About the Crescent
The Crescent is situated in the heart of Skelmorlie with the bowling and tennis clubs at the heart of it and green space to the North and South. At either side of the Crescent, there is a small area tended by the council which has daffodils and cherry blossom in the spring, as well as small wooden seats for general use. The area within the heart of the Crescent is ample green space around 0.3 miles long.
History of The Crescent
Photographs dating back to 1928 showed the Crescent as an open space with ornamental plants and what looks like allotment spaces which served the houses on the Crescent. The Tennis and Bowling Club were established in this central village location, no doubt to take advantage of the fantastic sea views.
Current State
Much of the green space at the Crescent is now completely overgrown, with Rhododendron and Laurel combining to create thick, tall hedges which line Eglington Terrace and The Crescent, blocking out light and making the land unusable to the public. A member of the crescent clearing group has undertaken a species survey. Using their expertise as a professional Gardener, they were able to identify some evidence of previous ornamental planting and also highlighted the spread of Cherry Laurel and Rhododendron Ponticum. They also identified a variety of mature native trees within the space, bigger and taller than the Ponticum; they have survived the overcrowding and make a fantastic woodland space.
The Laurel and Rhododendron is problematic for a variety of reasons. It starves an area of light meaning that other plants struggle to survive, this monoculture- domination of one species; has an impact on the number of small animals and insects which live there; decreasing the overall biodiversity of the area. The overgrowth means the space is totally inaccessible for people to walk through and is vulnerable to fly-tipping. This large area of green space has become unused and visually unappealing to both humans and wildlife. In addition, the unchecked growth of Rhododendrons results in seeds spreading to other areas.
As a group we have reviewed how this area could better serve both the natural world and the community of Skelmorlie, these are our goals.
Short Term Plans
- Make the area accessible
- Clean up the litter
- Remove the invasive species, in particular, the Rhododendron Ponticum
- Liaise with the council about the small area of Japanese Knotweed to have it removed
- Protect the existing trees struggling to survive
Long Term Plans
- Provide the natural fauna with the right conditions to thrive
- Create paths through the woodland using mulch from the cut-down Rhododendrons for a small village forest walk
- Provide useful access for other groups such as the school for forest school activities
Objectives
- Increase biodiversity
- Enhance natural beauty
- Provide an area to be enjoyed by the local community
Useful Links
North Ayrshire Objectives on invasive species – North Ayrshire Open Space Strategy
North Ayrshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan
