Business Plan: Community Asset Transfer of Kincardine Fields:
This is very much working document. It has been developed with feedback and support from ACSR Green Spaces and Core Paths groups plus trustees of A&A Connected, PKC Communities Team and COS. Notes about feedback and further work suggested are detailed at the foot.
The group taking on the land would need to have evidence of community support for ownership etc and there are various stages involved in this, non insurmountable but at this stage, the group is referred to as XXX rather than a specific name. The Constitution for A&A Connected has been written to allow A&A Connected, as a SCIO, to act directly on land issues and we would be willing to provide advice and support around this.
- Executive Summary
This plan proposes the community asset transfer of Kincardine Fields in Auchterarder, to XXX who offer a sustainable approach to manage Kincardine Fields, preserving the green space while enhancing its value for residents.

The plan highlights the social benefits of the transfer, including improved mental and physical health, increased recreational opportunities, and preserved community space. It highlights alignment with both PKC’s Corporate Plan and Climate Action Goals. It demonstrates overwhelming community support and proposes a sustainable funding model through a minimal annual subscription.
- Who We Are
XXX are:
- What We’re Going to Do
XXX proposes to take ownership of Kincardine Fields and gently enhance it as a community space that promotes health, well-being, and environmental stewardship. XXX would initially look to lease the land from PKC whilst fundraising capital for the purchase and full asset transfer. Aims include:
- Community Orchard: Planting fruit trees and promoting edible planting.
- Enhanced Biodiversity: Planting native trees, hedging, wildflowers, and installing bird and bat boxes, bug hotels.
- Improved Accessibility: Creating low-impact paths to connect with existing networks.
- Wide reaching community use of a sustainable green space: Continuing existing use by walkers and encouraging youth engagement simply through access to the site and also through partnerships with local groups such as Scouts and Guides.
- Improved Carbon Capture from A9: Extra trees or hedgerows acting as a natural barrier, trapping some of the CO2 emissions from traffic before they disperse into the wider environment
- How We’re Going to Make This Sustainable
Involving the Community:
- A comprehensive consultation process demonstrated strong community support for preserving Kincardine Fields and developing it as a community space (appendix 2&3)
- A proposed annual subscription of £10 per year fosters a sense of ownership and provides a reliable funding stream for ongoing maintenance.
- Volunteer opportunities will allow residents to contribute their time and skills.
Financial Sustainability:
- Initial investment costs for planting will be covered through community subscriptions and match funding
- Initial cost estimates:
- Orchard Planting – 24 trees, approx. £660
- Trees and Shrubs – obtained free of cost from Woodland Trust
- Wildflower Seed – donations
- Bulbs – donations
- Path Improvements – Using donated bark chipping
- Removal of fencing – volunteer time.
- We are confident that we would be able to access at least £X from community groups such as CAP, ACSR, ACSR Core Paths and ACSR Green Space reserves by…..
- Ongoing maintenance will be primarily covered by annual subscriptions, with minimal additional expenses anticipated.
- ACSR’s experience in securing grants can be used for future development projects.
- Its important to note that the changes would be minimal and phased and as such, the funds raised from the community are anticipated to be more than sufficient.
Management:
XXX will oversee the project by….
Risks:
The financial burden associated with Kincardine Fields will be minimal. Plans focus on enhancing the existing green space with minimal development, such as planting trees and hedgerows. Maintenance will be primarily covered by a proposed annual subscription from the community and volunteer engagement. Furthermore, XXX would actively seek funding to expedite the transfer of ownership, alleviating any responsibility for PKC moving forward.
We have considered the following risks and the table below details how we’d plan to address these:
Enhancing Biodiversity at Kincardine Fields:
XXX recognises the importance of Kincardine Fields as a natural habitat for various species and is committed to enhancing biodiversity through several initiatives:
- Planting Native Trees and Shrubs: Planting native species provides food and shelter for insects, birds, and small mammals. This will create a more complex and interconnected ecosystem within the green space.
- Wildflower Meadows: Establishing wildflower meadows will attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, crucial for plant reproduction and healthy ecosystems.
- Hedgerow Planting: Planting native hedgerows will create corridors for wildlife movement, connecting Kincardine Fields to other green spaces in the town.
- Bird and Bat Boxes: Installing bird and bat boxes will provide nesting and roosting sites for these beneficial creatures, promoting natural pest control and seed dispersal.
- Minimally Disruptive Development: Path construction will use low-impact methods, minimising disturbance to existing flora and fauna.
Alignment with PKC’s Corporate Plan and Climate Action Goals
This project aligns perfectly with several key objectives outlined in PKC’s Corporate Plan and Climate Action Strategy:
- Maximizing Green Infrastructure: Retaining Kincardine Fields as a green space directly contributes to PKC’s goal of expanding green infrastructure within the community. Green spaces absorb carbon dioxide and promotes rainwater infiltration. Preserving this land as green space, instead of converting to houses also retains natural water attenuation instead of increasing demand on this land.
- Empowering Communities: Through volunteering opportunities, residents are empowered to contribute to a sustainable future. This is a clear outcome in our Community Action Plan and in supporting this CAT application, demonstrates strong partnership.
- Fair Transition: The potential for a community orchard promotes healthy eating habits and supports local food production, aligning with PKC’s “Fair Transition” goals.
- Enhancing Biodiversity: The project directly addresses PKC’s biodiversity goals by promoting native planting, creating wildlife corridors, and encouraging citizen science through biodiversity monitoring apps.
- Supporting and promoting physical and mental health and wellbeing: Retaining this as a space for social connection and recreation would be highly valued. We have aspirations to link this into a wider network of nature based wellbeing in Auchterarder.
Urban Ecosystems and Long-Term Sustainability
This project aligns with the “Urban Ecosystems” paper’s objectives by:
- Reducing Pressures on Biodiversity: The project actively protects and restores the ecological health of Kincardine Fields.
- Safeguarding Urban Ecosystems: Planting strategies and minimal development techniques will safeguard species diversity and enhance connectivity within the urban landscape.
- Mainstreaming Biodiversity Conservation: Community engagement activities will raise awareness about the importance of Kincardine Fields’ ecosystem and the benefits it provides.
Furthermore, the project aligns with numerous points in the “Urban Ecosystems Actions Schedule” by:
- Creating a wildlife-friendly green space for community enjoyment.
- Providing volunteering opportunities that promote environmental stewardship.
- Contributing to a network of green spaces within the town.
- Educating the community about the value of biodiversity.
- Conclusion
The transfer of Kincardine Fields to XXX presents an opportunity to create a sustainable and cherished community asset. With a minimal annual subscription and a strong foundation of community support, this plan offers a viable solution for preserving and enhancing Kincardine Fields for generations to come
By enhancing Kincardine Fields’ ecological value, this project also directly contributes to PKC’s climate action goals and aligns with their vision for sustainable urban development and by supporting this community asset transfer, PKC aligns with its commitment to a sustainable future and collaborative community development as outlined in the Corporate Plan. XXX is confident that this project will be a valuable addition to Auchterarder and a model for collaborative community-driven environmental initiatives.
Additional Information Table
Feature | Details |
Subscription Fee | £10 per year |
Funding Sources | Annual subscriptions, community crowdfunding, match funding, potential grants |
Management Structure | TBC |
Maintenance Plan | Volunteer-led maintenance with costs covered by subscriptions |
Community Engagement | Ongoing engagement through consultations, surveys, volunteer opportunities, and a dedicated Facebook group |
Exit Strategy | N/A (Long-term community ownership) |
Appendix One:
Management Group Information
Information about Management Group, their experience relevant to this project.
Information about Community Groups Involved in the Project
- Auchterarder and Aberuthven Connected are a recently established charity with trustees who have been active in the Auchterarder and Aberuthven CAP since consultation…….
2. Auchterarder Community Sports and Recreation (ACSR) is a charity based in Auchterarder, Perthshire, Scotland. Initially formed as ‘Auchterarder Community Sports Hub’ in September 2012, the organisation has grown and developed over its 11 years, creating an impressive track record of delivering projects which benefit the local community and which can only be achieved thanks to having good unpinning governance and financial management and demonstrating the ability to work with a range of partners and stakeholders. As a well as Board of up to 11 volunteer Trustees, the charity relies on the steadfast commitment of many more unpaid local residents who are members of the ACSR’s three Working Groups. One of these Working Groups is ACSR Green Spaces – the group leading the development of the Kincardine Fields project.
One of ACSR’s charitable purposes is: “the provision of recreational facilities, or the organisation of recreational facilities, with the object of improving the conditions of life for the persons for whom the facilities or activities are primarily intended” and one of ACSR’s main aims is to “develop and provide access to quality places where the community can get involved in sport and active recreation”. These statements tie in well with the two of the aims of the ACSR Green Spaces Working Group: “to identify parks and community green spaces in Auchterarder for improvement” and “to support the improvement of local parks and community green spaces”.
This alignment, and having a fulltime Development Manager in post, enables ACSR to offer seamless support to the Green Spaces Working Group – and allow the vision of local people to become a reality, as Auchterarder continues to become a better place for everyone to live. The development of the Kincardine Fields projects is latest in a series of key local projects – and a project which was specifically highlighted in the recently published Auchterarder & Aberuthven Community Action Plan (A&A CAP).
Appendix two
History:
Kincardine Fields were in the ownership of the Parish of Auchterarder, which was then put into the portfolio of PKC. The land has not been used formally since the 1980’s.
The fields have been farmed in previous years but have been unmanaged in recent times (since circa 1980). The area now has established paths around the perimeter and across the field from the regular community use of this space.
In 2022, there was a consultation led by Anderson Bell Christie on building environmentally friendly housing. Public feedback was strongly against this project: The area was not within the current local development plan for development and the public felt that there were too many houses being built in Auchterarder.
- This was a space already being used by the public
- It is a natural green space within town
- Access to the amount of houses raised safety concerns.
- This is only a rough summary as the feedback from the consultation has never been made public.
Community Council Response – May 2022

Appendix Three
Community Consultation
The Community Action Plan consultation, a comprehensive four-month consultation in 2021/2022 demonstrated a strong appreciation of access to the green space for recreation. Noting higher levels of mental health and wellbeing as a result of access to such areas. Ensuring that the wooded areas and green spaces are not eroded as the town develops is also a priority. Kincardine Fields is noted within the priority action:
“Enhance existing greenspaces, explore opportunities for native tree planting projects / forest garden and recreation in land at Kincardine Park, Castlemains and other areas”
The consultation also demonstrated strong opposition to building houses in this space, siting concerns about safety and access to the site as well as loss of greenspace.
A follow up survey has recently been carried out, exploring interest in specific actions relating to the project:
Financial: “We’re considering raising funds for this project by asking people to contribute £10 per year for a symbolic small section of the land. This donation helps support the project, though contributors won’t actually own the land. If the transfer is successful, would you be willing to contribute this sum?”
Response:

Community Benefit: A summary of the comments relating to how people enjoy this space and what provides to them and their families:
- Value of the green space: Residents appreciate Kincardine Fields for its peacefulness, natural beauty, and opportunities for dog walking, relaxation, and spending time with family. It’s seen as an important green space for the community’s mental and physical health, especially with the ongoing development in Auchterarder.
- Preservation desired: There’s strong opposition to any housing development here, with many preferring to keep it natural and untouched. Ideas for enhancement include creating a community orchard or a small garden for children to learn about nature.
- Community space potential: Many residents see potential for Kincardine Fields to become a more welcoming community space, with some suggesting features like seating areas, but with opposition to losing the peaceful retreat feel.
Overall sentiment: The comments overwhelmingly favour preserving Kincardine
Community Involvement in Maintenance:
When asked about the tasks that people would be willing to be involved with for the project, the following was noted:

Appendix Four:
Mood Board info attached in separate PDF file.

Next Steps:
Explore Local Housing Needs assessment – has this been done for Auchterarder? This will cover the housing needs and also the land required for balance.
It may support the proposal to keep this area as green space.
If this hasn’t been carried out, the Community Housing Trust can support with this.
Strengthen Business Plan:
- Include SEED Bank Project
- Reference the partnership between XXX, CAP and ACSR Green Spaces.
- Breakdown Costs at each stage – set out the layers.
Ie where does the community funding come from and what would it be spent on and when?
- Include costs of the lease
- Explore other potentially hidden costs – such as insurance and non domestic rates. Charities tend to get relief of 80% and potentially another discretionary 20%.
- Include anticipation of fundraisers – ie plant sales.
- What is the plan B? Are there cash reserves? How would any gaps be filled?
- When exploring money, consider volunteer hours as £ contribution. PKC greenspace savings (through not having to maintain) reduced burden on NHS
- Explore Social Return on Investment Calculations: Plot uses and frequency of use. Outcomes: Reduction in social isolation, MHWB, Exercise, Sustainability. This will enable us to offer less than the valuation sum because we can provide value against this.
- State how people would get to and from the site
- Evidence support from the Community for A&A Connected taking over the site and holding reserves for this.
Other considerations suggested by PKC:
- The land is part of the Strategic Housing Plan – is there a compromise to be made on the area to be used for public greenspace?
- Can we support discussions around other locations for the housing?
Community Engagement
Effective engagement with the community is a key part of the project. The community initially identified the project through the CAP.
Community Engagement with ABC consultation
Engagement throughout CAP
Engagement with the follow on Questionnaires in XXX
Further community engagement is required to ascertain that the community are ub favour of XXX taking on the lease and potential purchase of the land
Project Funding
Initially, it was hoped that Scottish Land Fund would be a potential source of funding for the application. Stage 1 funding covering the valuation and Stage 2 covering purchase of the land. They typically fund around £150K but cover funding between £5K and £1M. However, this fund is only available where purchase is planned, not lease, and PKC have indicated that they may only consider a lease.