Kinneil Estate UK Shared Prosperity Fund Vote
Falkirk Council has secured £150,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to invest in Kinneil Estate, and we need your help to decide how best to spend it!
Whether you visit every day or just occasionally, we're keen to hear your thoughts on how to divide this funding between the following improvements to make Kinneil Estate an even better place to visit:
- Improving access to/within the Estate (e.g. car park improvements, footpath upgrades).
- Enhancements to the Estates Main Drive (e.g. avenue trees, paddock wall improvements).
- Improving the Kinneil Estates biodiversity (e.g. pollinator friendly bulb/shrub planting, bug ‘hotels’ etc).
A total of £70,000 will be allocated for delivering the option receiving the most votes, with £50,000 and £30,000 being allocated to the second and third most popular options respectively.
Tell us which project you think should get £70,000, £50,000 or £30,000.
Remember - you can only allocate each pot of money once.
If you have any queries please contact us at planenv@falkirk.gov.uk
Phases
Vote count/announcement
All votes will be counted and the results shared.
Kinneil Estate UK Shared Prosperity Fund - Vote Count Report
Falkirk Council has secured £150,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to invest in Kinneil Estate. Several potential project ideas were identified during a workshop with Kinneil Estate Advisory Group earlier this year. Three project areas were then selected (based on fit with funding criteria, scalability and deliverability within the available timescale) for a public vote to decide how much of the funding would be spent on each. A total of £70,000 would be allocated to the option receiving the most votes, with £50,000 and £30,000 being allocated to the second and third most popular options respectively.
A public vote took place between 12th July and 25th September 2024, and was advertised using posters throughout the Estate, social media and a press article in the Falkirk Herald.
Falkirk Councils Participate + engagement platform was used to collect responses. The result of the vote was as follows:
- Improving access to/within the Estate - £70,000
- Enhancements to the Estates Main Drive - £50,000
- Improving the Kinneil Estates biodiversity - £30,000
How much funding should be allocated to 'Improving access to/within Kinneil Estate (e.g. car park improvements, footpath upgrades, signage etc.)?
How much funding should be allocated to 'Improving Kinneil Estates biodiversity (e.g. pollinator friendly bulb/shrub planting, bug ‘hotels’ etc)?
How much funding should be allocated to Kinneil Estates 'Main Drive' (e.g. reinstating gaps in the tree avenues, paddock wall improvements, fencing and furniture).
How often do you visit Kinneil Estate?
How would you rate your enjoyment of Kinneil Estate during your visits?
4 - I thoroughly enjoy my visits.
1 - I don't enjoy my visits at all.
Will the improvements you voted for increase your enjoyment of Kinneil Estate?
What do you like the most about Kinneil Estate?
Respondents appreciate the natural aspects of Kinneil Estate, frequently mentioning the peacefulness, quietness, and beauty of the area. The open spaces, woodland, and variety of landscapes including ponds and diverse ecosystems are highlighted as key features. Many enjoy the walks and paths available, with some specifically noting the estate's suitability for dog walking and cycling. The ease of access and location are also valued, as well as the estate's historical elements and its use for family activities, wildlife observation, and educational purposes. The estate's ability to cater to different activities such as exploring, running, and enjoying the biodiversity is also appreciated.
What do you dislike about Kinneil Estate?
Respondents frequently mentioned the need for improvements in facilities at Kinneil Estate, with a particular emphasis on the play park being outdated or too small and requiring updating or expansion. Accessibility issues were also a common concern, including the lack of accessible toilets, better access for disabled individuals, and the state of the car parks. The condition of paths was noted, with complaints about mud, puddles, and overgrown vegetation making them difficult to navigate. There were also mentions of the estate feeling neglected and run down, with a need for better maintenance, including grass cutting and litter management. Several respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the impact of motorbikes and cycling events on the paths and grounds. Additionally, dog-related issues such as dog excrement and the need for more bins were highlighted.
What changes would you like to see at Kinneil Estate?
Respondents to the 'Kinneil Estate UK Shared Prosperity Fund Vote' have expressed a strong desire for improvements to the play park and picnic facilities, with multiple mentions of the need for an upgraded play area. Pathway improvements were also frequently mentioned, with calls for resurfacing and better drainage, especially around James Watt Cottage.
Accessibility issues were raised, particularly regarding better access for disabled users . The condition of car parks was a concern, with comments on potholes and muddy conditions needing attention.
Several responses highlighted the need for more seating and picnic benches. The idea of enhancing biodiversity and planting more native species was mentioned by a few respondents.
Additional amenities such as a coffee shop or van/cafe were suggested to attract more visitors. The need for toilet facilities was also mentioned.
Other individual suggestions included improving the house itself, reintroducing pitch and putt areas and mountain bike trails, and creating a walking route to Grangemouth.
Overall, the trends indicate a strong desire for better recreational facilities, particularly for children, improved pathways and accessibility, enhanced biodiversity, and the addition of amenities that would make the estate more visitor-friendly.