The Green Heart Den project is looking to take on more volunteers and/or members. Based in Barrow and Furness the Community Interest Company aims to carry on activities which benefit the community and in particular (without limitation) to bring into uses beneficial to the community the railway arches on Marsh Street, Barrow-in Furness.
Through several years’ voluntary hard work, with the help of various partners and after securing an 85 year lease agreement from the local authority, they have developed two areas of previously derelict land. The two plots of land are divided by several vacant railway arches owned by Network Rail.
Their first plot as a well-designed, user friendly green open space in which people can enjoy, relax in and possibly take part in a range of activities. This was completed in July 2008 and officially named Green Heart Den by local school children.
The second similar sized plot of derelict land, to the immediate north of vacant railway arches, has been developed as a community "grow your own" scheme which includes; 28 raised planters, a ploy tunnel, log cabin, planted borders, seating, a small orchard, and a wildlife area. This was completed in August 2012.
The Charity believe that the full involvement of local people in the process will not only provide the best opportunity for long term sustainability of the project but will also help with the wider social and economic regeneration of the area, providing people with skills and confidence to start new projects, access training or further education or find employment either within the project or elsewhere.
VOLUNTEERING
Although GHD have reached their capacity at the moment, they will shortly be conducting a review of the situation and may need additional volunteers later in the year).
What skills and abilities are required?
No experience is necessary however; reliability, commitment, enthusiasm, common sense and the ability to work as part of a team is crucial to the success of our project.
What are the benefits to you?
We are looking for local people, interested in gardening, growing, wildlife, to take part in a wide range of practical gardening activities which would include; routine maintenance tasks, sewing seeds, planting, creating and enhancing our wildlife habitats. We would hope to offer our volunteers an opportunity to help their local community, meet other like-minded local people, and help them to gain confidence and practical skills in gardening, plant and wildlife identification and garden management.
Although we do provide protective clothing such as gloves, goggles and face masks we require all of our volunteers to wear suitable clothing and footwear such as sturdy shoes or boots.
We have produced a list of garden maintenance tasks as a guide to assist individual volunteers and organisation involved in maintaining and managing the Green Heart Den community garden and community grow your own scheme. For reference, this list can be downloaded here.
BECOME A MEMBER
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.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT THEIR WEBSITE HERE:- http://greenheartden.blogspot.co.uk/
