Page 36 - link magazine

last Moulden tree plant??

36 swindonlink.com • January 2011

Valentine’s community tree plant Shaw Forest restoration focus
The Great Western Community Forest team’s annual community of climate change conference
tree planting day takes place at Mouldon Hill Country Park Thirty councillors, planners and sustainability managers representing
on Sunday 13 February when volunteers are being asked local authorities in Swindon, Gloucestershire and Bristol met at Lower
to plant 500 trees between 11am and 3pm. Shaw Farm in November to hear evidence presented by Natural England
More details will be published in the February Link. for the importance of green space in helping adapt to a changing climate.
Natural England project manager “We wanted people to leave the
Brook Field have a whale of a time Simon Bates said, “the focus of the conference with the confi dence to
day was on how woodland, wetland argue that quality green space is
sailing towards eco-fl ag and park areas not only encourage a viable alternative to solving the
wildlife and provide attractive problems associated with climate
The eco-warriors at Shaw’s Brook Field Primary School have been places for people to visit, they also change, and we certainly got a posi-
doing sterling work to create their eco-code that is making increasing play an important role in fl ood tive response on the day.”
use of the environment to inspire lessons and teach the children about defence and in reducing the effect Patrick Norris of Great Western
how to look after the planet.
of urban heat, which may cost lives Community Forest attended the
as we face rising temperatures.” conference. He said “it was a very
Conference members walked to good day with lots of good ideas.
nearby Shaw Forest to see Swin- Our challenge now is to take the
don’s signifi cant environmental ideas forward and spread the
success story. Once the town’s land- word.”
fi ll tip but over the last thirty years Natural England will be using
has been turned into an attractive Shaw Forest as an example of a suc-
green space greatly appreciated and cessful restoration project to local
hotly defended against commercial authorities looking for advice on
exploitation by the population. how green space and landfi ll areas
Simon added, “Shaw Forest Park can be effectively used.
is a great source of inspiration to • The West Swindon Forum will
demonstrate what can be done, be discussing Shaw Forest on 10
with its wetlands area and adjacent January. See page 4.
cycle route.

Brook Field eco-children inside their living willow whale which will sprout leaves
in Spring, with the playground shelter sails in the background Park seeks volunteers
Eco-teacher Rachel Bartlett said atively. Taking inspiration from the to help with outdoor work
“we already have a silver school’s sail shelters in the playground she
eco-award, and are now looking for developed a sea theme, and made If you love nature and want to give something back to the environment
ways to make a more signifi cant and up an ingenious story of a Brook you could be a volunteer warden at Lydiard Park.
measurable difference” Field boy who swallowed a whale. The beautiful, historic park has place to build your confi dence if
The main priority for Rachel Joel Langley explained, “the boy 266 acres which need looking after you’re looking to return to work
though is to create super lessons got so full he then vomited up the and a new volunteer warden group or have recently retired. You’ll be
for the different classes. “We have whale onto the school fi eld. It was is being set up to take on tasks in- working with like-minded people
built up a great relationship with a bit yuck but very funny.” cluding maintenance, practical con- and have the chance to exchange
Ruth Parsons of Woodland Learn- Rachel added, “the whale story servation, woodland management, experiences as well as supporting
ing, who 17 years ago planted our engaged the whole school, includ- and wildlife surveys, as well as each other.
woodland walk that we use all the ing many parents who came along helping with environmental educa- “The warden work offers oppor-
time to support lessons across the to help us do the planting. This is tion, guided walks and workshops. tunities for relaxing and stress-re-
curriculum - from science to PE, such a great example of how the Mark Eborn, Lydiard Park lieving work in a beautiful outdoor
literacy and drama. There’s nothing environment can really be inspiring warden, said, “Lydiard Park is a setting, and the opportunity to be
like having your own mysterious for every subject.” wonderful place to learn about physically active.
wood to bring Macbeth alive.” In February Ruth Parsons will conservation, wildlife and ecology “Support, training, equipment,
Several years ago the school be returning to the school to do and volunteering will be a reward- and a sense of achievement are
tried to extend its playground until a teacher training day focussing ing and enjoyable experience. offered in return for volunteers’
it became clear that it was much on forest schooling and work on “As well as increasing your valuable time.”
too boggy. Ruth was asked to be restoring the school’s derelict pond knowledge, volunteering will help For details call Mark on 771419
involved again using the space cre- area should be completed by Easter. develop your skills and is a great or mail: [email protected]

CLICK & BUY ON ONLINE BLACKFORDS TIMBER SUPPLIES
BLACKFORDS TIMBER SUPPLIES
☞ SIMPLE TO USE ONLINE SHOP
SELECT YOUR DIY FENCE/GATE KIT
BUY & WE DELIVER
WWW.KUDOSFENCING.COM Specialists in the advice and supply of:
FULL RANGE OF GATES FENCING MATERIALS
• Help & Advice on DECKING
all Fencing Matters
• Free Home Survey SHEDS
• Famiy Business Est 1983
SPRING OFFER! LANDSCAPING
4 MONTHS INTEREST STONEWARE
FREE CREDIT AVAILABLE
ON ALL INSTALLATIONS Tel: 01793 778070
KUDOS FENCING GREENHILL, WOOTTON BASSETT, SWINDON

Free Estimate on 01793 855800 Weekdays 7am - 4.30pm. Saturday 7am - 11.30am

21-48 January 2011.indd 36 17/12/2010 15:21