Community Garden Workshops: 14th July 2013

Community Garden Workshops: 14th July 2013

Morning and afternoon workshops were held in Silloth’s Community Technology College on Sunday 14th July, so that the community in Silloth could have an opportunity to say what they would like in the new community garden, due to be built by volunteers on the corner of Criffle Street and Lawn Terrace. The overall aim of the project is to encourage the local community to produce their own ideas for the design, planting and interpretation of heritage; and also to consider, along with the Steering Group, the long term sustainability and care of the Community Garden. Key objectives are: “to develop a garden for the community to own, relax in and enjoy; for nature studies, education and conservation; and to reflect on aspects of the Green’s rich heritage.”

A number of very creative and interesting ideas emerged from the children during the morning workshop session. Adults then built on these suggestions and added a few more ideas during the afternoon session. Final suggestions were summarised and scribed by Jennifer Rowlands, who had been brought in as the main facilitator for the day.

The garden designers from Moota have now taken all the suggestions away and will incorporate them into a first draft  design. The Community Garden Steering Group will then look the plans over (around the end of August), and either OK them or make additional suggestions. Moota will then produce the final design.

The next stage will be to find artists and creatives  who can carry forward the interpretation aspects of the garden. It will also be necessary to arrange tenders for landscaping and plants.

Anna Malina will be updating the Council and submitting periodic reports to HLF, who will then, hopefully, release funds to continue with the landscape development followed by planting in the Spring of 2014. Friends of the Green and Anna will also be keeping the community updated about progress via the Silloth Green website and the Silloth Green Facebook page.

Many thanks to all who came along and all those who lent their support to the children. We had a great day and  await with excitement the design plans from Moota. When finalised, the design plans will  be  available on this website, in the Community Engagement Officer’s room in the Community Hall on Petteril Street, and in the Community College.

Contacts:

Anna Malina, Community Engagement Officer, Silloth Green. email. anna.malina@silloth-on-solway.co.uk  OfficeTel: 016973 31816. Mobile 07900922818

Friends of the Green: fog@sillothgreen.co.uk