Green Heart Den......Urban Oasis

New design for our business cards

2012-02-16T10:48:00.000Z

We would like to thank Kerry at Polska Design for designing and producing our new business cards.

Another little blue bird showing an interest in our nest boxes

2012-02-15T22:18:00.000Z

First sighting of a lady bird this month

2012-02-15T22:17:00.000Z

Some of our crocus in the wildlife boundary area.

2012-02-15T22:16:00.000Z

Natural England booklets - Wildlife gardening

2012-02-15T21:59:00.002Z

Natural England have produced a variety of booklets about wildlife gardening and may help attract more wildlife into our gardens. They are all available for download on their website here.

Examples of the excellent information they include are detailed below.

Help to save our bumblebees.

Plants shrubs and trees to help attract wildlife.

Solitary snow drop

2012-02-14T16:25:00.000Z

A solitary snowdrop begins to flower in the wildlife area.

FREE Gardening for Wildlife workshop 17.03.2012

2012-02-14T15:51:00.001Z

Courtsey of our friends at Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Management.

FREE 'Gardening for Wildlife' workshop (run By Cumbria Wildlife Trust) - Saturday 17th March 2012, at the Neighbourhood Management office, 242/244 Dalton Rd. Call 01229 876546 or email neighbourhoodmgt@barrowbc.gov.uk to book a place.

Find out what to plant to support wildlife, learn about bird and bat boxes and much more.

Smile....be happy

2012-02-11T19:11:00.000Z

Barrow's Wildside Project.....

2012-02-11T13:07:00.000Z

Barrow's Wildside Project ran by Cumbria Wildlife Trust 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. And with the help of local people we can 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.

If you would like more information please visit their website here.

FREE Grow your own workshop

2012-02-11T10:57:00.000Z

We are hoping our team of valued volunteers are enjoying today's FREE grow your own workshop as provided by our friends at Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Management.

A welcomed visit from a blackbird

2012-02-10T16:13:00.000Z

Today's volunteer activities.....

2012-02-10T16:11:00.001Z

Lee maintaining some of our tree posts.

Filming for our team of valued volunteers Love Barrow Award nomination.

Preparing to re-site some of our recently maintained bird nest boxes.

Quote for the week.....

2012-02-10T09:07:00.002Z

"Remember, weeds are flowers too....once you get to know them" - Winnie the Pooh

North Walney beach clean - 18th February

2012-02-09T16:30:00.000Z

Concerns as ice continues to form on Greengate Street bridge structure

2012-02-09T11:43:00.002Z

Ice continues to form from water seeping through at various high position on the structure of Greengate Street bridge between marsh Street and the railway line..

As the water seeping through the structure begins at a high level (3.5 metres to 4 metres plus above ground level, just below the level of the road surface/pavement above) it is suggested that in all likelihood, the source of the water could potentially be from a leaking road surface or road drains on Greengate Street.

We would like to thank Network Rail and Cumbria County Council who are trying to help resolve this issue.

Current organisational structure

2012-02-09T01:34:00.013Z

Current Directors of Company:

Steven Pryer
Steve Robson
Scott Gomersall
Joe Wardman

Company Secretary:

Scott Gomersall

Currents Members of Company:

Andy High
Rebecca Rawlings
Graham Bromley
Paul Zaccarini
Lisa Millard
Phil Robson
John Irving
Ian Laird
Sandra Brewer
Patricia Thomas
Rebecca Allen
Robert Smith
Margie Arts
Veronica Whatley
John Opie
Lynda Lea Shaw
Johanna Cambridge
Jon Lyons
Alan Tickle
Steve Casson
Paul White

Volunteer Coordinator:

Lynda Lea Shaw

Project Coordinator:

Graham Bromley

Garden volunteers:

Karen Moore
Lee Pickering
Bryan Aspin
David Hayes
John Opie

North plot wildlife banking.......

2012-02-08T22:08:00.002Z

North plot banking 2011, a set on Flickr.

Tree pit repairs

2012-02-08T15:49:00.000Z

FREE Gardening for Wildlife workshop

2012-02-07T19:41:00.001Z

Courtesy of our friends at Central and HindpoolNeighbourhood Management.

FREE 'Gardening for Wildlife' workshop (run By Cumbria Wildlife Trust) - Saturday 17th March 2012, at the Neighbourhood Management office, 242/244 Dalton Rd.

Call Rebecca Allen on 01229 876546 or you can email: neighbourhoodmgt@barrowbc.gov.uk to book a place.

Find out what to plant to support wildlife, learn about bird and bat boxes and much more.

Green Heart Den attendances 2008 to present

2012-02-07T18:23:00.001Z

There was a slight reduction in the number of attendances, particularly in 2011. This was due to large scale construction works in which we limited access for reasons of health and safety.

Among the works conducted during this time included:

The demolition and rebuilding of the back street wall.
The installation of new railings and gates.
Overhead work to install wires to the arbour.
Network Rail conducting overhead work to repair brickwork.

Our Iris flourishing in the winters sun

2012-02-07T15:59:00.000Z

Removing our tree posts.....

2012-02-07T15:46:00.000Z

Our valued volunteers have begun work to remove our tree posts. Over the following weeks all the tree posts will be removed and reused to provide a post and wire fence to protect the plants around the water feature area.

Our snowdrops are flourishing

2012-02-06T15:50:00.000Z

Some of our flowering crocus

2012-02-06T15:39:00.002Z

Today's visiting little blue birds

2012-02-06T15:38:00.000Z

Concerns in regard to ice forming on Greengate Street bridge structure

2012-02-05T14:28:00.004Z

The amount of ice forming on the structure of Greengate Street bridge is causing us some concern as this may potentially be having a negative effect on the integrity of the brickwork and the structure as a whole.

Sunday morning on the Green Heart Den 05.02.2012

2012-02-05T12:58:00.000Z

Live your Life, Love you Life Event

2012-02-04T20:56:00.002Z

With Senior warden Andy High from Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Management Team ready for our first visitors at the Love your Life, Live you Life event at Forum 28.

A welcomed visit from Lady Mayoress Eleanor Murphy and Barrow Mayor John Murphy.

Even our trees are freezing.......

2012-02-03T17:05:00.003Z

Sacred Heart School visit 03/02/2012

2012-02-03T17:02:00.000Z

Among the Robins visiting today included.......

2012-02-02T14:34:00.000Z

Checking our hedgehog boxes

2012-02-01T15:12:00.000Z

CJ Wildlife - A very generous donation

2012-02-01T15:06:00.000Z

Our new bird nest boxes as very kindly donated by CJ Wildlife.

FREE grow your own workshop

2012-01-31T21:48:00.002Z

Courtesy of our friends at Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Management.

A very generous donation

2012-01-31T15:10:00.002Z

We would like to thank CJ Wildbird Foods for their very generous donation of four bird nest boxes. It is very much appreciated and will make a real difference.

"CJ WildBird Foods offer a wide variety of high-quality products to help you attract, feed, identify and care for wild birds, along with a broad selection of other garden wildlife.

The ornithologists and wildlife advisors at CJs carry out research projects along with leading wildlife experts to ensure we are continually producing not only high-quality products, but products designed specifically for the wildlife they are intended for. Within our broad range you'll find everything you need to encourage wildlife to flourish in your garden"

Final measurements for arch F

2012-01-31T10:25:00.001Z

Gilmour Fabrications Ltd taking final detailed measurements for the new secure gated entrance to arch F.

We are now looking for additional funding which would enable us to provide a secure gated entrance to the last remaining arch facing the Green Heart Den. If successful this would improve the visible appearance of the arch and provide additional, secure space, for activities and storage.

Final measurements for arches E

2012-01-30T16:58:00.001Z

Tradesmen from Gilmour Fabrications Ltd taking the final, detailed 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 has been provided by The Sir John Fisher Foundation and Barrow Borough Council

Snowdrops and crocus in the wildlife area

2012-01-30T14:10:00.002Z

Our first sighting of a Goldfinch.........

2012-01-30T14:09:00.000Z

Live Life, Love Life event.

2012-01-30T09:29:00.001Z

We will be sharing a stall with Central and Hindpool Neighbour Management Team at the Live Life event. Hope you can attend, we would love to meet you.

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