A GARDEN party provided fun and entertainment for children and adults alike at a newly transformed green space in Tranent on Sunday.

The Forest Garden is situated near Foresters Park and, until recently, was a relatively unused patch of green monoculture.

The Tranent Wombles, a voluntary group which carries out litter-picking in the town, has been working since January to transform the space into a flourishing area.

The area now features locally supplied native varieties of trees, shrubs and herbs, as well as a willow tunnel, wildflower meadow and accessible path.

The recent event was to celebrate the community’s hard work and celebrate the garden being there and available for everyone to use. There were many activities for the local children, who have been involved in the project since day one.

The rain stayed off for the event and clouds of fog which plagued much of the weekend had also cleared by Sunday afternoon. 

In pride of place and sheltered under a gazebo was an incredible cake, decorated to look like the Forest Garden by Tranent Wombles member Sheelagh Robertson.

Sheelagh was also bringing smiles to everyone’s faces with her Wombles costume.

Cailean the Bagpiper, who plays with Preston Lodge High School Pipe Band, opened the event, along with Tait and his Old Grey Fergie tractor.

Live music was enjoyed throughout, with performances from Penston Silver Band and the Merry Ukes band, a ukulele group who meet and practise in Macmerry.

A circus performer on stilts towered above the attendees, who turned out to support the event in force, and pizza, coffee and juice were available to enjoy. 

An obstacle course led visitors around the garden and took them through the seven-metre willow tunnel, which was constructed by volunteers in February.

Jo Gibb, who lives in East Linton and works for East Lothian Climate Action Network, supported the event and attended with her two children.

Isla and Alex enjoyed practising with litter grabbers and fishing orange slices out of the water. 

Isla and Alex enjoyed the litter-picking activity

Alex was very proud of how many he was able to rescue and said: “It’s good that they didn't buy plastic just so that we can do this!”

The celebratory event was a success and a testament to the Wombles’ efforts, and the community turned out to celebrate with them.

The Wombles are looking for new volunteers and anyone wanting to get involved can contact them on Facebook by emailing tranentwombles@gmail.com

The Forest Garden is located near Foresters Park and is open for anyone to visit.