A CONSERVATION officer who has become well-known in the Dunfermline thanks to her dedication to the Lyne Burn Project is stepping down after two years.

Alexandra Hoadley has spent her time with Fife Coast and Countryside Trust (FCCT) in a community engagement role, involving around 500 adults and the planting of 2,000 trees and 2,000 bulbs.

She said: "I’ve always enjoyed conservation but, just as important to me, is encouraging people to connect to nature.

"It’s been such rewarding work as we’ve been able to do it all hand-in-hand with the community.

"We’ve worked with schools, community groups, businesses and individuals."

The project’s first phase was to restore the burn to a more natural condition – following manmade changes – by reinstating its meanders, a goal which has been achieved thanks to SEPA’s Water Environment Fund.

It then focused on improving greenspaces along the burn's corridor by planting trees, orchards, hedgerows and wildflower areas to encourage pollinators and provide an enjoyable space.

The Lyne Burn Green Network aims to improve and connect the three areas of greenspace at Rex Park, Lyne Burn Park and Touch to create a green corridor for people to use for recreation, active travel and play.

Alexandra continued: "We planted 50 trees with pupils at Touch Primary School marking 50 years of the school.

"We have also run sessions with local Scout groups where some Scouts were planting their first trees as part of the project!

"We planted an orchard with Touch Community Garden and the 40th Fife Scout Group and we set up a butterfly survey route so volunteers can count butterfly numbers.

"We are already seeing wonderful wildlife using the burn. A mother duck and ducklings and a kingfisher have been spotted. People have told us it’s their favourite walk now."

Her work has also included hosting outdoor workshops and guided walks – particularly during the pandemic – which most recently involved wild garlic planting in Rex Park.

And, in partnership with Fife Council’s community development worker (Gaelic) Kirsty Strachan, she has also helped to create guided walks through Pittencrieff Park which help people to connect with nature and explore their Gaelic heritage.

These events are funded by the Wellbeing Through Heritage Project which aims to improve mental health and wellbeing.

"Some people return to our events three and four times," Alexandra, who will now move on to work with Edinburgh City Council, explained.

"They’ve got to know each other and we’ve got to know them which makes for a lovely team effort on volunteer days."

Sarah-Jane Latto, FCCT head of conservation and engagement, said: "Alexandra has been a wonderful team member and colleague and it’s been a joy to work with her on various conservation and community projects throughout Fife.

"She will be missed within the team but we all wish her the very best with her new adventures across the Firth of Forth."