The Stirling Maxwell Forest Park initiative covers 50 extensive greenspaces within the Greater Pollok area of Glasgow, selected by Glasgow City Council because of their potential to provide a range of benefits for local residents, businesses, schools and other institutions, visitors from further afield and even commuters passing through the areas. The initiative aims to engage local people in the enhancement of these areas and in the creation of more effective links to and between these greenspaces.

Carts Greenspace has been assisting Glasgow City Council with the Stirling Maxwell Forest Park initiative since its launch in 1999 by coordinating meetings of the “Community Involvement Group”.  The Community Involvement Group includes representatives from a diverse mixture of public bodies, community organisations and voluntary groups.  At various times since its beginning in 1999, this mixture has included Glasgow City Council’s Development & Regeneration Services, Land Services, Cultural and Leisure Services, as well as the former Greater Pollok Social Inclusion Partnership.  The Group’s deliberations have benefited particularly from the involvement of local community organisations like the Greater Pollok Community Forum, the Greater Pollok Art & Heritage Group, the Village Story Telling Centre and the Pollok Kist.  The involvement of BTCV Scotland and the Wise Group has meant that opportunities for practical experience by volunteers and trainees have not been neglected.