Largo Bay

Making space for blue space.

Largo Blue Space Festival Celebrates Community Conservation

On 6 and 7 June, Friends of Largo Bay brought the community together for the Largo Blue Space Festival, marking World Environment Day and World Oceans Day. The two-day event at the Aurrie Mor showcased the breadth of conservation work happening in and around Largo Bay and the Firth of Forth, with 15 exhibitors including community groups, environmental organisations and research bodies.

The festival combined learning, creativity and fun. Visitors could join a sea shanty workshop, try their hand at felting a starfish, and discover new games exploring coastal conservation. Three films were screened across the weekend: Libby Penman’s “Shooting Animals,” Cal Major’s “A Line in the Sound” (with a Q&A from Sean Flynn of Blue Marine Foundation), and The Scottish Wildlife Trust’s “Oceans of Value.” Sunday morning saw a well-attended Otter Ecology Walk led by Lutra Grampia, meeting at Elie Holiday Park car park and heading out to Ruddon’s Point.

A highlight was the debut outing of the Community Triptych as a work-in-progress, which was warmly received by visitors. The festival also supported research by two PhD students from SRUC. Beyond the activities, there was significant networking and idea-sharing among exhibitors and visitors, all learning more about the amazing work local groups do to conserve and preserve Largo Bay in ways that are fun, educational and sociable. The Coastal Testimonies Exhibition continued to run at The Aurrie Mor throughout June.

This breadth reflects the strength of collaborative work across the Firth of Forth coastline, with everyone from citizen scientists to PhD researchers working toward the same goal of protecting and understanding our marine environment.

Friends of Largo Bay!

Happy Felting

Friends Of Largo Bay Big Spring Clean

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us on Sunday 6th April for our 3rd Annual Largo Bay Beach Clean and Litter Survey, part of the Great British Spring Clean 2025 and in support of the Marine Conservation Society.

           

Despite the crisp spring air, we were fortunate to enjoy beautiful uninterrupted sunshine, and it was fantastic to see volunteers of all ages – including some very enthusiastic young helpers (and a few four-legged ones too!).

This year, we focused our survey efforts across five key locations around the bay, collecting and recording data to contribute to the Marine Conservation Society’s long-standing national monitoring programme, which has been recording beach litter since 1993.

While the final stats are still being processed, we estimate a fantastic 552kg of litter was removed, including:

Special thanks go to William Clark and his mighty tractor for tackling the heaviest and trickiest plastics and assisting with rubbish removal.

We’re also hugely grateful to:

📩 A summary of the survey results will be shared with all registered participants once approved by the Marine Conservation Society.

Look for our focused cleans to start soon, and thank you once again for helping to protect and care for our coast.

You are Invited 🎉  

Warm Welcome Days

Our Warm Welcome days continue tomorrow at the Simpson Institute. A huge thank you to our volunteers and participants who make these days so special!  And don’t forget, the Simpson Institute also has its long-running coffee morning every Thursday.

☕ Come for a cosy cuppa, delicious soup, and heartwarming company.

  • Simpson Institute: Tuesdays 11am-1pm (soup, tea & coffee)

Also Largo Library are still serving their Hot drinks & biscuits (all open hours)

And Durham Hall: Last Sunday of the month – Souper Sunday!

Plus In February, we’ll be collecting more memories of Kirkton of Largo School at the Simpson Institute at the Warm Welcome days on the 4th and 18th of February for our ongoing peoples history/heritage project.

🥳 If you have something to share come along !

A Great Inspiring Event: After Burns

Beach Clean !

Are you coming…

A reminder that you are invited to join the Friends of Largo Bay for their Beach Clean and Litter Survey at Dumbarnie Nature Reserve Tomorrow, from 10 am to 12 pm!

This is a  family and dog-friendly event and Friends of Largo Bay will provide all the necessary equipment, so just come prepared with appropriate clothing and footwear.

Meet at the car park and contribute to keeping the beautiful coastline of Fife clean !

You can turn up on the day or sign up in advance on the Marine Conservation Society website (www.mcsuk.org).

Dementia-Friendly Largo Area Update

We’re excited to announce that we’ve recently held three successful dementia-friendly sessions in our community in partnership with Peacehaven, The Paxton Centre and Alzheimer’s Scotland!  

Building on this momentum, we’re encouraging those who may benefit to join the upcoming Virtual Dementia Tour.

Mark your calendars! This immersive and exclusive experience will be held on Monday, November 18th at Peacehaven.

The tour offers a unique opportunity to learn more living with dementia – making you better equipped to support and empathise.

With limited spaces available, we encourage you to book your spot soon!

This invaluable training is for everyone who wants to support those living with Dementia and their friends, carers or family!

Whether you run a local group, business, or have a family member affected by dementia, this tour will deepen your understanding and empathy and we urge you to follow up.

Friends of Largo Bay

Land Reform and Community Involvement

Warm Welcomes Are Back !

Finally, get ready for the return of Warm Welcomes Spaces!

Starting next Tuesday on November 19th, the Simpson Institute Warm Welcome dates are back – join in  at various locations for some winter cheer additional to the lovely range of cafes in the area, this is a chance to meet people and get connected:

  • Simpson Institute, Upper Largo: Tuesdays, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm (soup, tea & coffee + great chats)
  • Largo Library and Community Hub: Hot drinks & biscuits available during all open hours
  • Durham Hall, Lower Largo: Souper Sunday on the last Sunday of each month

Just show up, engage, connect, and enjoy!

If you want to volunteer let us know and for more information, email [email protected].

Largo Communities Together AGM

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Largo Communities Together AGM on Saturday, November 25th at The Aurrie ! 

Only members can vote, there will be a chance to sign up on the evening.

The night kicks off at 7pm with the formal AGM proceedings, followed by an exciting presentation on the Beach of Dreams project at 8 pm.  Ali Pretty will introduce Julie Brooks, Fifes resident artist, and share insights into this fascinating initiative.

At 8:30 pm, Tom Quayle from FCCT will discuss community land ownership in Fife.  Following that, at 8:40 pm, Carol and Sue will provide updates on local environmental activities and answer questions from the audience.

The evening will wrap up around 9 pm.  This engaging event promises insightful discussions and a chance to connect with fellow community members.

Dementia Friends Continue

Dementia Friends Continue

Hello All,

Firstly a reminder that our Dementia Friendly Training and awareness sessions will continue at the Simpson Institute from 2pm-3pm on Thursday the 17th of October – that’s this week ! Come along and find out more whether it affects someone in your family, you run a  group or you’re just interested in what you can do.

You can also learn more about becoming a Dementia Friend at https://www.dementiafriendsscotland.org

Please do come along to find out more about supporting those in the community, if not Thursday then keep an eye out for the final date..

Just reply if you want to get in touch.

Friends of Largo Bay Events

Join A Friendly Social Tomorrow – Wednesday

Join the group to learn more about what they have been up to lately, including their incredible hands on biodiversity projects and artistic goals, and just share a drink…

Everyone is welcome.  Sea you there 😉

Beach Clean – Help Us Clean Up

Green Products – Happy Planet – The Science Of Cleaning

We are excited to invite you to an inspiring event that The Friends of Largo Bay have helped to develop with the Largo Library and Community Hub’s fantastic and long-running Science Saturdays. This event is centered around the themes of clean waters, happy people, and sustainable living and it is also fab hands on fun.

Whip Up Your Own Green Goodies at Science Saturday! Adult and Children
Join us for engaging workshops where you’ll learn the secrets to keeping our rivers, seas, and homes sparkling clean with eco-friendly techniques and easy do it yourself products.

Discover easy swaps that promote a healthier home and planet!

Event Details:

  • Date: November 2nd
  • Times:
    • Kids: 1 PM – 2 PM (Free, must be accompanied by an adult)
    • Adults: 2:30 PM – 4 PM £2 ticket
  • Location: Largo Library and Community Hub, 7 Lundin Square, KY8 6BH

All materials will be provided, so you can dive right in and start making a difference!

Let’s team up and be the change-makers for our environment while enjoying some savings and a sparkling home 🙂 🌍✨

To Book Your Spot: www.ticketsource.co.uk/largo-library-community-hub.

They look forward to seeing you there! Don’t forget to book !

Also Don’t Forget to RSVP to this Event

If you want to learn more about the Pier Group’s work on this project and its challenges that has brought us to a crossroads, let us know as soon as possible.

As  usual, there are so many fantastic things happening across the community and unfortunately couldn’t share them all here now but do keep an eye out and we look forward to sharing more soon and keep us in touch with anything you would like us to communicate.

Upcoming Things For You !

Dear Community Members,

Here are a few things coming up – ( for the events below – I  have the information that people have sent to me so if you have something you would like me to share next time just drop me a line and use the whatson page on the Largoct.org.uk website as the more it’s used the better ! )

Community Garden News

Largo Church is thrilled to announce the completion of their new Community Garden!  They have six raised beds, and two are still available for local individuals or families interested in growing their own food. The beds are filled and ready for planting.

If you’re interested in a bed, or want to learn more about the Children’s Gardening & Nature Club and Youth Gardening Group, please fill out this short form: Community Garden (office.com). This is  a great asset for the community and the more it’s supported the better ! You can also email Fiona Ramsay who is leading on this and the Messy Church  on [email protected].

June Prep: Railway Opening & Business Listings

Business Boost: With the Levenmouth railway opening on June 2nd, now’s the perfect time for businesses and groups to update listings on Google Maps. Double-check your hours, contact details, and descriptions for accuracy.

Tourism Opportunities:

Contact Matt Pointon ([email protected]) to be added to the LLTA (Leven Local Tourism Association) mailing list.

Welcome to Fife have added a Levenmouth Events and Offers section to their what’s on section of the website this will be live throughout the month of June. If you have any special events on for the opening or if you would like to run any special offers over the month, please add through this link.

They will be creating a QR code and promoting at Waverley Station in Edinburgh to encourage people to visit Levenmouth. Submit your Fife events (welcometofife.com) If you want to go to Edinburgh to encourage people to take a trip to Levenmouth there is also a shout out for volunteers. Give Matt ( email above ) a shout to find out more.

 

All wider marketing will be directed through the Welcome to Fife website there is a recommendation that you take a few minutes to either add a business listing or update your business listing. If you have any difficulties in doing so please let Matt know.

Below are some of the things that Leven Community Council are organising for the day and I hear that the train bookings are now live through Scotrail too so go along and support them 🙂

Celebrating Volunteers!

Volunteers’ Week (June 3rd-9th) is approaching, and we want to shine a spotlight on all the amazing volunteers and what they do in the Largo area whether informal or formal – regular or adhoc for any groups at all.

If you volunteer, tell us about your project, what you love about it or share a short quote on what you do .  We’ll include your stories in a special feature and  we look to widen our support for all those who keep things going in such a huge variety of ways.

Just reply to this email 🙂

Some Upcoming Events

Some Upcoming Events ( let me know what to include in the future ) There are posters at the bottom of this email and have a look here for further details:

Events – Largo Communities Together Largo Communities Together (largoct.org.uk)

  • Friends of Largo Bay Events (May):

    email [email protected] to get more information on any of these.

    • Science Saturday – May 11th Largo Library and Community Hub 2pm – Booking here: https://ticketsource.co.uk/largo-library-community-hub
    • Biodiversity Study Day ( Citizen Science, no experience needed, if you need support to participate let us know)- May 12th – meet at 10am at the Temple Car Park
    • Friends of Largo Bay Quiz Night – May 24th 7pm – Get in touch with The Aurrie or email [email protected] ( £12 a table, cash only BYOB)
    • Big Beach Clean Up – May 26th – 10am -12pm Massney Braes
  • Largo Twinning Events 17th -19th May( contact [email protected] for more information)
  • All In a Spring Evening Concert – Largo Parish Church 18th of May
  • Dementia Awareness Day: May 23rd 11am at the Paxton Centre (Resilience Group with the Alzheimer Society) – No booking needed.
  • Coffee Morning to support Christian Aid Sat 25th May 10am-12noon – The Stables, Upper Largo –  teas, coffees, home baking and car washing available.

Big Picnic Returns

We’re also excited about the upcoming Largo Area Big Picnic in June on the 9th and can’t wait to celebrate our incredible community so get ready for a day of community fun!

This annual event is a chance for residents, families, and visitors to come together, relax, and celebrate all things local. Bring your own picnic goodies, chairs or blankets, and enjoy a day of sunshine (we hope), laughter, and connection with your neighbours. This year will coincide with the end of volunteers week.

We’ll have games, crafts, activities, and maybe even some live music to keep the festive atmosphere going (If you would like to offer some music games fun or anything else please get in touch!! ) The Big Picnic is about enjoying the simple pleasures of your community and we will also have the emergency plan ready to roll soon too.

Let’s make this year the best one yet!

There will be a planning meeting coming up so keep an eye out for that if you want to get more involved.

Look forward to hearing from you ! Email: [email protected]

Some Things Coming Up

Hello Community,

We’re thrilled to share some  news and opportunities to get involved ( if you have something you want me to share on here in the future – just drop me a line).

Biodiversity Boost!

Thanks to ecologist and ranger Tony Wilson, The Friends of Largo Bay biodiversity monitoring group learned so much about Largo Bay’s unique environment. This knowledge fuels their exciting plans for long-term biodiversity monitoring.

Calling All Seaweed Sleuths!

Join  the biodiversity team on April 24th for the Great Seaweed Search! Whether you’re an expert or just curious, this is a wonderful experience with amazing people. We’re also working to improve water quality, a top priority for our community.

Search for Seaweed.  The teams latest project is on Wednesday 24th April at 08.30.

Be a Citizen Scientist and join to help data collection across the Uk

All volunteers welcome. Wrap up well and help understanding of the environment.

Meet at Temple Car Park.

Should take about 60-90 minutes then join the group for a coffee and breakfast at The Aurrie

Want to help? You are more than welcome.

Email the group at [email protected]  or just come along next week !

Leven Welcomes the Train!

The train line reopens on June 2nd, bringing exciting events to Leven!  Businesses and groups, get your events listed by emailing [email protected]. We will have our first simple discovery trail mapped out by then too – thanks for all your help on that !

Big Picnic Returns Soon !

Don’t miss the big community picnic on June 9th – email us to get involved! It will be a fun collaborative day so we want you there and fingers crossed the sun will shine.

Largo Library & Community Hub Update

The Hub’s AGM is coming soon! Members, mark your calendars for May 9th at 5:30 pm in the Library. Want to learn more? Email them directly. Largo Library & Community Hub (largolibraryfife.org.uk)

Community Plans in Action!

We’re pushing forward on our Community Action Plan and Local Place Plan proposals – stay tuned for updates!

Dementia Information Day

Join the Resilience Team’s Dementia Information Day on May 23rd, 11 am – 12:30 pm at the Paxton Centre. No booking needed!

Official Twinning Ceremony:  Celebrate the special bond between our communities with this ceremony organised by the Largo Area Community Council, local residents, and organisations between the 17th and 19th of May stay tuned for more…

Calling all writers! The Largo Links newsletter wants your stories, articles, and photographs for their next edition. Submit your work by the 1st of May!

Want to know more or ask questions – just drop me a line…

We Want You To Help Out

Calling Largo Bay Nature Enthusiasts!

The Friends of Largo Bay are revving up their biodiversity project and would love your involvement!

Back in January, there was a call for volunteers to explore the bay’s biodiversity.

Since then, project leads have been brainstorming and drawing inspiration from other coastal areas.

Here’s how you can get involved:

Drop-in Session at the Railway Inn!

Join a casual meet-up at the Railway Inn on Tuesday & Wednesday, April 2nd & 3rd (6:30-7:30pm). That’s tonight & tomorrow evening 🙂

See the attached poster for details!

What to expect:

  • Community Chat & Recruitment: Discuss the project, meet fellow nature enthusiasts, and potentially join the team!
  • Marine Expertise Wanted! The project is especially looking for volunteers with marine biology knowledge to share their expertise.
  • Species ID Days & New Areas: Plans for further species identification days are in the works, potentially focusing on the west side towards the harbor (thanks, Gail!).
  • Data Update: Data collected through Epicollect will be submitted to the Fife Nature Records Centre. Some entries may require editing for accuracy before submission. (https://five.epicollect.net/project/my-profile/data)
  • Seagrass Training & Monitoring: Project leads will be attending seagrass training and share the knowledge with the group. A big thanks to Niall and Lou for their continued interest in monitoring this important habitat!
  • Citizen Science Opportunities: The group might participate in the Marine Conservation Society’s Big Seaweed Search, as data for our region is scarce. (https://www.mcsuk.org/what-you-can-do/citizen-science/big-seaweed-search/)

Collaboration is Key!

The project aims to leverage support and expertise from other organizations. Efforts to collaborate with NatureScot (who funded equipment) and explore transect work options will continue.

Your Input Matters!

This is a community-led project, so your thoughts and suggestions are valuable!

See you at the Railway Inn, no obligation just come along and find out more!

On Behalf of The Friends of Largo Bay

Also, enjoy this article from Welcome To Fife – Shared by Matt Pointon Levenmmouth Tourism Project Manager:

Welcome to Fife : 14 reasons to take the train to Levenmouth in 2024

We Are Studying The Species Of Largo Bay

Just a note from the biodiversity monitoring group of Friends of Largo Bay

Are you interested in marine biology, marine science, citizen science projects, snorkeling, diving, natural history, seagrass/kelp?

If so, the Friends of Largo Bay are inviting you to join them in exploring Largo Bay!

They are looking for people who are interested in helping them explore the bay especially if you have prior experience but also if you are just curious and want to get involved!

There will be a meeting at The Railway Inn on Tuesday, April 2nd and Wednesday, April 3rd from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.

Email: [email protected]

Or just come along 🙂
Largo Communities Together

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