Walking Mends My Mind

Park – Life Volunteer Spotlight: Lesley Cowan – Through the power of shared spaces and a passion for mental health.

At Dunnikier Country Park Development Group (DCPDG) our volunteers are the heartbeat of everything we do. This month we shine the spotlight on Lesley Cowan.

What Inspired Lesley to Volunteer: Lesley’s journey into volunteering was driven by a deep-rooted passion for mental health and wellbeing. Having faced her own challenges, she felt a strong pull toward creating calming spaces where others could find peace. There is also a wonderful family tie to the project—her cousin co-founded the park development group, making her contribution feel like a true family legacy.

Favourite Volunteer Memory: While Lesley enjoys the quiet progress of the park, her favourite moments involve human connection. She loves chatting with curious passers-by about the transformations taking place. A standout highlight was the installation of the breathing space bench in the sensory garden. Lesley even had the honour of cutting the ribbon! To her, that bench represents a vital spot overlooking the Forth where anyone can sit, reflect, and simply “be.”

Skills She Brings to the Team: She prides herself on bringing a sense of fun and lightheartedness to the group. Beyond her high spirits, she offers deep empathy and a growing list of practical skills. From tree planting and pruning to the intricate work of creating dead hedges, Lesley has become a true green-fingered asset to the team.

The Park’s Positive Impact on the Community: Lesley sees the park as a vital lung for the community—a place to slow down and clear the head. With features like the wind chimes in the sensory garden and the whimsical fairy garden, the space offers various ways for people to pause and engage with nature at their own pace.

Challenges Ahead: It isn’t always easy. Maintaining a public space with limited resources is a constant hurdle. Lesley admits it can be disheartening when hard work is met with occasional damage or a lack of respect for the grounds. However, she views these challenges as a call to action for the community to take even greater pride in their shared space.

Favourite Spot in the Park: For Lesley, the park is the ultimate “reset” button. Her top pick is the sensory garden, specifically the breathing space bench with its stunning views over the water. She also has a soft spot for the fairy garden, a project she has taken in board with the aim to create more fairy magic, as she watches with joy as it evolves week by week with new additions from local residents.

Encouraging More Volunteers: Lesley’s message to those contemplating about volunteering is simple: it’s about connection. “It’s not just about work; it’s about being part of something positive,” she says. Whether you’re looking to meet new people, join a team, or just have a laugh, there is a place for you here—even if it’s just adding a small token to the fairy garden.

What She’s Learned Through Volunteering: Beyond the physical tasks of pruning and planting, Lesley has gained a new perspective on community spirit. She has been moved by how much people notice and appreciate the work, often feeling inspired to contribute in their own small ways.

Hopes for the Future: Looking ahead, Lesley dreams of a park that continues to blossom as a supportive, welcoming hub. She’s a firm believer that our park is just as significant as any other in Kirkcaldy, and she hopes to see even more local faces joining the effort maintain its natural beautiful and make positive meaningfully tweaks hear and there for benefit of everyone.

Three Words That Describe What the Park Means to Her: 

Healing. Connection. Community.

Park – Life written by Gary Meldrum.