The aim of the garden project is to transform an area of derelict land into a community garden.
The land has been derelict for almost 30 years, and until a recent clean up, used as an area for fly tipping, arson, under age drinking and drug abuse. The garden has been designed in such a way that it will provide the local community with a safe, clean urban oasis in which local people can meet friends and neighbours, possibly take part in a wide range of activities or simply relax in and enjoy the surroundings, visiting it again and again.
The completed garden will not only improve the general appearance of the area and provide accessible green open space in this densely populated area but will also help to improve the physical and mental well being of the local community.
The garden has three main features:
1. The picnic area, where families can eat outside and use the BBQ area.
2. The quiet area, where people can sit or walk around and see a variety of plants and trees with a central feature which includes herbs and fruit trees.
3. The promenade, which is the main route to the gardens and will also allow access to the arches.
The garden received a major boost recently when the committee received a grant from the Our Green Space scheme. This is a scheme supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Friends of the Lake District and Voluntary Action Cumbria. The grant can be used to enhance the community garden and to explore our social, historical and industrial heritage, and may possibly provide training and educational opportunities.
There will be ways for local people to learn more about their local environment and a variety of different ways to learn about what is around us, how things are the way they are, the history of the area, the buildings new and old, and recording what memories people have before it is too late.
We are hoping that this grant will allow people to get involved in different ways; helping to protect the soprano pipistrelle bat roost in one of the adjacent railway arches, learning about running a project, protecting natural habitats, learning about or even making a career in working on environmental issues.
