As they have done in the past, Falkland in Bloom hoped to cut the grassland at Balmblae as part of their beautification of the village project. However they have recently been advised that trimming or disturbing this area would be deemed reckless and could result in prosecution under the Nature Conservation act 2004.

Why? Scottish Natural Heritage has deemed Balmblae grassland to have a high value as a wildflower meadow and is the habitat of the increasingly rare water vole.

The Nature Conservation Act states that it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place which water voles use for shelter and protection. Nor should people disturb water voles when they are using such a place. So please beware gardeners who choose to strim the grass which verges the burn.

The senior Fife Ranger believes that the presence of the water vole should be celebrated and seen as 'a unique opportunity for Falkland to demonstrate how In Bloom campaigns can actively support conservation measures'.

Well now we know there will not be a car-park in this area.