A Falkirk area public park gets £110,000 flood prevention upgrade

Grangemouth’s Rannoch Park has been upgraded thanks to an investment of £110,000, funded by Falkirk Council, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, via Climate FORTH, and the Green Action Trust.

One of the key aims was to manage heavy rainfall more sustainably and this meant new shallow basins and drainage channels had to beintroduced to capture and store surface water, helping to reduce the risk of flooding.

Around these features, new planting – including trees, natural grasses, and wildflowers – was added to help soak up water, reduce runoff, and support local wildlife.

By reshaping the landscape and planting woodland and meadow areas, the park will offer new habitats for birds, insects, and pollinators.

Trees will also provide shade and shelter, cut down noise, and help clean the air. These changes will support biodiversity while making the park a more comfortable place to spend time.

Falkirk Council depute leader Paul Garner said: “Rannoch Park is a valued green space at the heart of the Grangemouth community, and it’s great to see it being enhanced in ways that will make a real difference both now and for future generations.

“These improvements not only help us adapt to the challenges of climate change but also make the park a more welcoming and enjoyable place for local people.

“The project also includes upgrades that make the park more inviting and easier to enjoy. Two new paths will improve access, a picnic area with benches has been added, and the eastern football pitch has been reoriented for better use of space.

"Spring bulbs will brighten up the park and mark seasonal change.”

James Stead, project manager for Climate FORTH, added: “It’s fantastic to see how Rannoch Park has been re-shaped for the future benefit of the local community and local wildlife – while ensuring the green space’s features are adapted to a changing climate.

"The actions taken at Rannoch Park can be an example for other parks to follow in the future and demonstrate ways to increase climate resilience within our natural heritage sites.”

The project team worked closely with local residents to shape the plans. Through online surveys, conversations with park users, posters, and a community event in the park, more than 40 local people shared their thoughts.

Feedback directly influenced the design ensuring changes reflect what the community wants and needs from their local greenspace.

During the research phase of the project, a Historic Environment Scotland record of an Iron Age homestead hidden beneath the grass. Known as a Bowhouse, this ancient settlement likely dates back to between 700 BC and 500 AD.

The community was unaware of this heritage, yet it provides context to the area with Bowhouse featuring in the names of businesses and community groups locally.

Its location near the Grange Burn suggests early residents relied on the waterway for life and livestock. Today, the underground ditches and circular features still trace the shape of the long-lost home.

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