Tuesday, 22 March 2011
Monday, 21 March 2011
Sunday, 20 March 2011
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
Work begins on the north plot wall
Work begins on the north plot wall. This work involves knocking the wall down, rebuilding it to half height and installing metal railings on top.
Big thank you to all who helped make this happen; in particular thank you to Thomas Armstrongs, Arcus Consulting and Barow Borough Council.
John Muir Award meeting
Meeting on the Green Heart Den to discuss John Muir Trust Award actvities for Central and Hindpool Junior Wardens and potential opportunites for future involvement in the scheme are left to right; Gemma Blackburn (Natural England), Graham Bromley (our Project Coordinator), Andy High (Senior Neighbourhood Warden) and Graham Watson ( John Muir Award, Regional Manager for Cumbria).
Tuesday, 15 March 2011
Cumbria Community Foundation - Grassroots grants
DEADLINE 25TH MARCH
Cumbria Communty Foundation grassroots grant aims to support small voluntary and community groups and organisations (grass roots groups) enabling them to continue or expand their work including advocacy, community voice and service provision for local people.
Who can apply?
* groups with an average annual income up to £30,000 in the last three financial years (average to date if not three years old)
* volunteer-led groups helping people facing disadvantage
* applications from new and small groups are particularly welcome
Last year we gave 106 grants for an average of £2,050 and approved 82% of applications.
Examples of activities supported;
* junior football club coaching and training
* disabled access
* community market garden
* grass cutting machine
* drop-in club for older people
For more information please visit their website grants page here
Cumbria Communty Foundation grassroots grant aims to support small voluntary and community groups and organisations (grass roots groups) enabling them to continue or expand their work including advocacy, community voice and service provision for local people.
Who can apply?
* groups with an average annual income up to £30,000 in the last three financial years (average to date if not three years old)
* volunteer-led groups helping people facing disadvantage
* applications from new and small groups are particularly welcome
Last year we gave 106 grants for an average of £2,050 and approved 82% of applications.
Examples of activities supported;
* junior football club coaching and training
* disabled access
* community market garden
* grass cutting machine
* drop-in club for older people
For more information please visit their website grants page here
Central and Hindpool Junior Wardens John Muir Award activities 2010
Central and Hindpool Junior Wardens preparing for their film and interview technique lession. This formed part of their John Muir Award activities during 2010 in which they documented their excellent work on the Green Heart Den.
The session which included an introduction into basic video filming and interview techniques was delivered by Darren Conway of Morph Films.
Funding for the session was provided by Our Green Space, a Cumbria-wide three-year partnership project running from Jan 2008 to Dec 2010 which was extended until December 2011. The project is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund’s 'Your Heritage' grant scheme.
The session which included an introduction into basic video filming and interview techniques was delivered by Darren Conway of Morph Films.
Funding for the session was provided by Our Green Space, a Cumbria-wide three-year partnership project running from Jan 2008 to Dec 2010 which was extended until December 2011. The project is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund’s 'Your Heritage' grant scheme.
Monday, 14 March 2011
Sunday, 13 March 2011
Central and Hindpool Junior Warden John Muir Award activities 2010
Various Central and Hindpool Junior Wardens activities which contributed to their John Muir Award in 2010. Funding to enable many of these activities was provided by "Our Green Space" - a Cumbria-wide three-year partnership project running from Jan 2008 to Dec 2010 that has recently been extended until December 2011.The project is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund's 'Your Heritage' grant scheme.
We are looking forward to hosting similar activities for the Junior Wardens during 2011 as part of their efforts in achieving another John Muir Award.
We are looking forward to hosting similar activities for the Junior Wardens during 2011 as part of their efforts in achieving another John Muir Award.
During 2011 the Junior Wardens, working with organisations such as Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Natural England and the National Trust, will attend both theory based and practical sessions at various sites locally - including the Green Heart Den, Roanhead and North Walney Nature Reserve. These sessions will include a study of both plants and wildlife in the area. The participants will undertake survey work with Cumbria Wildlife Trust. The award will include clean ups and the preparation of a public display of the experiences as well as being involved in filming and editing a short film of their experiences.
Thursday, 10 March 2011
Groundwork NE - Senior Project Officer opportunity
Groundowork North East are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join the Cumbria Operations Manager to support the delivery of their Cumbria programme. Please find details below.
Central and Hindpool Junior Wardens - John Muir Award 2011
Green Heart Den is looking forward to helping Central and Hindpool Junior Wardens in their efforts to achieve a John Muir Award in 2011. This year they will be working towards both discovery and explorer level awards with activities conducted at various locations locally - working with other partners such as Cumbria Wildlife Trust (Sue Thurley), Natural England (Gemma Blackburn) and National Trust (Neil Forbes/Pete Burton) and the Green Heart Den (with our project coordinator Graham Bromley).
Narcissus flowering on the north plot wildlife banking
You can view our recently updated Flickr photo galleries here.
Thursday, 3 March 2011
Viola enjoying the sun
Enjoying the sun.......the viola in the large arbour planting boxes, previously planted by Central and Hindpool Junior Wardens as part of their 2010 John Muir Award activities.
Tuesday, 1 March 2011
Successful WREN grant application
Are pleased to announce that a grant application submitted to Waste Recycling Environmental Limited (WREN) was successful. This grant will be used to help develop the north plot community grow your own scheme.
WREN is a not-for-profit business that helps benefit the lives of people who live close to landfill sites by awarding grants for community, conservation and heritage projects.
Directors, staff and the members of their regionally based advisory panels are fully committed to enhancing the community environment, natural conservation and heritage aspects of the world in which we live and create a beneficial and lasting legacy for future generations.
To find out more about what WREN does and most importantly how WREN funding might benefit you and your community, please visit their website here.
We would like to take this opportunity and thank Groundwork NE for their assistance in completing and submitting the application, it was very much appreciated.
WREN is a not-for-profit business that helps benefit the lives of people who live close to landfill sites by awarding grants for community, conservation and heritage projects.
Directors, staff and the members of their regionally based advisory panels are fully committed to enhancing the community environment, natural conservation and heritage aspects of the world in which we live and create a beneficial and lasting legacy for future generations.
To find out more about what WREN does and most importantly how WREN funding might benefit you and your community, please visit their website here.
We would like to take this opportunity and thank Groundwork NE for their assistance in completing and submitting the application, it was very much appreciated.
Thursday, 24 February 2011
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
188 Marsh Street clean up
Big thank you to Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Wardens for helping to clear rubbish that has accumulated in the rear of 188 Marsh Street, the derelict property owned by Network Rail. They were assisted by volunteers from the Green Heart Den who also supplied tools and bags.
Cheers all, very much appreciated.
Cheers all, very much appreciated.
Sunday, 20 February 2011
Minor works to brick work on Greengate bridge nears completion
Would like to thank AMCO Amalgamated Construction who were commissioned by Network Rail to conduct minor works to the brickwork on Greengate Street bridge structure, facing the Green Heart Den. This work is nearing completion, the contractors will be conducting similar minor works to the north side of Greengate bridge structure in the near future.
Our Project Coordinator thought it was important to note that this work has been assisted by the fact that Marsh Street Arches and Garden Comminuty Interest Company provided for the main access gates onto this area during the construction of the Green Heart Den and the installation of the secure gated access to arch D. Prior to this there was no access whatsoever, the area was land locked, and it would have been difficult in the extreme for this work to be conducted as vehicles and equipment would have needed to be craned onto the site. The contractors also took advantage of the secure gates access the CIC installed on arch D as they stored their large equipment in the arch rather than transport to the site each day.
Our Project Coordinator thought it was important to note that this work has been assisted by the fact that Marsh Street Arches and Garden Comminuty Interest Company provided for the main access gates onto this area during the construction of the Green Heart Den and the installation of the secure gated access to arch D. Prior to this there was no access whatsoever, the area was land locked, and it would have been difficult in the extreme for this work to be conducted as vehicles and equipment would have needed to be craned onto the site. The contractors also took advantage of the secure gates access the CIC installed on arch D as they stored their large equipment in the arch rather than transport to the site each day.
Saturday, 19 February 2011
Proposed gates access to arches E and F
Our Project Coordinator is hopeful that Network Rail Network Rail will be forthcoming with permission, if indeed we need permission, to replace their unsightly fencing with a secure gated entrance to aches E and F (as we have to arch D) while we are in consultation in regard to agreeing an appropriate license for the use the arches.
We belive that our project has done an excellent job so far in tidying up what was once an eyesore and understand that the addition of a secure gates access to these arches would; improve the visible appearance of the arches, provide security for the arches, allow us to clear debris/litter that regularly blows into the arches and enable us to work with organisations such as Cumbria Wildlife Trust in monitoring the pipistrelle bats that roost in the arches.
It is worth noting that Network Rail had no access of any kind to this area before the Marsh Street Arches and Garden CIC completed construction of the Green Heart Den and provided for the installation of a secure gates access to arch D. That is with the exception of needing to use a large set of ladders to climb over the 2.5 metre solid brick wall that used to be there.
Currently the CIC has a budget for the manufacture and installation for this work so it would not cost Network Rail anything.
Network Rail would still have access to their arches if we installed a secured gated access in the same way as we have been working closely with AMCO contractors who have been commissioned by Network Rail to conduct minor works to loose brickwork on Greengate bridge structure....we were more than happy to supply them with a set of spare keys for both arch D and the Green Heart Den itself.
If you or anyone within your network knows anyone at Network Rail who could possibly influence a decision in giving permission, if indeed they need permission, to this worthy project to install a secured gated access, at their own cost, to these derelict, uncared for, unused railway arches could you please pass this information on to them. Thank you.
If you can help or would like additional information our Project Coordinator, Graham Bromley can be contacted on: 07919 919 989 or by email to greenheartden@aol.com
Additional picturues can be viewed on our Flickr photo gallery here.
We belive that our project has done an excellent job so far in tidying up what was once an eyesore and understand that the addition of a secure gates access to these arches would; improve the visible appearance of the arches, provide security for the arches, allow us to clear debris/litter that regularly blows into the arches and enable us to work with organisations such as Cumbria Wildlife Trust in monitoring the pipistrelle bats that roost in the arches.
It is worth noting that Network Rail had no access of any kind to this area before the Marsh Street Arches and Garden CIC completed construction of the Green Heart Den and provided for the installation of a secure gates access to arch D. That is with the exception of needing to use a large set of ladders to climb over the 2.5 metre solid brick wall that used to be there.
Currently the CIC has a budget for the manufacture and installation for this work so it would not cost Network Rail anything.
Network Rail would still have access to their arches if we installed a secured gated access in the same way as we have been working closely with AMCO contractors who have been commissioned by Network Rail to conduct minor works to loose brickwork on Greengate bridge structure....we were more than happy to supply them with a set of spare keys for both arch D and the Green Heart Den itself.
If you or anyone within your network knows anyone at Network Rail who could possibly influence a decision in giving permission, if indeed they need permission, to this worthy project to install a secured gated access, at their own cost, to these derelict, uncared for, unused railway arches could you please pass this information on to them. Thank you.
If you can help or would like additional information our Project Coordinator, Graham Bromley can be contacted on: 07919 919 989 or by email to greenheartden@aol.com
Additional picturues can be viewed on our Flickr photo gallery here.
Building Community, our final film
Hub TV film editor and camera operator Carl Thompson returns to take footage for the final film of the Green Heart Den for the Building Community website. Cheers Carl.
Building Community, are following our progress over the next 12 months in regard to the asset transfer of the north plot. Their website is an online showcase featuring real-time practice from partnerships comprising councils and communities that are in the process of transferring land or buildings into community asset ownership. The films are made in conjunction with the Asset Transfer Unit which is led and managed by the Development Trust Association.
Building Community, are following our progress over the next 12 months in regard to the asset transfer of the north plot. Their website is an online showcase featuring real-time practice from partnerships comprising councils and communities that are in the process of transferring land or buildings into community asset ownership. The films are made in conjunction with the Asset Transfer Unit which is led and managed by the Development Trust Association.
Wednesday, 16 February 2011
Cumbria County Councillor visit
During their visit to Barrow to look at various local health projects, Barrow Borough Council Health Improvement Officer Mike Otto arranged a short visit to the Green Heart Den for Cumbria County Councillors and officers. The Councillors and officers were very much interested in what has been achieved so far and the plans for the north plot community grow your own scheme.
Routine maintenance - Repairs to the golden gravel
A lovely sunny morning. The perfect time to conduct some routine, scheduled maintenance to the golden gravel areas.
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
AMCO contractors continue with the minor works to brickwork facing the Green Heart Den
Contractors from AMCO Amalgamated Construction continue with the minor works to the brickwork on Greengate Street bridge structure facing the Green Heart Den.
There are still concerns with water seeping through the brickwork as despite conserted efforts no-one has been able to confirm exactly where the water is coming, what is causing the seepage or who would be responsible for resolving the issue.
Monday, 14 February 2011
Finishing touches to the arbour planting boxes
Before the edging is fitted
After the edging is fitted
Thursday, 10 February 2011
Bulbs beginning to flower on the Green Heart Den
Iris around the water feature.
Some of our Snowdrops.
Some of our Snowdrops.
Minor works to repair brickwork
AMCO Rail contractors have returned to complete minor works to the brickwork on the Greengate Street bridge structure facing the Green Heart Den..
Monday, 7 February 2011
Our most recent video for Building Community
In the most recent video produced by Hub TV for Building Community our Project Coordinator,Graham Bromley talks to us about the various partners the organisation is involved with, and introduces us to Val Holden from Barrow County Council.
About Building Community
Building Community is an online showcase featuring real-time practice from partnerships comprising councils and communities that are in the process of transferring land or buildings into community asset ownership. The Building Community films are made in conjunction with the Asset Transfer Unit.
About Building Community
Building Community is an online showcase featuring real-time practice from partnerships comprising councils and communities that are in the process of transferring land or buildings into community asset ownership. The Building Community films are made in conjunction with the Asset Transfer Unit.
Saturday, 5 February 2011
Cumbria Wildlife Trust: Plants need the cold by Sarah J. Dodd
Cumbria Wildlife Trust: Plants need the cold by Sarah J. Dodd: "This winter has been exceptionally cold in Cumbria, with long stretches of time where even the daytime temperature has not climbed above fre..."
Thursday, 3 February 2011
Community grow your own scheme final design drop in workshop session
We would like to offer you the opportunity to have a say and possibly influence the final design for the north plot community grow your own scheme during a drop in style session which is to be held between:
1pm - 3pm, Thursday 10th February at the Neighbourhood Management Office, 242/244 Dalton Road.
It is hoped that the drop in session will provide those living and working in the area a chance to review the initial scheme design, meet and discuss details of the scheme with both members of the Marsh Street Arches and Garden Community Interest Company Management Committee and Groundwork landscape architect John Nuttall. John, in consultation with the Community Interest Company, produced the scheme drawing.
The drop in session will also be an opportunity for service providers to highlight any specific requirements that you think could be of benefit to users of your services.
For example; if you are a service provider - are there any specific requirements that, in your experience, could potentially be of benefit to your clients/service users. Specifications such as say; appropriate height/shape for raised planters, widths and materials for pathways etc.
Your comments/suggestions would be taken into consideration in the final design specifications for the scheme.
Once specifications have been agreed we will be in a better position to cost the design and decide what we can do, based on funding received, and what we need to leave until later when we have secured additional funding. Dependant on the final costs and confirmation of funding streams, it may be that the completed project will need to be delivered in stages.
Coffee, tea and biscuits will be provided.
We hope you can attend and have a say in the final design of the scheme.
1pm - 3pm, Thursday 10th February at the Neighbourhood Management Office, 242/244 Dalton Road.
It is hoped that the drop in session will provide those living and working in the area a chance to review the initial scheme design, meet and discuss details of the scheme with both members of the Marsh Street Arches and Garden Community Interest Company Management Committee and Groundwork landscape architect John Nuttall. John, in consultation with the Community Interest Company, produced the scheme drawing.
The drop in session will also be an opportunity for service providers to highlight any specific requirements that you think could be of benefit to users of your services.
For example; if you are a service provider - are there any specific requirements that, in your experience, could potentially be of benefit to your clients/service users. Specifications such as say; appropriate height/shape for raised planters, widths and materials for pathways etc.
Your comments/suggestions would be taken into consideration in the final design specifications for the scheme.
Once specifications have been agreed we will be in a better position to cost the design and decide what we can do, based on funding received, and what we need to leave until later when we have secured additional funding. Dependant on the final costs and confirmation of funding streams, it may be that the completed project will need to be delivered in stages.
Coffee, tea and biscuits will be provided.
We hope you can attend and have a say in the final design of the scheme.
Wednesday, 2 February 2011
Friday, 28 January 2011
The Josefina de Vasconcellos Arts Care Trust visit
While in Barrow to meet Barrow Borough Council Regeneration Offcier Val Holden to discuss potential facilities around the town which may or may not be appropriate for the trust to use to display scultures and possibly use for stonemasonary/sculture/art related training members of the Josefina de Vasconcellos Arts Care Trust also visted the Green Heart Den.
In the pictured are:
In the pictured are:
Shawn Williamson (sculptor), Martin McCreedy, (trainee stonemason), Val Holden (Barrow Borough Council Regeneration Officer), Mrs. Santa Tattersall (Josefina de Vasconcellos Arts Care Trust) far right and her daughter.
The Trust was set up in honour of the work and ideals of Josefina de Vasconcellos MBE and is striving to work in the community with people of all ages, cultural and educational backgrounds.
If you would like to learn a little more about the Trust please visit their website here.
Thursday, 27 January 2011
Meeting with members of staff from CADAS
The visit was arranged to allow an opportunity for Natalia and Adam to meet Project Coordinator Graham Bromley and learn a little more about the project. During the visit we discussed how we may work together, highlighting potential opportunites for participation and the involvement of members of staff and clients at CADAS.
Before they left Natalia and Adam very kindly signed our visitor book, providing the following comments:
- Natalia -"What an amazing, well considered and planned community space. Impressed by the hard work and commitment of the group in creating a community green space. Well done"
- Adam - "A really inspiring project - I love the space and think this will provide valuable opportunities for the community and our clients at CADAS
Bats are good for us......
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 to learn more about bats please visit the Bat Conservation Trust website here.
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
Keeping an eye on the Green Heart Den.....
A pair of wagtails keep a watchful eye on the Green Heart Den from a ledge on Greengate bridge while taking in the sun.
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Cumbria Wildlife Trust - Barrow Wildside Project
"Barrow’s Wildside project connects communities with their local green spaces to turn underused and neglected land into better places for people and wildlife"
"Community gardens, redundant land, woodland, parks, cemeteries, under-used playing fields and allotments are some of the places we want to see thrive. With the help of local people Cumbria Wildlife Trust hope they can help make Barrow and Walney Island an urban haven for wildlife"
"If you live in Ormsgill, Hindpool, Central, Risedale, Barrow Island and Walney North you will have a chance to develop your skills by taking part in volunteer action days and learn about wildlife days. In fact, there will be lots activities for everyone such as family events, training, conservation work parties and surveys, practical workshops, walks, and an annual celebration event"
You can follow the Barrow’s Wildside project as it develops on the Cumbria Wildlife Trust website here.
In the meantime, if know of a green space in Barrow you would like to see thriving with wildlife you can email: suet@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk or telephone 01539 816300.
"Community gardens, redundant land, woodland, parks, cemeteries, under-used playing fields and allotments are some of the places we want to see thrive. With the help of local people Cumbria Wildlife Trust hope they can help make Barrow and Walney Island an urban haven for wildlife"
"If you live in Ormsgill, Hindpool, Central, Risedale, Barrow Island and Walney North you will have a chance to develop your skills by taking part in volunteer action days and learn about wildlife days. In fact, there will be lots activities for everyone such as family events, training, conservation work parties and surveys, practical workshops, walks, and an annual celebration event"
You can follow the Barrow’s Wildside project as it develops on the Cumbria Wildlife Trust website here.
In the meantime, if know of a green space in Barrow you would like to see thriving with wildlife you can email: suet@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk or telephone 01539 816300.
Monday, 24 January 2011
188 Marsh Street frustrations
Although frustrated, we remain hopeful that we will receive news confirming the puchase of vacant and derelict 188 Marsh Street shortly. Following the purchase, the property will need to be demolished before we can begin works associated with the introduction of the main pedestrian access route onto the Green Heart Den.
The purchase is heavily reliant on:
1. Network Rail who own the property. We understand that this would be of mutual benefit to them as their property has been vacant for decades, is derelict, in very poor condition and an eyesore to the local community.
2. Barrow Borough Council who have been working hard to secure the purchase of 188 Marsh Street from Network Rail.
188 Marsh Street as viewed from the Green Heart Den.
The purchase is heavily reliant on:
1. Network Rail who own the property. We understand that this would be of mutual benefit to them as their property has been vacant for decades, is derelict, in very poor condition and an eyesore to the local community.
2. Barrow Borough Council who have been working hard to secure the purchase of 188 Marsh Street from Network Rail.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)