TWO South Ayrshire hamlets have joined forces to become part of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere’s sustainable development initiative.
The Biosphere Communities scheme celebrates local heritage and low carbon living and there are already 11 designated across the UNESCO region.
The latest South Ayrshire communities to join up are Pinwherry and Pinmore, which join Barrhill, Ballantrae and Colmonell, along with other villages and towns in East Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway.
The initiative brings learning opportunities that explore local heritage, nature connections, energy saving and waste reduction.
Community groups are also supported to develop their tourism offer which builds on worldwide interest in immersive experiences and ‘living local’.
Local resident David Hall explained: “Pinwherry and Pinmore has a current population of approximately 300, and is situated about three and a half miles south of Girvan along the A714.
"The tiny village of Pinwherry is the largest settlement. Pinmore is smaller, a clachan surrounding its green.
"Scattered farms and dwellings add to the picturesque rural mix of fields and woodlands, streams, burns and rivers, hills and valleys, sheep and cattle and a single-track railway which somehow evaded Dr Beeching’s axe all those years ago."
He added: “The UNESCO Biosphere status which covers Pinwherry and Pinmore puts rural communities on the map.
"It’s important for the preservation of local networks and social connections to celebrate everything that makes our communities proud and strong.
"Our little hamlets have a wealth of opportunities for healthy living and outdoor pursuits and we take great pride in our heritage.
"Becoming a Biosphere Community has been an enjoyable process for residents and we are particularly looking forward to working with Biosphere officers on sustainable living projects and other ideas to help Pinwherry and Pinmore grow and thrive.”
Jenna Cains, the Biosphere’s community and education lead, said: “We’re very pleased indeed to have this close relationship with the community in Pinwherry and Pinmore.
"Local collaborations are essential to the work of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership and will continue to be an imperative for the economic and social wellbeing of our rural villages and towns.
"We have some really exciting initiatives underway across South Ayrshire in 2024, ranging from Biosphere Footsteps workshops to tree-planting grants and Green Health in partnership with South Ayrshire Council, the Ranger service, and NHS Ayrshire and Arran.
"The expansion of the Biosphere Communities scheme builds on this energy and, as always, any other community councils or development trusts that would like to discuss joining are warmly invited to get in touch.”
The biosphere has attracted extensive press attention in recent months having been featured by National Geographic Traveller, Rough Guides, Lonely Planet and Wanderlust magazine, all of which acclaim the UNESCO region as a must for meaningful travel.
The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership is a registered Scottish Charity supported by funders including South of Scotland Enterprise and South Ayrshire Council. It
More information is available at www.gsabiosphere.org.uk or by email request to info@gsabiosphere.org.uk.
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