Junior Wardens grow their own......

Central and Hindpool Junior wardens planting their own tomatoes in our large planing boxes.

Our Bat Boxes.....

Some of our hand made bat boxes, constructed from recycled, rough sawn, untreated timer. Central and Hindpool Junior Wardens will be making additinal boxes for us over the next few weeks.

Junior Wardens John Muir Activity

Central and Hindpool Junior Wardens begin their efforts to achieve a second John Muir Award. Among the tasks included; litter picking, composting, preparing to make bat boxes, deadheading and tying back our daffodils and planting tomatoes in the raised planters

For more pictures from the event please visit our Flick photo gallery here.

Bat Boxes......

The Green Heart Den is planning to make several bat boxes with assistance from Central and Hindpool Junior Wardens. This work will form part of their efforts to achieve a second John Muir Award.

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.

We are hoping to help a little by providing bat boxes and appropriate plants that may help to enourage other bats.

 

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

If you can’t measure it.......

If you can’t measure it.............you can’t manage it !

If you don’t measure it........….don’t do it !

Think Big Fund From 02

Think Big encourages young people, aged 13 to 25, tackle the issues that most affect them, their friends, their neighbours or their community. So if you are between these ages or know someone who is – if you want to make a change for the better – take a look at www.o2.co.uk/thinkbig
They can offer funding and training and a whole load of support – to get projects going and make things happen.
The application is easy, and it won’t take very long. If your project is shortlisted they’ll call you up to have a chat, and let you know within 6 weeks of applying whether or not your application has been successful.

If you have any questions please give them a call on their free phone helpline: 0800 902 0250.

Arbour Update

Gilmour Fabrications Ltd taking detailed measurements for the final fabrication stage of the arbour.

It is hoped that, if all goes well, the arbour could be installed within the next 2 -4 weeks.

Funding for the fabrication of the arbour has been provided from Our Green Space.

Cumbria Waste Management Environmental Trust have provided funding for the associated works.

Some Of Our Birdsfoot Trefoil

Birdsfoot Trefoil is a long lived perennial producing clusters of yellow and red flowers on 10 to 30 cm stems especially in June and July, but some flowering continues until September. The plant is very common throughout the British Isles and is found mainly in grassy and waste places, often in limestone pastures but also on some heaths and scrublands. It prefers dry and infertile sites. In the garden it can be used both in a frequently cut flowering lawn and as an easily maintained herbaceous border plant which is cut back once a year.

This trefoil is widespread and common in a wide range of natural habitats, and is readily available from specialist nurseries. It does particularly well in rockeries and is an important  food plant for butterflies such as the Common Blue and a valuable source of nectar and pollen for bees.

One Of Our Hostas

Our Crab Apple Looking Healthy

Plants Fourishing Around The Water Feature

Our John Downie

Considered by many to be the best fruiting crab, John Downie is a small deciduous native tree that produces clusters of white/pink flowers in April and May - it is an excellent pollinator for most cooking and eating apples, followed by edible bright red - sometimes with just a touch of orange crab apples suitable for jam/jelly making. For a crab, John Downie apples are rather large - everything is relative and somewhat elongated. The foliage turns shades of red and gold in autumn.

John Downie is upright when young, widening at the base as it ages. Although it grows quite quickly, Malus John Downie never becomes a large tree and its flowers, fruit, autumn foliage and reasonable size combine to make it an excellent specimen or ornamental tree for the smaller garden.

You can view more pictures from the Green Heart Den on our Flickr photo gallery here.

Our Egremont Russet

Our Egremont Russet flourishing in the light drizzle.

The Egremont Russet is an attractive, upright tree is covered in pure white, cup-shaped flowers in mid and late spring, followed by firm dessert apples, with a crisp, nutty flavour. It is a moderately vigorous variety, producing fruits for harvesting in late September.

It is classic English russet apple from the Victorian era. Whilst russet apples have generally fallen out of favour, Egremont Russet remains popular with discerning apple lovers who appreciate its unique flavour and apearance.

Egremont Russet is a medium-sized apple. The flesh seems quite dry and gets drier with keeping - it is moist rather than juicy. Traditionally described as "nutty", the flavour is more delicate than most varieties, and quite sweet. Both the flavour and the soft flesh are reminiscent of a firm pear. Yet Egremont Russet is surprisingly versatile, working well in savoury salads for example, and a popular partner for cheese.

Seat Design Final Review

Pictured left to right are; Tony, Mike Walsh - from Furness College, and Management Committee members Alan Postlethwaite and Val Holden at the final review of the seat design options in Central and Hindpool Managements meeting room.

This follows our work in partnership with Mike Walsh and the art and design students from Furness College in which we had provided the students with a brief to develop design options for seating. Ultimately the final winning design will be manufactured locally and sited on the Green Heart Den. This worked formed part of the students work on the "Involving schools and colleges in Barrows Regeneration" project.
Funding for the seating is provided from a grant we received from Our Green Spaces.

Additional pictures of the seat design process can be viewed on our Flickr photo gallery here.

Green Heart Den Receives A Much Deserved Watering

Our Wild Cherry Is Beginning To Blossom

Prunus avium, better known as wild cherry, is perhaps one of our most attractive native woodland trees. Wild cherry is often found in old hedgerows and in mixed deciduous woodland, usually at the wood’s edge. According to the Woodland Trust, this species makes a wonderful addition to any wildlife garden.

CCTV Progress

The CCTV cameras have now been installed on the Green Heart Den.

New Liners For Our Large Planting Boxes

Big thank you to Chris Isherwood who volunteered some of his time to help install the linings to our large planting boxes. Cheers Chris, much appreciated.

Bat Event

Pictured below is Rich Flight from the Westmorland and Furness Bat Group who provided an interesting presentation all about bats for members of Central and Hindpool Junior Wardens at Greengate Junior School.

Following the presentation we all visited the Green Heart Den to look for and identify the species of bats that inhabit the area. During the event Rich helped to identify common pipistrelle bats.

Whats next? -  We are aiming to hold similar events during the year and to make and install bat boxes which will hopefully encourage other bats to visit and roost in the immediate area.

Big thank you to Rich, Greengate Junior School, Jan, Helen, Andy and the Junior Wardens for making it such a successful and enjoyable event.

 Funding for the bat event was provided from a grant we received from Our Green Space.

Nest Box Success

Our nest boxes continue to attract attention from the local bird population, particularly blue tits. Their favourite boxes appear to be those made, donated and sited by pupils from Greengate Junior School.

If you would like more information about UK birds and wildlife please visit the RSPB website here.

Bat Night

Is currently organising a "Bat Night" event for members of Central and Hindpool Junior Wardens. The event, will take place between 7.30pm - 9pm, Thursday 29th April. It will consist of an indoor session at Greengate Junior School followed by a visit to the Green Heart Den. 

This event will be facilitated by a representative of The Cumbria Bat Group, which consists of the Cumberland Bat Group operating in North Cumbria and the Westmorland and Furness Bat Group operating in South Cumbria , both are affiliated with the Bat Conservation Trust and are run by volunteers drawn from a wide range of backgrounds.

For more details about the group, please visit their website here.

Funding for the event is provided from the grant we received from Our Green Space.

Snowy Mespilus Flourishng

Our Snowy Mespilus (Genus, Amelanchier - Species, Lamarckii) is a small tree that is attractive in all seasons, even in winter when its spreading crown of fine shoots makes a satisfying, dense, shrubby shape. In March the branches erupt with a froth of star-shaped flowers in lax conical heads, just as the coppery pink young leaves unfold - in summer these are yellowish green, but later turn scarlet and crimson. In July the tree is studded with dark red berries which become purple-black as they ripen. Cuttings can be taken from May - July.

CCTV Installation Progress

We continue to progress the installation of our four camera CCTV system. The system will be controlled by The Marsh Street Arches and Garden CIC, with images recorded for the purpose of crime detection and public safety.

The system funded by, Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Management, Cumbria Constabulary, Accent NW and Accent Tenants Association, is being installed by family run local Company Trelore Alarms and Electircal Servics Ltd. 

Well Watered And Well Fed

The Green Heart Den receives some much needed tender loving care and is now well watered and well fed.

Potential Volunteering Opportunities

In an effort to increase participation and build on the capacity of our organisation we would like to offer the opportunity should you wish, to become involved with our project. You can choose how you want to become involved and it need not take up too much of your time.

If you would like to learn more about potential volunteering opportunities within our project please feel free to contact our temporary volunteer coordinator, Graham Robinson. Graham is currently working to attract potential volunteers and developing a volunteer data base and would be interested in hearing from anyone wishing to become a valued volunteer on our project and help to make a real difference in their community. Training can be provided.

Temporary volunteer coordinator Graham Robinson can be contact by;

Email at : grahamrobinson508@btinternet.com
Tel: 01229 889694
Mob: 07749 656 127 and/or: 07545 523 694

By post at:
C/O CHNM Office
242/244 Dalton Road
Barrow in Furness
Cumbria  LA14 1PN

Growing Well Training Opportunity

Pictured on the Green Heart Hen are Growing Well Training Coordinator Hazel Sharples, and Project Coordinator Graham Bromley who met to discuss the potential of Hazel providing garden and horticulture related training opportunities for local people on the Green Heart Den. This could involve young people such as the Junior Wardens, local residents and various local groups.

Among the various garden topics and activities could include, planting hanging baskets and garden tubs, garden and plant maintenance, how to grow vegatables, soil testing etc.
Hazel also highlighted opportunities for visiting Growing Well, a social enterprise based at Low Sizergh Farm.

Funding for the potential training opportunities is to be provided from Our Green Space
Garden maintenance supplies and materials for potential training events can be provided from the grant we received from Cumbria County Councils Local Committee for Barrow.

Extended Services Access Fund For Young People

Youngsters can apply for funding to help them have fun out of school. The Cumbria County Council Extended Services Access Fund (CCCESAF) offers grants to children and young people to help them pay for activities on evenings, at the weekends and during the school holidays.

 

Additional information at the Inspiring Communities blog page here.

Big Lottery Fund: Peoples Millions 2010

The 2010 People's Millions competition will give communities throughout the UK the opportunity to win local public support and share in £3.8 million of Lottery funding. Grants of between £20,000 and £50,000 will be provided for projects that transform local environments and offer opportunities or facilities for people to take part and enjoy their local area. This will include initiatives focusing on buildings, amenities, public and green spaces and natural habitats. Voluntary and community groups, social enterprises, local authorities, schools and health organisations are invited to apply.

Head-to-head competitions will take place in the local ITV regions in November, when the public will be able to cast their vote for the projects they want to win. There will be a total of 75 winning projects this year; four awards and one bonus award for the runner-up in each of the 15 ITV regions.

The deadline for entries is Friday 14 May 2010. Visit: http://www2.biglotteryfund.org.uk/ and http://www.peoplesmillions.org.uk/

Development Trust Association Meeting

Earlier today Project Coordinator Graham Bromley met with and escorted Hugh Rolo, DTA (Development Trust Association) Head of Assets and Investments and Jackie McQueen, DTA Cumbria Development Officer around the Green Heart Den.

The aim of the meeting was to discuss various options of support for the development of our project as a new Development Trust Association and to explore potential support for the proposed development of the railway arches and the north plot, in particular the Advancing Assets for Communities programme.

For information about the Development Trust Assocaition. please visit their website here.

Arbour Groundworks

AJC Groundworks completing the footings for the arbour feature.

Advancing Assets For Communities

Advancing Assets for Communities supports local authority-community sector partnerships to develop joint plans for asset transfer with a view to them being implemented. It is funded by Communities and Local Government and coordinated by the DTA in a delivery partnership which includes ACRE, Community Matters and the Local Government Association. The programme was launched in 2007 and will continue until 2011 – involving, on average, thirty additional partnerships each year. Additional information can be found at:

• The Developement Trust Association website here.
• Community Matters website here.

Urban Green Nation

Cabe research draws together over 70 different sources of information to find out what it can tell us about the state of England’s publicly owned urban green spaces.

"Urban green nation: building the evidence base" -  looks at the state of England’s urban green space and its impact on people’s health and well-being. The report shows the strong link between satisfaction with local parks and open spaces and satisfaction with neighbourhood, which is key to perceptions of council performance.

The analysis in Urban green nation: building the evidence base shows that people use and value green spaces, but that not everyone is benefitting equally.

For more information please visit the Cabe website here.
.......A copy of the report can be downloaded here.
...........20 facts about green urban space can be viewed here.
.................Key findings of the report can be viewed here.

B - B - Q Update

Final fitting of the grills for the B-B-Q

Arbour Update

AJC Groundworks are preparing the footings in readiness for the large arbour feature which will be sited along the promenade area. funding for the groundworkas has been provided from a grant we received from Cumbria Waste Management  Environmental Trust  which included a third party contribution from Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Management.

Once the footings are complete final measurements can be taken and the arbour columns can then be fabricated by Gilmour Fabrications Ltd. Following the installation of the arbour the brick sets, taken up for the footings,  will be reinstated and large planting boxes will be positioned at the foot of each column. Funding for the fabrication and installation of the arbour has been provided by Our Green Space.

CCTV Installation

Family run local Company Trelore Alarms and Electrical Services Ltd preparing for the installation of our four camera CCTV system.

John Muir Leadership Training Event

Graham Bromley (Green Heart Den, Project Coordinator), Phil Robson (Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Warden), Helen Wiggan (Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service), Paul Zaccarini (Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Warden), and Andy High (Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Warden) pictured at the John Muir Award Leadership Training event at the Hawes End Centre, Portinscale, near Keswick. Funding to allow for Graham and Helen to attend the training was provided from the grant we received from Our Green Space.

Additional pictures from the event can be viewed at our Flickr photo gallery here.

For more information about the John Muir Award please visit the trusts website here.

Our hostas and mint, flourishing in the warm weather

Green Heart Den Lawn Care

Edging the lawn on the Green Heart Den following our first grass cut of the season.

Many of the tools and supplies needed to maintain the Green Heart Den have been provided from a grant we received from Cumbria County Councils Local Committee for Barrow.

Introduction of CCTV

The Green Heart Den is preparing for the installation of our four camera CCTV system. The system will be controlled by The Marsh Street Arches and Garden CIC, images will be recorded for the purpose of crime detection and public safety.

The CCTV system, jointly funded by Cumbria Constabulary, Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Management, Accent NW and Accent Tenants Assocaition, is to be installed by local company Trelore Alarms.

Planting Box Preparation

At the moment we are preparing the large raised planting boxes provided by Continental Landscapes Ltd. These will eventually be positioned at the foot of the columns that make up the arbour feature which will be installed along the promenade area, adjacent to the vacant railway arches. Among the plants being considered for these planting boxes include; honeysuckle, grape vines, wisteria, solanum, passion flower, clematis and jasmine. Plants and compost material are to be provided from the grant we received from Our Green Space.

Green Heart Den Maintenance

Aerating the lawn the hard way.........it seemed like a good idea at the time.

Information about lawn care and garden maintenance can be found on websites such as Gardeners World website here, the BBC gardening website here, the Lawn Expert here and the Garden Advice website here.

Progress Update

The Green Heart Den has a busy month ahead while progressing the installation of both the CCTV system and the large arbour feature.

The CCTV system, which has been jointly funded by Cumbria Constabulary, Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Management, Accent NW and Accent Tenants Assocaition, is to be installed by local company Trelore Alarms.

The arbour feature and associated works, jointly funded by Our Green Space and Cumbria Waste Management Environmental Trust, is to be fabricated and installed by Gilmour Fabrications Ltd with the assocaited groundoworks provided by AJC Groundworks.

Overhead Photography

The following link on the Barrow Borough Council website (online mapping) details an overhead photograph of the Green Heart Den; http://webgis1.barrowbc.gov.uk/webgis/bingis.html?easting=320512&northing=469300&zoom=10

When you click the link; if requested agree to the online mapping terms, click base maps on the right hand column, then click the button for 2009 aerial photography.

Inspiring Communities Lauch Event

Inspiring Communities Launch Event

Saturday 17th April 2010 at Greengate Junior School, Barrow - 11am-3pm.

Admission is FREE and there will be lots of activities and stalls for young people and their families.

All Welcome ... be inspired - be who you want to be!
 
For more information please visit Inspiring Communites blog here.
 

Small Tortoiseshell Butterflies

Our first siting, this year, of a pair of small tortoiseshell butterflies.

If you would like additional information about butterflies please visit: http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/index.php

and: http://www.butterfly-conservation.org/

North Plot Banking

Daffodils, planted by various volunteers, are beginning to flower and add colour to the North plot banking.

North Plot Raised Planters

The raised planters adding a little colour to the North plot. Among those that hepled plant the raised beds last year included; Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Managements team of Junior Wardens, local volunteers and Members of our Management Committee.

Our Slow Worms

Our slow worms have survided the harsh winter months.

The Slow-worm is a lizard. It looks like a snake in some respects but the fact that it has eyelids, a flat forked tongue and can drop its tail to escape from a predator gives its true identity away. The Slow-worm is probably the most commonly encountered British reptile. It is often found in gardens and is widespread throughout the British Isles. It is naturally absent from Ireland (those found there, in the area of the Burren, are thought to be introduced). It's appearance is always shiny, the males are a greyish brown, the females brown with dark sides and a thin line down the back. Slow-worms give birth to live young in September. The young are very thin, about 4cm long with black bellies and gold or silver backs with a thin black line down the middle.

The Slow-worm can be found in almost any open or semi-open habitat. It likes warmth but instead of basking in the open sun it prefers to hide under a stone, log or piece of discarded rubbish such as a sheet of corrugated iron or plank of wood exposed to the sun. Slow Worms are also keen on compost heaps where they find warmth and plenty of food. They feed on slow moving prey, particularly small slugs.

Reference: The Herpetological Conservation Trust

NOTE:  Slow-worms are protected against killing, injuring and sale under UK legislation:

• Bern Convention 1979: Appendix III
• Wildlife and Countryside Act (as Amended) 1981: Schedule 5
• Countryside Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW 2000)

Following an amendment in 1988 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, part of Section 9(1) and all of Section 9(5) apply to the slow-worm’s listing on Schedule 5 of the Act. Consequently, under parts of Section 9(1) slow-worms are protected against intentional killing and injuring, not "taking". Under Section 9(5) it is an offence to offer for sale, transport for sale, advertise for the purpose of trading any live, dead, part, or derivative of, slow-worms. It is an offence to; kill, harm, injure, offer for sale, transport for sale, advertise for the purpose of trading any live, dead, part, or derivative of slow-worm, sell or trade them in any way.

It's Happening

Art work interpretation by Katie Roberts from Barrow 6th Form College.
This work was created as part of the "Involving schools and colleges in Barrow's regeneration" project run by Children's Services funded by Barrow Regeneration.
 

The artwork has received some very positive feedback from various people including:

Project Coordinator Graham Bromley - "I really love this, it is a great piece of artwork. I think we are very fortunate to have so many talented and inspiring young people in Barrow".

Community Division Area Support Manager, Karen Johnson - " This is fantastic and a real credit to our young people. Great work Katie. Looking forward to your next piece.

Community Press Editor, Rosie Hillman - "This is wonderful work, what a great concept."

John Muir Award Presentation

Barrow Mayor, Dorothy Dawes presenting Members of Central and Hindpool Junior Wardens Team with their John Muir Award Certificates at St James School.
The work for the award was conducted on the Green Heart Den. Among the various activities that contributed to the much deserved recognition for the team of Junior Wardens included;

• Litter picks on the Green Heart Den and surrounding area.
• Scattering wildflower seed.
• Leaning about maintaining the garden.
• Outdoor lesson, learning about the history of John Muir
• Making bird feeders from recycled objects.
• Planting up our raised planters.
• Indoor lesson, learning about the wildlife on the Green Heart Den.

Pictures detailing the work of the Junior Wardens are included on our Flickr gallery here 

Funding for the various activities was provided by grants we have recieved from both, Cumbria County Council Local Committee for Barrow and Our Green Space.

Well done all................. Inspiring

If you would like to Be Inspired, please visit Central and Hindpool Inspiring Communities here

Seat Design Progress

Project Coordinator Graham Bromley, Furness College tutor Mike Walsh, Housing Renewal Manager Chris Jones and art and design students for Furness College pictured during an exhibition in the Town Hall.

The exhibition allowed the opportunity to showcase the art and design students excellent work to provide design options for both, a small plot of land for Barrow Borough Council and seating for the Green Heart Den.

This forms part of the students work on the the "Involving Schools and Colleges in Barrow's Regeneration" project which is funded by West Lakes Renaissance.

Funding for the seat design and the potential fabrication of the final design is to be provided from the grant we have received from Our Green Space.

Picture provided by Julia Geere from Childrens Services.

..........additional pictures can be viewed on our Flick gallery here.

Daffodils, planted last year by volunteers during our open sessions flourishing and adding colour to the Green Heart Den.

Unique Opportunity For Local Architects

The Green Heart Den are looking to progress the fabrication and installation of lockable metal gates associated with the provision of the main pedestrian access route onto the garden. The first step will be to produce architectural drawing which could then be sent to local fabrication companies during a tender process. We would be interesting in hearing from any local architect who would like to work with us in producing appropriate drawings and offering advice and guidance. Ideally, but not necassarily exclusively, on a voluntary basis (say 4 or 5 hours per month).
A potential added benefit to any architect or Company could be that; as our project is well recognised and regularly promoted locally and in various ways such as our blog page, partner e-bulletins and newsletters and the local media we could possibly help to promote their work and raise awareness of their business.
If you, or anyone that you may know of, are interested in this unique opportunity to help our project and make a difference in the local community please call Project Coordinator, Graham Bromley on 07919 991 989. Thank you.

Litter Bin Keys

..................Would like to thank Glasdon UK for very kindly providing replacement litter bins keys FREE of charge. It was very much appreciated.

Seat Design Progress

Furness College tutor Mike Walsh, art and design student Tom Crooks and Project Coordinator Graham Bromley reviewing the progress of the art and design students work on their options for seating designs. The students had previously been provided with a brief to develop design options for seating which will be manufactured and sited on the Green Heart Den. Also in attendance was Community Press editor Rosie Hillman who is hoping to include and article about our continued partnership work with the College and its students in the next Central Issue community newspaper.

This work part of the students work on the the "Involving Schools and Colleges in Barrow's Regeneration" project which is funded by West Lakes Renaissance.

Funding for the seat design and the potential fabrication of the final design is to be provided from the grant we have received from Our Green Space.

For additional pictures please visit our Flickr gallery here.

Our Bird Boxes

Our bid boxes; constructed, donated and sited by pupils from Greengate Junior School with the help of Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Wardens last year, continue to attract the interest of the local bird population. Including blue tits.

Our Water Feature

Although it may not feel like it...........perhaps the sun is getting a little stronger as our solar powered water feature is slowly beginning to work again.