Our goals are not just to clean the beach
We also want to share our findings
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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Hi All,I hope this email finds you well. Yesterday was a momentous day for Friends of Largo Bay, and I’m thrilled to share their exciting updates with you. Seagrass Day at Largo Bay 🌱:Yesterday was Seagrass Day, and we were blessed with wonderful sunshine ☀️. With the full support of 19 dedicated volunteers, Friends of Largo Bay conducted a survey of a section of the Bay to determine the number of seagrass colonies growing there. Over the past few months, they have identified five colonies of variable sizes, but today’s painstaking and time-consuming observation rewarded us with the find of an additional sixth colony! Not only did they discover this new colony, but they also found a fair number of plants with seed pods. A huge thank you 🙏 to everyone who contributed with time, enthusiasm, and great company. Upcoming Beach CleanThe next Friends of Largo Bay Beach Clean is on the 26th of August at Silverburn and we want you there ! All details on the poster below. If you want to help the Friends of Largo Bay table at the Big Picnic, get in touch as it would be very much appreciated by all. |
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Final Fife Seaweed Farm Workshop 🌊:Don’t forget, the final Fife Seaweed farm workshop is on tomorrow evening with Fantastic Herbalist Anna Kinross and Local Food Ambassador Christopher Trotter. They’ll be sharing their insights on the possibilities and potencies of Seaweed. This promises to be an enlightening event, and we hope to see many of you there. FREE and no booking is required! 🎉 🗓️ It’s Happening August 8th 📍 Join Us At: Largo Library and Community Hub ⏰ We Kick-Off At: 7pm Take part in this adventure in the intriguing, awe-inspiring world of seaweed which has been generously sponsored by The Crown Estate. |
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A Reminder: The Big Picnic is Back! |
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Fellow Picnic Enthusiasts! Guess what’s back on the calendar? The much-loved, big picnic event! We are all set to bring the fun back on the 27th of August 2023, and we would be delighted to see you there! Are you part of a community group and keen to take part in this day of joy and camaraderie? If so don’t hesitate, reach out to us and let’s add even more sparkle to this day. Either way invite your pals and pack your favourite picnic goodies to relish amidst the cheerful festivities. Let’s hope we see the Sun too!. We’re also scouting for a melody maestro or a groovy band to add some foot-tapping charm to the event. Know someone or have the talent yourself? We would be thrilled to hear you play live at the picnic! 🎵 Last but not least, we have an exciting announcement to make. By the time we meet for the picnic, our draft Local Place Plan will be ready for your perusal. We’d love for you to swing by, say hello, and share your valuable feedback on the plan before we finalize it. 📜 So, come along and let’s create unforgettable memories together! Can’t wait to see you! |
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A big thanks to everyone who dropped in to the Friends of Largo Bay tent and hope you all had a wonderful Largo Arts Week. We’re thrilled to remind you about the 2nd Largo Fife Seaweed Farm Talk, happening THIS VERY EVENING at the Largo Library and Community Hub. What’s more? It’s absolutely FREE and no booking is required! 🎉 We’re privileged to host Charles Millar, the CEO of the Sustainable Inshore Fisheries Trust, and Jayson Byles from East Neuk Seaweed. These dedicated seaweed enthusiasts will enlighten us about Seaweed and Sustainability and unfold the mesmerizing secrets of our local coasts and intertidal zones. 🌊 It’s the perfect chance to strengthen your knowledge about what Seaweed can do and what options are down the line and gather insights on how you can contribute to a more sustainable approach to our oceans. 🌍💚 🗓️ It’s Happening This Evening: August 1st 📍 Join Us At: Largo Library and Community Hub ⏰ We Kick-Off At: 7pm Take part in this adventure in the intriguing, awe-inspiring world of seaweed which has been generously sponsored by The Crown Estate. Looking forward to seeing you this evening, the last one is next week, all details below…. |
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A Reminder: The Big Picnic is Back! |
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Fellow Picnic Enthusiasts! Guess what’s back on the calendar? The much-loved, big picnic event! We are all set to bring the fun back on the 27th of August 2023, and we would be delighted to see you there! Are you part of a community group and keen to take part in this day of joy and camaraderie? If so don’t hesitate, reach out to us and let’s add even more sparkle to this day. Either way invite your pals and pack your favourite picnic goodies to relish amidst the cheerful festivities. Let’s hope we see the Sun too!. We’re also scouting for a melody maestro or a groovy band to add some foot-tapping charm to the event. Know someone or have the talent yourself? We would be thrilled to hear you play live at the picnic! 🎵 Last but not least, we have an exciting announcement to make. By the time we meet for the picnic, our draft Local Place Plan will be ready for your perusal. We’d love for you to swing by, say hello, and share your valuable feedback on the plan before we finalize it. 📜 So, come along and let’s create unforgettable memories together! Can’t wait to see you! |
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We hope this email finds you in high spirits as Largo Arts Week comes alive with vibrant activities. all details here: Largo Arts Week | Largoartsweek. There’s an abundance of things to do and see in the villages and the Friends of Largo Bay have also set up shop at the Temple Car Park, creating a welcoming space for everyone to stop in learn about the biodiversity and activities and do a quick litter pick if you fancy . Go say hello !! |
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Largo Fife Seaweed Farm Workshops ! |
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Make sure and mark your calendars for the upcoming Fife Seaweed Farm workshops, the first one being on Tuesday, 25th July, at Largo Library, it starts at 7 pm and ends at 8:30pm. This first event will feature Rory McPhee, seaweed expert, and Cally Nurse, an incredible artist. Together, they will offer a fresh perspective on seaweed, providing a unique experience and new viewpoints, don’t miss out. No need to book in advance, just come along and enjoy the evening, subsequent dates are available on the poster below. |
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The Big Picnic is Back! |
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We’re also thrilled to announce that the highly-anticipated big picnic is making its comeback on the 27th of August 2023! We’d love to see you there, and if you represent a community group and want to be part of the event, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Of course, you’re more than welcome to join us for a splendid day with your friends, bringing your own picnic to enjoy the festivities. Speaking of festivities, we are also on the lookout for a talented musician(s)to add some extra charm to the day. If you or someone you know has a musical flair, we’d be delighted to have you play on the day! Furthermore, we have some great news to share – our draft Local Place Plan will be completed by then, so, don’t miss the opportunity to come and say hello, and let us know your thoughts on it before submission. |
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Pony Axes Return |
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Pony Axe S takes people who use wheelchairs to all the places where wheelchairs can’t take them. There is no need to transfer to all terrain or beach wheelchairs, no need to leave your wheelchair behind. They take you, in your wheelchair, anywhere & we are now taking bookings for some specially arranged dates in Lower Largo ! The remaining dates for Pony AxeS events this summer are below, though they are booking fast. People had such a good time at the previous ones.
Time – 10.30-4.30 approximately – pony dependent! Check out www.ponyaxes.com to get more background on this amazing organisation. Please click below to book. We will communicate to get a time to suit if your first choice isn’t available as it may book out quickly! |
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At our next (and final Build Our Place Plan) workshop, we’ll explore the natural environment, conservation, and recreation. Join us, no special knowledge required just curiosity! As a community we are exploring how to manage natural spaces including Land, Rivers, and Sea and connections to wild spaces for today and the future and considering the needs of people who live here. Let’s explore what’s here now and what’s possible. In addition, we will look at how this connects with groups and organisations that can help. We will gather on Wednesday, June 21st, we will begin at 6:30pm at Durham Hall in Lower Largo. Feel free to come along, settle in and enjoy a cup of tea anytime from 6pm Although it’s usually a little earlier, we will definitely wrap up by 9pm. Tea, coffee, and biscuits are always available! Follow the link below to let us know if you can attend. Tell anyone you think would be interested who is not on our mailing list about the event. Please let us know in advance if you require any assistance to participate. Thank you. (We are also always looking for people to take things forward so let us know if you can help with any of our projects by replying to this email.) |
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Pony Axes Return |
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Pony Axe S takes people who use wheelchairs to all the places where wheelchairs can’t take them. It was such a great success when they came before ! There is no need to transfer to all terrain or beach wheelchairs, no need to leave your wheelchair behind. They take you, in your wheelchair, anywhere & we are now taking bookings for some specially arranged dates in Lower Largo ! The dates for Pony AxeS events this summer are:
Time – 10.30-4.30 approximately – pony dependent! Check out www.ponyaxes.com to get more background on this amazing organisation. Please click below to book. We will communicate to get a time to suit if your first choice isn’t available as it may book out quickly! |
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Fathers Day Beach Clean |
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It’s the best way to spend Fathers Day, we promise! Come along and join in with this beach clean, and if you can bring your dad – do ( and anyone else ) enjoy a pickers perk afterwards in the sea air . We always have such a great time and get so much shifted. |
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Largo Area Community Council |
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The Largo Area Community Council monthly meeting is on at – The Stables Church Place Upper Largo This coming Monday 19.06.23 at 7pm |
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Fife Seaweed Farm Workshops |
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The next workshops are in Crail Community Hall: Wednesday 21st June Tuesday 27th June No need to register, just turn up! |
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New Baby and Toddler Group in New Gilston – all details below |
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What’s on Page |
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Have you visited our What’s On Page ? Add your events and regular classes or have a browse. We are just developing so any feedback welcome. |
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