Green Heart Den......Urban Oasis

A brief glimpse of our Iris in the sunshine.........

2012-01-27T12:13:00.000Z

...........pictured in between the wintry showers.

A favourite memory - Rabbit rescue

2012-01-27T10:19:00.001Z

Still one of our favourite memories during the construction of the Green Heart Den. While taking a delivery we noticed something sticking out of the chippings. When we looked closer we found a young rabbit....then another...and another...........

The young rabbits were taken home, provided with a safe, warm temporary home while awaiting collection from the RSPCA. The young rabbits were eventually released back into the wild locally.

If nothing ever changed..............

2012-01-26T21:25:00.000Z

"If nothing ever changed, there would be no butterflies" - Unknown

Crocus in the undergrowth......

2012-01-25T15:31:00.001Z

Iris beginning to flower

2012-01-25T13:44:00.002Z

Quote for the week.....

2012-01-25T09:34:00.003Z

“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” – John Burroughs

Community grow your own scheme gate stops

2012-01-24T09:20:00.001Z

Gilmour Fabrications Ltd installing stop brackets to the gate posts on the entrance of the community grow your own scheme. The stop brackets were needed as a planning condition; ensuring that the gates can not open into the back street.

Our most recent Flickr slideshow

2012-01-23T19:34:00.003Z

National nest box week

2012-01-23T13:27:00.000Z

National Nest Box Week (NNBW) is organised each year by the British Trust forOrnithology (BTO), Britain’s leading bird research charity, whose work primarily involves studying the populations of our common and garden birds.

NNBW takes place each year from 14-21 February, and after 10 years it is now an established part of the ornithological calendar.

Each year they publish a FREE Information Pack which includes advice on making and buying nest boxes, siting them, how many to use, reducing the risk from predators, cleaning and maintenance.

We like our snowdrops

2012-01-23T11:44:00.001Z

Nest box maintenance

2012-01-21T13:04:00.002Z

Junior Warden activities - 21.01.2012

2012-01-21T12:10:00.000Z

During their visit the Junior Wardens; conducted a bug hunt, hung up bird feeders they had made previously and were taught basis video film techniques.

Thank you to all attended. It was a most enjoyable event.

Cumbria's High Sheriff Iona Frost - Pennington visiting the Green Heart Den

2012-01-20T15:11:00.007Z

Cumbria's High Sheriff Iona Frost - Pennington visiting the Green Heart Den, along with representatives from Barrow Community Trust, and meeting with our valued volunteers and Directors. The visit formed part of their tour to various community projects who have received support from the trust.

Pictured above are: Volunteer Bryan Aspin, Director Steve Pryer from Furness Building Society, June Chapman Barrow Community Trust, Cumbria High Sheriff Iona Frost - Pennington, Director Joe Wardman, Derek Lyon from Barrow Community Trust, Director Scott Gomersall from SDG Accountants, Lyndsay Aspin from Barrow Community Trust, Rob Cairns Barrow Community Trust, volunteer Karen Moore, Project Coordinator Graham Bromley, volunteer David Hayes and volunteer Lee Pickering.

Thank you to all who helped to make it a most enjoyable visit.

Support from Barrow Community Trust has enabled us to provide a poly tunnel for the community grow your own scheme.

Barrow Island School visit

2012-01-19T15:11:00.004Z

A most enjoyable visit from staff and students of Barrow Island School, as arranged by Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood wardens wardens. During the visit the students learnt more about the project as a whole, the railway arches, the wildlife, the community grow your own scheme and took part in an environmental quiz.

Progressing the new gated entrance to the arches

2012-01-18T10:55:00.000Z

Mark Wallis of Gilmour Fabrications Ltd pictured during an onsite meeting with our Project Coordinator Graham Bromley, taking the final measurements in preparation for the fabrication and installation of new secure gated entrances to the remaining arches facing the Green Heart Den.

Funding to enable this work was provided by The Sir JohnFisher Foundation and Barrow Borough Council.

Network Rail - formal work consents

2012-01-16T20:13:00.000Z

Excellent news. Following the signed tenancy agreement, Network Rail have now confirmed formal works approval for the installation of a secure, lockable gated entrance to the additional railways arches.

A big thank you to Network Rail Portfolio Surveyor Gemma Luty in arranging for the works approval. It is very much appreciated and will make a real difference.

The fabrication and installation of the secure metal gated entrance will be conducted by Gilmour Fabrications Ltd who previously installed the secure gated entrance to arch D, our arbour and the new gates and railings to the new north plot wall.

Friends of the Lake District funding success

2012-01-16T15:52:00.003Z

We are pleased to announce that we recently received confirmation of a successful fund application previously submitted to Friends of the Lake District.

Friends of the Lake District works to protect and enhance the special qualities of the distinctive and inspirational landscapes of the Lake District and Cumbria.

Please visit www.fld.org.uk for up to date information about their work, environmental improvement grants, events, membership and volunteering opportunities.

The £2,000.00 grant award will be used in contribution towards our community grow your own scheme, and enable the purchase of trees, shrubs and plants.

This weeks visits include.......

2012-01-16T14:58:00.001Z

Staff and pupils from Barrow Island school. This visit has been arranged by Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Management Team wardens.
Cumbria's High Sheriff, Iona Frost-Pennington will be visiting on Friday as part of her tour to some of the community groups that the Barrow Community Trust has supported.
Central and Hindpool Junior Wardens who will be conducting various wildlife activities.

Winter colour

2012-01-16T14:36:00.000Z

Winter sun on the Green Heart Den

2012-01-16T14:34:00.000Z

A touch of frost

2012-01-14T20:37:00.000Z

Some welcomed visitors

2012-01-14T20:33:00.003Z

A long tailed little bird.

A Great little bird.

A female chaffinch

Today's volunteer activities

2012-01-13T15:45:00.000Z

Valued volunteers Bryan, Lee, David and Karen pruning the buddleia.

Some of our snow drops

2012-01-13T15:39:00.000Z

Some of our birds enjoying the bird feeders

2012-01-13T08:42:00.001Z

Quote for the week.....

2012-01-11T00:34:00.001Z

“The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now.” - Proverb

Sacred Heart School visit

2012-01-10T15:04:00.000Z

A visit from staff and students from Sacred Heart School visit, as arranged by Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood wardens wardens. During the visit the students learnt more about the project as a whole, the railway arches, the wildlife, the community grow your own scheme and took part in an environmental quiz.

Secure, lockable gated access to the railway arches........

2012-01-10T09:01:00.003Z

After recently signing the terms and conditions of the Network Rail tenancy agreement for the railways arches, and as there is currently no access into arches 5 and 6, we are hoping to confirm works approval from Network Rail which would allow us to install a lockable gated entrance to these arches in a similar way in which as we have previously provided gates to arch 4.

This would enable access into the arches, improve the visible appearance of the arches and provided for total security of the arches.

Once agreed the associated work will be conducted by Gilmour Fabrications Ltd, who fabricated and installed the secure gated access to arch 4.

Funding to enable this work is provided by the Sir John Fisher Foundation and Barrow Borough Council.

Today on the Green Heart Den

2012-01-09T15:09:00.003Z

Crocus beginning to flower.

Additional bracing to the post and wire fencing completed

A sleeping caterpillar

Snow drops beginning to flower

2012-01-07T13:51:00.000Z

Post and wire fence maintenance

2012-01-05T16:29:00.003Z

Additional bracing installed to the post and wire fencing.

Our fat ball feeders are proving to be popular

2012-01-05T15:33:00.002Z

Some of our crocus beginning to flower

2012-01-05T15:32:00.000Z

Communities for Health funding

2012-01-05T10:24:00.001Z

We would like to thank Barrow Borough Councils Community Services Manager Keith Johnson and Health Improvement Officer Mike Otto for awarding the project a grant from the Communities for Health programme. It was very much appreciated.

The award will be used in contribution towards the total project costs for the Green Heart Dens community grow your own scheme.

Successful Hadfield Charitable Trust grant application

2012-01-05T09:29:00.002Z

An excellent start to the New Year. We have received confirmation of a successful grant application submitted to the Hadfield Charitable Trust. This grant award will be used in contribution towards the total project costs for Green Heart Den community grow your own scheme being developed on the north plot.

Land lease registration

2012-01-05T09:19:00.002Z

We are pleased to announce that the 85 year land lease the Green Heart Den and the north plot community grow your own scheme, secured from Barrow Borough Council, has now been formally registered at the Land Registry. Thank you to SDG Accountants and Poole Townsend Solicitors for their assistance, it was very much appreciated.

Woodland Trust - Nature Detectives

2012-01-04T15:26:00.000Z

The Woodland Trusts Nature Detectives are offering over 1,000 free activities, games and downloads for families, schools and groups.

For more information please visit the Nature Detectives website here.

Quote for the week.....

2012-01-04T10:16:00.004Z

‎"Don't go through life. Grow through life" - Eric Butterworth

Some of our robins

2012-01-02T16:12:00.000Z

Information about how you can help birds can be found on the RSPB website here

Some of our new fat ball bird feeders

2012-01-02T13:04:00.002Z

Quote for the week.....

2011-12-27T13:50:00.001Z

‎"If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change" - Buddha

First sign of our bulbs

2011-12-27T13:29:00.000Z

A thought for Christmas.......

2011-12-24T10:06:00.003Z

"Christmas gift ideas / suggestions:

To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect"

Courtesy of Stevie Kidd People

Some winter colour on the Green Heart Den.......

2011-12-24T10:05:00.000Z

Short film - Wardmans walkabout 2

2011-12-23T10:36:00.004Z

About the film:

Using personal photographs and interviews with the local community; Marsh Street Arches and Garden CICs Our Green Space funded oral history group have created a short film which explores the history of the area in Barrow around the old Corporation Yard, recently regenerated by Marsh Street Arches and Garden CIC and named Green Heart Den by local school children.

Copies of the DVDs are available for purchase at a cost of £3.00 at:

CHNMT Office, 242 - 244 Dalton Road, Barrow in Furness
SDG Accountants, 6 Cavendish Street, Barrow in Furness
Furness Building Society, 51 - 55 Duke Street, Barrow in Furness
Furness Building Society, 216 - 218 Dalton Road, Barrow in Furness
Ramsden St/Penrith Street Newsagent (formerly Wardmans Newsagent)

In an effort to help provide for our future sustainability all proceeds from the sale of the DVD will be paid to Marsh Street Arches Garden CIC and used to cover activities such as; maintenance and on-going running costs plus the potential provision of training opportunities and open public events.

Thanks to....

This film has been made possible thanks to the grant we received from Our Green Space which is funded by the Heritage Lottery Funds, "Your Heritage" grant scheme.

TEDxDirigo - Roger Doiron - A Subversive Plot: How to Grow a Revolution...

2011-12-23T10:16:00.001Z

Roger Doiron wants everyone to plant a garden. He’s the founder of Kitchen Gardeners International, a network of home gardeners. A vegetable garden can do more than save you money -- it can save the world. At TEDxDirigo Roger Doiron shows how gardens can re-localize our food and feed our growing population.

Adding a few more live plants to our mini - beast hotels.

2011-12-21T13:00:00.001Z

That should do for now..............

"Working Well" - Training, work experience programme

2011-12-20T19:37:00.003Z

Courtesy of our friends at Growing Well......

Growing Well, in partnership with Brathay Trust are running a programme for 16-19yrs NEETs, beginning on 9^th January hopefully. It will be running 2 day per week for 30 weeks and will give the participants an opportunity to gain a qualification in work-based horticulture plus build their confidence, team working skills etc and actively take part in work on the Growing Well site.

If you would like more information, please contact Growing Well on: 01539 561 777

FREE Grow your own workshop......

2011-12-20T16:45:00.001Z

Courtesy of our friends at Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Management............

Adding live plants to our mini - beast hotels

2011-12-20T15:07:00.000Z

Quote for the week......

2011-12-20T12:21:00.002Z

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” - Epicurus

Membership invitation.....

2011-12-19T00:32:00.005Z

In our continuous efforts to increase the capacity of our organisation we would like to offer you the opportunity, should you wish, to become a valued Member of our Company. It costs nothing to become a Member and there are many benefits such as:

Be first to receive regular news and updates.
Have a “first option” in invitations to events, activities and potential training etc.
Have a say in the management and the future of the Company.
Be able to vote at Members meetings.
Be able to stand as a Company Director.
Receive the accounts of the Company.

An example of our regular Members newsletter is detailed below.

You can download a copy of our Membership application form here

Our most current tri fold leaflet

2011-12-19T00:21:00.001Z

You can also view and download a copy of the leaflet here

Another one of our little blue birds.....

2011-12-18T15:26:00.002Z

A wintry scene......

2011-12-18T15:19:00.001Z

Our Green Space funded "oral history" DVD screening

2011-12-18T14:43:00.005Z

Hi all,

To coincide with the end of Marsh Street Arches and Garden CICs oral group; funding as part of the grant we received from Our Green Space and courtesy of our friends at Signal Films, you are invited to attend the screening of the second oral history DVD, as detailed below.

A Cookes Studios, 104 Abbey Road, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 5QR

T 01229 838592

M +44 7841 011 955

E may@signalfilms.co.uk

W www.signalfilms.co.uk

You are invited to view a 30 minute film exploring the history of the old Corporation Yard site which is set to screen at Signal Films new cinema room in the Cooke’s Studios on the run up to Christmas.

About the film:

Using personal photographs and interviews with the local community Marsh Street Arches and Garden CICs Our Green Space funded oral history group have created this film to explore the history of the area in Barrow around the old Corporation Yard, recently regenerated by Marsh Street Arches and Garden CIC and named Green Heart Den by local school children.

Where and when:

The film will be screening at the Cookes Studios, 104 Abbey Road, on Tuesday 20th December, 2-3pm. DVDs will be on sale after the screening, a perfect gift for Christmas!

In an effort to help provide for our future sustainability all proceeds from the sale of the DVD will be paid to Marsh Street Arches Garden CIC and used to cover issues such as maintenance and on-going running costs plus the potential provision of training opportunities and open public events.

Members of the public are invited to drop in to view the film.

For more information contact Graham Robinson on 01229 889694.

Thanks to....

This film has been made possible thanks to the grant we received from Our Green Space Project which is funded by the Heritage Lottery Funds, "Your Heritage" grant scheme.

December snow......

2011-12-16T11:24:00.001Z

You can view additional pictures here

Some of our little blue birds

2011-12-15T19:47:00.000Z

Mini - beast hotel number 2.......

2011-12-15T12:32:00.002Z

Ready and awaiting the first tenants.............................

Made from; recycled wooden pallets, bricks, leaf litter, twigs, plastic plant pots, bamboo canes and strips of old wood. Various other materials could be used such as; hay, pine cones, moss, plastic or ceramic, pipes and stones.

There is no set design for a mini – beast hotel; they can be made to suit the space you have available.

It is important to provide a lot of small spaces in different shapes and sizes, made from a variety of materials. Ideally some should be dry and some a little damp.

Using recycled and natural materials can also help to reduce costs and help them to blend in to their natural surroundings.

They are fun to make, interesting and can be an attractive addition to any garden or open space.

Perhaps you would like to make one of your own…………

Merry Christmas from all at the Green Heart Den

2011-12-14T09:55:00.002Z

Quote for the week.......

2011-12-14T08:33:00.006Z

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around" - Leo Buscaglia

Completing the mini - beast hotel

2011-12-12T12:39:00.002Z

Fully furnished mini - beast hotel. Accommodation is FREE

The mini-beast hotel

2011-12-12T10:48:00.002Z

Our first attempt at making a mini beast hotel from recycled pallets.

Completing repairs to the reptile fence

2011-12-09T12:17:00.000Z

FREE Grow your own workshop......

2011-12-08T17:29:00.005Z

Courtesy of our friends at Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Management.

Saturday 14 January 2012. Taking place at the Mawson Room, Barrow Park, Barrow from 9.30-4pm (lunch provided).

By the end the session you will have;

some inspiration to get growing
a garden plan for your growing space
a planting plan for your garden
helpful ideas and some local contacts to help and support you
an information and resource list
a FREE £10 B and Q voucher to get your growing started!

The session will be facilitated by Jennifer Lauruol of Carpe Diem Gardens (http://www.carpe-diem-gardens.co.uk/)

To book a place call Rebecca Allen on 01229 876546 or Email neighbourhoodmgt@barrowbc.gov.uk

What a wonderful world.......

2011-12-08T12:13:00.001Z

Repairing the reptile fence

2011-12-08T11:46:00.000Z

Following the recent, ongoing high winds we have needed to replace broken wires which were supporting the reptile fence. The reptile fence will be reattached to the wires once the winds have subsided.

Quote for the week......

2011-12-07T21:30:00.003Z

‎"Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others" - Plato

Updated community grow your own scheme drawings

2011-12-07T19:07:00.007Z

Following a few delays we have been advised by Groundwork, in their capacity as project managers for the scheme, that if all goes well construction will begin early in the new year.

If you have any questions for the Groundwork project management team please contact:

Julian Smith, Operations Manager: julian.smith@groundwork.org.uk Tel: 01900 825 215

John Nuttall, Landscape Architect: john.nuttall@groundwork.org.uk Tel: 01388 662 666

Linda Doyle, Senior Project Officer: linda.doyle@groundwork.org.uk Tel: 01900 825 215

Bird feeders are beginning to attract customers

2011-12-07T14:35:00.002Z

Preparing for today's volunteer activities.......

2011-12-06T14:39:00.000Z

Among the various visitors and helpers include.......

2011-12-06T08:40:00.001Z

Among the various visitors and helpers include......., a set on Flickr.

Barrow CDRP: Who pays the price....What will YOU buy a teenager...

2011-12-05T22:37:00.009Z

Courtesy of our friends at Barrow Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.

"We have been busy recently filming and producing a series of 4 video clips...we obviously have not done this alone you will be glad to hear!! We were ablely assisted (or rather it was done by) Workshop Media.

We now have four video clips and we want EVERYONE to watch them!

"Why?" I hear you ask......

Well....the clips look at the consequences of buying teenagers alcohol. As parents and adults we are perhaps all tempted from time to time to buy our teenagers (children) a few drinks for them to take to a party or gathering of friends.

When young people are attended to for emergency treatment by the ambulance service, found alone on local playing fields by the police, seen at our local hospital unable to even speak their own name, we ask them (once they are in a fit state to answer) where they got the alcohol from that got them in such a mess. They most often tell us that they got it from a parent or well meaning adult. We, as parents, think that if we just buy them a small bottle of spirits for them to share with their friends they won't be left out and we will be controlling how much they drink. What we forget is that several other parents of the friend group do the same and before we know it our teenagers have a cocktail of spirits big enough to knock out an elephant for a week!!

We've all been young, we all like to have a good time...and we want the next generation to as well....but before you give alcohol to a teenager this Christmas, please watch these clips......"

Who Pays The Price? "The One With The Sex"

Who Pays The Price? "The One With The Violence"

Who Pays the Price? "The One With The Alcohol Poisoning"

Who Pays The Price? "The One With The Death"

If you would like any more information or if you have any questions there are various ways you can get in touch with or follow Barrow CDRP:

Join them on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/barrowcdrp

Read their tweets at : www.twitter.com/Saferstronger

Visit their webpage at: www.barrowbc.gov.uk/cdrp

Contact:

Rebecca Rawlings

Barrow Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership

242-244 Dalton Road

Barrow-in-Furness

Cumbria. LA14 1PN

01229 876475

07747446234

Quote for the week......

2011-12-05T10:22:00.004Z

‎"I grow plants for many reasons: to please my eye or to please my soul, to challenge the elements or to challenge my patience, for novelty or for nostalgia, but mostly for the joy in seeing them grow" - David Hobson

Planting additional garden bulbs

2011-12-02T15:31:00.002Z

Valued volunteers Lee and David helping to plant additional bulbs around the Green Heart Den. Varieties included: crocus, snow drop, blue bell, dwarf daffodil, scilla and chionodoxa.

We would like to thank Cumbria County Councils, Local Area Committee for Barrow for providing the funding to enable the purchase of the garden bulbs and associated supplies.

Preparing to plant additional bulbs

2011-11-30T12:07:00.003Z

Garden bulbs ready for planting by our team of valued volunteers. Varieties include: crocus, snow drops, blue bells, dwarf daffodil, scilla and chionodoxa.

We would like to thank Cumbria County Councils, Local Area Committee for Barrow for providing the funding to enable the purchase of the garden bulbs and associated supplies.

Quote for the week.....

2011-11-30T11:24:00.006Z

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” - Marcel Proust

Barrow Community Trust/Cumbria Community Foundation cheque presentation

2011-11-25T15:27:00.001Z

Mr Derek Lyon from Barrow Community Trust presents Marsh Street Arches and Garden CIC Director Scott Gomersall of SDG Accountants with a cheque from Cumbria Community Foundation. This will enable the purchase of a poly tunnel for the community grow your own scheme. Pictured left to right are: Volunteer Bryan Aspin, our Volunteer Coordinator Lynda Lea Shaw, Mr Lyon, volunteer David Hayes, Scott Gomersall and our Project Coordinator Graham Bromley.

Thank you to all who made this possible, it was very much appreciated.

Autumn colour on the Green Heart Den.......

2011-11-22T18:05:00.000Z

You can view additional pictures on our Flickr Autumn/Winter photo set here.

Greengate Junior school - outdoor classroom session

2011-11-22T17:38:00.003Z

Staff and pupils from Greengate Junior school during their "outdoor classroom" session. During their visit the pupils learnt a little more about the history of project from our Project Coordinator Graham Bromley, took part in an A - Z scavenger hunt activity and took a closer look at the adjacent railway arches as part of a classroom project in which they will make models of the arches.

Thank you to all at the school, it was a most enjoyable visit.

Back street bats.........

2011-11-22T08:33:00.001Z

Pipistrelle bats flying in the back street 30/08/10.

The UK's bat populations have suffered severe declines, largely due to loss of habitat. Human activities have increasingly and continue to change the environment we live in resulting in substantial declines in biodiversity.

However, bats are fascinating animals and make a substantial contribution to the UK's biodiversity, comprising around one third of all our mammal species. They are a vital part of our native wildlife and are indicators of a green and healthy environment, so their future is directly linked to our quality of life and the quality of our environment.

If you would like more information about bats, please visit the Bat Conservation Trust website here.

A brief photo history of the Junior wardens........

2011-11-21T12:13:00.004Z

A brief photo history of Central and Hindpool Junior wardens based in Barrow in Furness. Established in 2007 and consisting of pupils from years 5 and 6 (9-11 year old) from four Junior schools in Barrow town centre area.

Video courtesy of Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Management Team

Quote for the week..........

2011-11-20T20:07:00.004Z

"Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm....As you grow older you will discover that you have two hands. One for helping yourself, the other for helping others" - Audrey Hepburn

Just a thought........

2011-11-20T13:15:00.004Z

"If nothing ever changed.........there would be no butterflies" - Anon

Memories of summer

2011-11-20T13:00:00.000Z

Community grow your own scheme update

2011-11-20T11:28:00.014Z

Over the past few months we have secured a long term 85 year land lease from the local authority, agreed a tenancy agreement with Network Rail for the use of 4 adjacent railway arches and also worked closely with:

Barrow Borough Council, who helped to provide funding which enabled the installation of a new brick wall
Thomas Armstrong Ltd, who constructed the new wall and donated bricks to the project
Our Green Space, who funded the works associated with the installation of the new railings and gates
Gilmour Fabriucations Ltd, who fabricated and installed the new railings and gates
Ecologist Penny Ward during the phase 1 habitat survey and following her instruction have, with assistance for our valued team of volunteers and Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Management Team wardens, completed the installation a reptile fence in preparation for the commencement of the construction works.

Groundwork, on behalf of Marsh Street Arches and Garden CIC, are responsible for the delivery of the community grow your own scheme in their role as:

The Accountable Body, Groundwork will be responsible for issues such as fund raising, fund management, submitting funding bids, drawing down funding and paying contractors. They have confirmed funding from various sources such as; Marks and Spencer, WREN, BBC Communities for Health, Cumbria Waste Management Environmental Trust and NHS Cumbria.
Project Managers, working on behalf of the Marah Street Arches and Garden CIC, Groundworks responsibility will include among other issues; the provision of landscape design services, producing all necessary contract documentation and specifications, organising the tendering process, overseeing and supervising all work onsite, inspecting progress and ensuring quality of workmanship.

If you have any questions for the Groundwork Project Management Team you can contact them at:

Julian Smith, Operations Manager (Cumbria): julian.smith@groundwork.org.uk Tel: 01900 825 215
John Nuttall, Consultant Landscape Architect: john.nuttall@groundwork.org.uk Tel: 01388 662 666
Linda Doyle, Senior Project Officer (Cumbria): linda.doyle@groundwork.org.uk Tel: 01900 825 215

We believe that, among the main health benefits of such as scheme would include; increased opportunities for physical activity, improved mental health and well being and the increased availability of fresh food. We also hope that by working in partnership with health organisation involved in both the mental health and disability sectors it will help to reduce the stigmatisation and isolation that both those suffering with mental health conditions and those with disabilities can feel.

You can view and download a copy of our grow your own scheme user policy here

Community grow your own scheme raised planter allocations

2011-11-20T11:02:00.004Z

Although availability is limited there are still some raised planters available for allocation on the soon to be completed north plot community grow your own scheme.

We believe that, among the main health benefits of such as scheme would include; increased opportunities for physical activity, improved mental health and well being and the increased availability of fresh food. We also hope that by working in partnership with health organisation involved in both the mental health and disability sectors it will help to reduce the stigmatisation and isolation that both those suffering with mental health conditions and those with disabilities can feel.

For reference, you can view and download the grow your own scheme user policy here.

Although availability is limited, you can still express your interest in the potential use of a raised planter in writing, by post to:

Marsh Street Arches and Garden CIC

c/o CHNMT Office

242/244 Dalton Road

Barrow in Furness

LA14 1PN

or by email to: greenheartden@aol.com

Our new compost bin

2011-11-17T10:08:00.000Z

Central and Hindpool Junior Wardens helping us to construct our new compost bin.

Thank you all, it was very much appreciated.

Policy and Procedures

2011-11-16T00:45:00.002Z

Since forming the Marsh Street Arches and Garden Community Interest Company we have worked in partnership with Cumbria CVS in developing and adopting various policies and procedures. To view some of our policies, please click on the appropriate links below.

Volunteer Policy
Volunteer Application Form
Volunteer Agreement
Template Volunteer Role Description
Volunteer Induction Checklist
Volunteer Induction Checklist Reference
Template Volunteer Role Description
Volunteer Review Assessment
Volunteer Exit Procedure
Volunteer Expenses Claim Form
Confidentiality Declaration
Problem Solving Procedure
Disciplinary Procedure

Data Protection Policy
Child Protection Policy
Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy
Equal Opportunities Policy
Health and Safety Policy
Environmental Policy
Risk Assessment

Our Green Space - Education Pack case study

2011-11-15T23:59:00.002Z

Developed and produced by Our Green Space, the education pack is intended to help teachers, youth workers and others who use local open green space as part of an "outside classroom" to help develop activities and projects with children and young people on open green space in their local area.

It is primarily aimed at key stages 2 and 3. However some activities work well with Foundation, key stages 1 and 4 and adults and can be adapted as necessary. It can also be used for schools during residential periods and for out of school clubs, for informal education.

A case study highlighting how the Green Heart Den has worked with young people is detailed on page 76.

You can download the education pack and other resources from the Our Green Space website here.

New trellis to the back street wall

2011-11-15T19:02:00.002Z

Big thank you to valued volunteers Bryan, David and John for helping to make and install the new trellis on the back street wall adjacent to the lawn area, it was very much appreciated.

Thank you to Cumbria County Councils Local Area Committee for Barrow for providing the funding which enable the purchase of materials and associated supplies for the trellis.

Our Green Space Celebratory Event 11th November

2011-11-14T10:51:00.005Z

The Our Green Space Case Study and Celebration event at Roundthorn Country House Penrith.
The event celebrated the work of the five Cumbrian communities who contributed to the Our Green Space scheme (Green Heart Den in Barrow in Furness, Burgh by Sands, Wasdale, Asby and Newbiggin).

Bug hunting with the Junior Wardens

2011-11-13T11:23:00.000Z

Central and Hindpool Junior Wardens on the Green Heart Den bug hunting using identification charts as supplied by Our Green Space.

Aerial photography

2011-11-12T14:11:00.001Z

Aerial photography detailing the location of the Green Heart Den and the north plot.

Photographs courtesy of Peter A. Lewis.

Funding to enable the aerial photography was provided by Our Green Space.

Junior Warden activities - 12 Nov 2011

2011-11-12T12:57:00.002Z

Junior Warden activities - 12 Nov 2011, a set on Flickr.

Activities for the Junior Wardens on the Green Heart Den included; litter picking, assembling a wooden compost bin, putting a hedgehog box in the wildlife area and bug hunting using identification charts as supplied by Our Green Space.

Celebrating Our Green Space - Cumbria

2011-11-11T18:40:00.006Z

Pictures detailing the work of the 5 Cumbria communities who contribute to the Our Green Space project (Green Heart Den in Barrow in Furness, Asby, Wasdale, Burgh by Sands and Newbiggin)

Our Green Space is a Cumbria wide partnership project supported by heritage Lottery Funds "Your Heritage" grants scheme and aims to celebrate and enhance the heritage, cultural, environmental and community value of community spaces in Cumbria for all to enjoy

Helping hedgehogs

2011-11-10T22:45:00.006Z

Hedgehog populations have declined by a quarter over the past decade and they need help. You can help by providing suitable shelter and supplementing their natural diet of slugs, snails, beetles, worms, caterpillars and suchlike with some protein (e.g. meat based pet food, minced meat or crunchy hedgehog/cat biscuits), particularly in periods of unseasonable weather. You could also provide a bowl of drinking water (not milk) at several sites around the garden.

For more information about hedgehogs, please visit the British Hedgehog Preservation Society website here and/or the Hedgehog Street website here.

Flora and Fauna

2011-11-09T20:56:00.001Z

Flora and Fauna, a set on Flickr.

Hedgehog boxes being sited in position

2011-11-08T15:34:00.000Z

Our hedgehog boxes, made by our volunteers, Lee, Bryan and David, being sited in position.

A little autumn colour from one of our crab apple trees

2011-11-08T10:23:00.000Z