Glasgow guerilla gardeners hit by council clampdown

Guerilla gardeners in Glasgow have been dealt a blow after the council ruled that the city's North Kelvin Meadow will be developed for a number of new properties.

Over recent months, a number of green-fingered enthusiasts have reclaimed the patch of land, which was once a well-used playing field but which fell into disuse several years ago.

According to supporters of the guerilla gardening campaign, turning the plot into a series of individual gardens, including those for the growing of vegetables and other foods, would help to boost community spirit in the surrounding area, as well as helping to improve the diets of local people.

However, the council has now stated its intention to use the land of the North Kelvin Meadow to build 115 new homes, with the money raised through the sale of the site to go towards a new playing facility for the community.

However, speaking to edie.net, a spokesman for the local authority maintained its support for gardening initiatives across the city.

He said: "Glasgow City Council absolutely supports and encourages the use of allotments in the city, in recognition of the environmental, educational and social benefits they bring to the people to use them."

The first recorded instance of guerilla gardening was back in 1973, when residents of a New York neighbourhood transformed a derelict private lot into a public garden.

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