The North plot

The North plot as it is today before we begin its proposed development, in partnership with others, as a community "Grow Your Own" type scheme.

It is hoped that, among the health benefits of such as scheme would include; increased opportunities for physical activity, improve mental health and well being, increase the availablity of fresh food and a decreased stigmatisation of mental health problems . This has generated a great deal of interest and support from our many partners, key stakeholders, funders and friends.

It would also be a great way to help provide individuals and organisations who would like to "grow their own, but who may not have the facilities or space, the opportunity to grow their own and adopt, use and/or sponsor a planter.

Green Heart Den basking in the sun

Junior Wardens Film Session

Central and Hindpool Junior Wardens preparing for a film interview session.  This forms part of their John Muir Award activities in which they will document 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 from the grant we received from Our Green Space 

A small white butterfly enjoying our buddleja

One of our slow worms

One of our Medium Tortosieshell butterflies

One of our Red Admiral Butterflies

Back Street Pipistrelle Bats

...............Watching Pipistrelle bats in the back street.

Another family session and more sunshine. Fantastic.

The weather continues to be kind for the family sessions.These sessions, held regularly throughout the school summer holiday, form part of the Aiming high for disabled children in Furness, Transforming Short Breaks agenda.

.....................Inspiring

Last night one of our Pipistrelle bats visited the north plot area

North Plot Planters - Strawberries

The strawberries planted in the north plot planters earlier in the year by Central and Hindpool Junior Wardens continue to bearing a great deal of fruit. These have proved very popular with everyone.

..............and they are very,very nice to eat, so much tastier than those you buy in the shops.

North Plot Planters - Yellow Tomatoes

The yellow tomatoes planted in the north plot planters earlier in the year by Central and Hindpool Junior Wardens continue to flourish and are bearing a great deal of fruit.

.........they taste good as well!

Plans For a Community Growing Scheme on the North Plot

Is looking forward to the upcoming meeting to progress the proposals for a community growing type scheme on the north plot. It is hoped that, among the health benefits of such as scheme would include; increased opportunities for physical activity, improve mental health and well being, increase the availablity of fresh food and a decreased stigmatisation of mental health problems . This has generated a great deal of interest and support from our many partners, key stakeholders, funders and friends.

It would also be a great way to help provide individuals and organisations who would like to "grow their own, but who may not have the facilities or space, the opportunity to grow their own and adopt, use and/or sponsor a planter.

Greengate Bridge Structure Update

Earlier today our Project Coordinator Graham Bromley met with Sam Cowsill, Network Rail Structures Mangement Engineer (Cumbria), and Tom Clark from AMCO Rail. The aim of the meeting was to identify and price works associated with our previously highlighted concerns regarding the poor and deteriorating condition of the Greengate Street bridge structure. We were also joined by Val Holden, Principal Officer at Barrow Borough Council.

Among the issues previously highlighted included; loose and falling brickwork, vegetation growing in the bridge structure and water seeping through the bridge structure in various positions. It is understood that the minor works identified will begin in October. During discussions it was identified that there are water services in the pavement above which could potentially be leaking and contributing to the water seeping through the structure, it also appeared that the road gullies above on Greengate Street are in a por condition and may be block which again could potentially be a contributing factor the the water seeping through the bridge structure.

We would like to thank Network Rail, AMCO Rail and Barrow Borough Council for working with us to help and try resolve the issues assocated with Greengate Bridge Structure.

It is understood that Cumbria County Council are in the process of imposing a weight restriction for vehicles using Greengate Street Bridge while they are conducting thier own investigation into these issues, in paticular the water seepage.

Wildlife Workshops in Barrow Park

Smile please

Our arbour planting boxes

Underneath the arches

And now underneath the chives

A view of the boundary between the garden and our natural wild area

A medium tortoiseshell enjoys some of our mint

Berries are flourishing in our wildlife boundary areas

Our chives are beginning to flower....better late than never!

North Plot Banking - Ox eye daisy

Network Rail Greengate Street Bridge Structure Update

Earlier today our Project Coordinator Graham Bromley met a respresentative from AMCO Rail who had been commissioned by Network Rail to price works associated with our previously highlighted concerns regarding the poor and deteriorating condition of the Greengate Street bridge structure.

Among the issues previously highlighted included; loose and falling brickwork, vegetation growing in the bridge structure and water seeping through the bridge structure in various positions. It is understood that a minor works order has been issued by Network Rail in regard to the vegetation and loose and falling brickwork, this will be a 16 week remit, flagged as high priority.

Network Rail have passed the issue of water seepage back to Cumbria County Council in the hope that they could possibly help to resolve this particular issue under highways/road drainage.

It is understood that Cumbria County Council is currently planning to introduce a weight restriction for the bridge at the request of Network Rail. This is a temporary measure until the full details of the works required at the bridge are known, and the cost implications to both Network Rail and Cumbria County Council are identified.

It is hoped that by working together and in partnership with others this issue can be resolved to the benefit of all.

We would like to thank Network Rail and Cumbria County Council for working with us in helping to try and resolve these issues.

Development Trust Association Membership

We have received written confirmation that our application to join the Development Trust Association (DTA)as an associate member in the "emerging development trust" category had been approved.

The "emerging development trust" status allows the DTA to work with us for a period of twenty four months.

Among the benefits of joining the DTA include:

• Regional support in developing an action plan for becoming a full member
• Information and advice from their regional and national teams
• Access to small grants for study visits
• Access to the DTA's regional and national practioner network
• Discounts/bursaries for DTA events

Underneath Our John Downie

Another Successful Family Session

The Family Sessions continue to prove popular. The sessions forms part of the Aiming high for disabled children in Furness, Transforming Short Breaks agenda.

Junior Wardens Filming Session

Filming session with Central and Hindpool Junior Wardens. This forms part of their John Muir Award activities in which they will document their excellent work on the Green Heart Den.

The session included an introduction to basic filming/interview techniques as delivered by Darren Conway of Morph Films.

Funding for the film training session has been provided from the grant we received from Our Green Space.

Additional pictures can be viewed at our Flickr photo gallery here

At the end of the session visitor feedback forms were completed by all. Among the comments received included;

In your own words, what did you most enjoy about the Green Heart Den?

• "The planting. Really everyhing is cool and the climbing frame entertains the little children that come to visit the Green Heart Den"
• "It is very peaceful, most enjoyed the plans and seating area"
• The flowers, no litter, it's fun"
• "The flowers and bees"
• "A really peaceful environment and the ability to learn new skils while participating in all the various activities"
• "Everything"
• The different plants, flowers and animals"
• "The peacefulness"
• "Green area, nice and quiet"
• Beautiful, fun and educational"
• "Cool"

What, if anything would you like to see the arches used for?

• "Family fun days, Junior Warden activities, community events"
• "I would like a workshop area to work with Graham and the Junior Wardens"
• "Cafe, sports activities, toilets"
• "Arts/creative space to develop skills using mixed media to create art to reflect community and environmental issues"
• "Fun stuff for young people"
• "Climbing frame, fun stuff"
• "Family area"
• "Cafe"
• "Youth activities"
• "Sports"
• Climbing frame, drink facility, workshops for planting etc
• "Gardening club"

Collecting seeds from our wildflowers

The seeds, which include among others; wild poppy, corncockle and ox eye daisy, will be scattered along the north plot banking and in the wild area on the Green Heart Den.

Junior Wardens Filming Session

We are looking forward to tomorrows filming session with Central and Hindpool Junior Wardens. This forms part of their John Muir Award activities in which they will document their excellent work on the Green Heart Den.

The session will also include an introduction to basic filming techniques as delivered by Darren Conway of Morph Films

Funding for the film training session has been provided from the grant we received from Our Green Space.

Various butterflies enjoying our buddleja - part 4

One of our Common Blue

Our Lawn Benefits From a Short Back and Sides

I can almost smell the freshly cut grass from here. Fantastic.

Various butterflies enjoying our buddleja - part 3

A Gatekeeper

A Small White?

Various butterflies enjoying our buddleja - part 2

.................A Peacock Butterfly

                                                                        

            .........and a Medium Tortoiseshell

Various butterflies enjoying our buddleja

A comma

and a Red Admiral

North Plot Snapdragon

Our Bees

Bees are becoming regular visitors to the Green Heart Den, they appear to particularly like of our mint plants.

MIND John Muir Award Potential

Project Coordinator Graham Bromley had a very positive and productive meeting with Sue Thurley from MIND to discuss the potential opportunity for MIND users conducting some of their John Muir Award activities ont the Green Heart Den and the north plot.

Furness Youth Council Visit

The Green Heart Den enjoyed hosting the Furness Youth Council activities earlier today.

Before they left members of the Youth Council were kind enough to complete visitor feedback forms. Among their comments about the Green Heart Den and the arches included:

• "It" so peaceful, I love it"
• "Great place, fascinating story, keep up the good work!
• "Quiet and peaceful, It will be a good place to come back with friends"
• "It was well maintained and a great way to use the space"
• "Looked gorgeous, so quiet"
• "Great place, I will be waching with interest"
• "Fantastic resource for the community"
• "Nice and clean. Lovely, what a great place to come to"

Suggestions in regard to the potential development of the arches included:

• "Cafe, health centre and a games room for when it rains. Could hold small events there"
• "Cafe with cake shop and a tea room maybe"
• "A youth cafe"
• "Art gallery and climbing wall"
• "As a sheltered space, so that the garden and area can be used on rainy days"

We also recieved a suggestion for a covering over the picnic tables so they can still be used on rainy days.

Family Sessions continue to prove to be popular

The Family Sessions continue to prove popular inspite of the rain earlier today. Families are regularly returning to relax and enjoy the surrounding and take part in the free activities.Family Session". The sessions forms part of the Aiming high for disabled children in Furness, Transforming Short Breaks agenda.

Ricky helps prepare free activities for this weeks Family Session

Hub TV Building Community Initial Film Session

Hub TV, on behalf of Building Community, are following our progress over the next 12 months in regard to the asset transfer of the north plot. 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 which is led and managed by the Development Trust Association.

In attendance for the first session were; Carl Thompson  Hub TV, Building Community Project Officer Louise Brown, Sarah Eustace from the Asset Transfer Unit, Development Trust Association Development Officer Jackie McQueen, Furness College Creative Media tutor Mark Preston and our Project Coordinator Graham Bromley.

Additional pictures of the initial filming session can be viewed on our Flickr photo gallery here.

For additional information about Building Community please visit their website here.

Thank you to Mark Preston for the pictures.

Green Heart Den Maintenance

Thats the grass cut, cuttings composted, weeding completed, brambles cut back, paths swept, litter bins cleaned and emptied.

.............................and just in time for the train.

Barrow Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership: My Week Is Over!!!

Lydia Smith, currently a student Police Officer, training with Cumbria Constabulary has recently spent a week with Barrow CDRP visiting various projects and plans which the partnership is involved with and trying to understand how this is beneficial in making the neighbourhoods of Barrow safer and the communities stronger. Please view her thoughts by clicking the link below.

Barrow Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership: My Week Is Over!!!: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my week with the CDRP and have learned a lot about the Barrow community. The most prevalent part of my week came when I visited the Green Heart Den........."

Update - North plot tomatoes

The tomatoes in the North plot planters are really flourishing.

These were planted earlier in the year by Central and Hindpool Junior Wardens as part of their work towards achieving a second John Muir award.

Stolen Honda EC 3600 Generator

Can you help.

Between 4.30pm, Wednesday 4th August  and  9am, Thursday 5th August our Honda EC 3600 Petrol generator was stolen by unknown persons accessing the north plot via Marsh Street back street to the immediate north of Marsh Street bridge. Please find details of our generator below.

Serial number: EZDJ - 8302143

Engine number: GCADT - 1115725

If you have any information could you please call Cumbria Police on: 0845 33 00 247 or alternatively call Crimestoppers completely anonymously on 0800 555 111. Thank you.

Today and another fantastic Free family session event

Families are regularly returning to relax and enjoy the surrounding and take part in the free activities during the family sessions. The sessions forms part of the Aiming high for disabled children in Furness, Transforming Short Breaks agenda.

Cumbria Wildlife Trust Recruitment - Barrow Wildside Project

The Big Lottery has now given Cumbria Wildlife Trust permission to start the Barrow's Wildside Project. The aim of he project is to improve the natural environment of Barrow and Walney Island and reconnect local communities with their local environment.

The Trust have now completed the job descriptions and the Project Officer post is now being advertised throughout the area. If you are interested, you can find details of the project and the application process can be downloaded by clicking on the appropriate links below:
 
Wildside Project Sumary
Wildside Project Officer Role Description
Application for employment
Equal Opportunities monitoring
Equal Opportunities questionnaire - Disability

Our Green Space - Updated Open Green Space Guides

The Our Green Space Project has updated and re-printed three popular guides on issues relating to open green spaces:

• An Introduction to their legal status and protection.
• A Guide to Common Management Issues.
• An Introduction to Managing for wildlife. 

The guides provide easy to read, useful information for anyone who is involved in managing or developing their local green spaces or for anyone with an interest or concerns about the greens spaces where they live.

These guides can be downloaded for free at the Our Green Space website here.

Alternatively contact Our Green Space Project Officer Carol Douglas

on: 01539 720788 or at email: Carol-Douglas@fld.org.uk

Our Slow Worms Appear To Be Flourishing

..........Fantastic

More Free Fun For Local Families

More fun for local families at todays second "Family Session". The sessions forms part of the Aiming high for disabled children in Furness, Transforming Short Breaks agenda.

Taking Delivery of Our Recently Donated Tables

Our new tables, generously donated by Margaret Burrow at Barrow and District Disability Association. Thank you Margaret, it was very much appreciated.

Thank you also to Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Wardens for collecting and delivering the tables.

Junior Wardens - Growing Well Training

Central and Hindpool Junior Wardens receiving basic gardening training from Growing Well education coordinator Pauline Sprott.

The training session, funded by a grant we received from Our Green Space, forms part of the Junior Wardens John Muir Award activities. Inspiring.

Among the various vegetables and herbs planted included; runner beans, lettuce, rocket and chives.

It is hoped that the first training event may lead to additinal training sessions for the Junior Wardens and/or volunteers on the Green Heart Den. We have also been invited to visit Growing Well. 

Additional pictures from the session can be viewed here.

Thank you to all who attended and contributed to what was a most enjoyable event.

Family Session Fun

The initial "family session", organised by Community Development Officers at the Community Unit, and hosted by the Green Heart Den proves to be successful. The sessions form part of the Aiming high for disabled children in Furness, Transforming Short Breaks agenda.

Additional family sessions have now been booked for each Thursday afternoon throughout the school summer holidays.

One vistor who enjoyed the event commented: "We had a nice afternoon and are looking forward to next week. Our cuttings are now in the garden"

Karen Y Hull, Furness Inclusion Worker - Short Breaks, Cumbria Children's Services said of the initial session:

"The event reflects the true spirit of community, partnership working and promotes the innovative opportunities being made available through the Aiming High - Transforming short breaks agenda".

A brief report provided by Karen can be viewed and downloaded here.

 

Fanastic......this is what it is all 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 which is led and manageged by the Development Trust Association.

Building Community is a source of expert advice and information on how to transform land and buildings into community spaces; they are offering support to various organisations throughout the country who are undertaking asset transfer by providing an opportunity for them to showcase their organisation and the process over a 12 month period.
As part of the process for our introduction as a new DTA member we are to be filmed over the following 12 months by way of documenting both our progress as a new member of the Trust and our work to develop the north plot and the potential development of the vacant, adjacent railway arches.

Early days yet, but we have recently been given a new project page on the Building Community website here.

For additional information, please visit the Building Community website here.

Junior Wardens - John Muir Award Activities

The Green Heart Den is looking forward to again assisting Central and Hindpool Junior Wardens in their efforts to achieve a second John Muir Award. Various activities that contribute to the award will be conducted on the Green Heart Den and North plot during the school summer holidays. Among the various activities include; a bug hunt, a John Muir quiz, and basic horticulture training facilitated by educational staff from Growing Well.