’ll achieve together this year. |
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