Grantee: Knocknagael Ltd

Duration:  18 months (June 2026 – December 2027)

 

This project will establish a species rich wetland in an urban setting, as part of a wider development of allotments on community-owned land in Inverness

Background

Rapid growth and urbanisation of Inverness over the past 20 years has led to the loss of farmland and green spaces, leaving many residents feeling communal spaces are lacking. This unique project will ensure the community retain land for future generations
within an urban setting, delivering diverse social and environmental benefits, while serving as an inspiring model for other places.

The Project

The charity Knocknagael completed the purchase of ‘the smiddy field’ in January 2026. This was a landmark step, enabling the team to begin the creation of an allotment site which will provide allotments for individual and community use, and training space; a community orchard, areas for biodiversity enhancement, recreation, and food growing. The site will provide an important green space in an area that is becoming increasingly urbanised and serve as a wildlife corridor linking to adjacent areas of wildlife value.

A central feature of the development will be the creation of a species rich wet meadow. This will be planted with a mix of wildflowers, creating a diverse habitat that will benefit a range of pollinators and birds.

The wet meadow will also act as a Sustaimable Urban Drainage System (SUDS), incorporating an infiltration basin and drainage channel to store rainwater and runoff, thus reducing flood risk.

Images courtesy of Knocknagael Ltd