Woodland Walk at Bashfordsland Wood

Photo from Woodland Walk (on Monday 28th July) in Bashfordsland Wood with Dermot Hughes. Part of Love Parks Week.

Community Orchard Planting Day on 23rd February 2014

Fruit Tree Planting Event on Sunday 23rd February 2014, starting at 1pm in Whitehead Diamond Jubilee Wood. A full-on family event so, apart from the tree-planting, there’ll be guided walks, artistic endeavours and other attractions. Experts on hand to tell you the stories of the trees, show you how to forage food for free, teach you how to keep a hedge under control. We’ll help you to build your own bird-box, hang some feeders and make a leaf-print. This event is organised by Transition Town Whitehead.

Turning plastic bags into apples: The government's 'carrier bag levy' was started in April 2013; it meant you had to pay a 5p charge when you chose to take a shop's plastic bag with your groceries. This has raised over £3m since then, much of which has been channelled into the NI Environment Agency's NGO Challenge Fund, available to community and voluntary organisations for environmental projects. Transition Town Whitehead has been one of the beneficiaries; and received a grant of almost £8,500 from the fund for their 'Edible Landscape' project. With the ready co-operation of Carrickfergus Borough Council, who manage Diamond Jubilee Wood. They intend to plant a sustainable and edible community orchard in the Diamond Jubilee Wood. The grant has enabled them to buy almost 200 fruit and nut trees - apples, pears, cherries, damsons, walnut, hazelnut - and a mixture of berry bushes. Within a few years, these trees will be bearing fruit, for the benefit of everyone who visits the wood and, indeed, for the bird population as well.

Jim Kitchen, from Transition Town Whitehead, said, "Planting these trees this year is our investment in the future. In a few years' time, we'll literally be able to use the fruits of our labour by making puddings, jams and chutneys from the produce of this orchard. We hope this is the first step in what will become an edible landscape - over the next few years, we can add beehives, fruiting hedgerows and, maybe one day, a full scale community allotment scheme. So, why don't you come along and help us take the first steps. It's all happening on Sunday 23rd February from 1pm to about 4pm. If it's still raining, put on your boots and waterproofs, bring a spade if you have one, and join us for this planting party. You don't need to know anything about planting trees; you just need a wee bit of enthusiasm.

Ash Dieback at Diamond Jubilee Wood

Carrickfergus Borough Council has temporarily closed Whitehead Diamond Jubilee Wood to aid the efficient removal of the infected ash trees.The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) advised the Council earlier this month that two of its parks have been affected by the fungus disease Chalara fraxinea, which is commonly referred to as Ash Dieback. The two sites are Diamond Jubilee Wood in Whitehead and Bashfordsland Wood in Carrickfergus. Bashfordsland Wood remains open. Carrickfergus Borough Council is taking every precaution to limit the spread of the disease in conjunction with both the Forest Service and DARD. Ash Dieback is a serious disease which causes leaf loss and crown dieback in affected trees, which can lead to tree death. Ash trees suffering with the infection have been found widely across Europe.
The wood will remain closed while the Contractor carries out the removal of the infected ash trees. We would like to apologise to those who use the park, although it is hoped that the wood will reopen on Friday subject to DARD approval. We would ask members of the public to help us to prevent the further spread of Ash Dieback by taking a number of precautionary measures when visiting the Whitehead Diamond Jubilee Wood or Bashfordsland Wood:

• Keep to obvious paths and keep dogs on a leash
• Watch out for information notices
• Do not take plants or cuttings from our parks
• Avoid dumping garden waste in the countryside
• Familiarise yourselves with common plant pests and diseases

Carrickfergus Borough Council has put together advice and guidance for residents as to what to look for, who to contact and where to go for information about Ash Dieback. Visit our website: www.carrickfergus.org/ashdieback

It’s official: 60 Royal Woods fit for The Queen

From Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides to Whitehead in County Antrim, the UK's landscape and local environments are about to be transformed by the creation of 60 special woodlands. The new woods are a living, lasting tribute to The Queen’s historic Diamond Jubilee.

Each wood is at least 60 acres in size to symbolise 60 years of The Queen’s reign. And, long after the champagne bubbles have faded from the thousands of street parties taking place this Jubilee weekend, the Diamond Woods will continue quietly growing.

There will be a Diamond Wood in every region of the UK, giving everyone the chance to create an environmental legacy in their area. The Trust has worked with a diverse range of landowners from across the UK to create the new woods; including private landowners, universities, local authorities, and even the Queen herself is creating a Diamond Wood at Balmoral.

Northern Ireland’s gem, on the edge of the seaside village of Whitehead, is the result of a joint partnership between the Woodland Trust and owner Carrickfergus Borough Council.

Patrick Cregg, the Trust’s director in Northern Ireland, says: “We’re delighted that Northern Ireland is on the map. We’re extremely grateful to Carrickfergus Borough Council for making the land available, and we’re heartened by the enthusiasm of thousands of members of the public who rolled up their sleeves to help plant thousands of trees earlier this year. The wood will be a wonderful natural resource for local people and visitors, and a much-needed habitat for our precious wildlife.”

The Whitehead gem is already sparkling. Over 60,000 native trees, mostly oak and ash, now grace this quiet corner of nature. Other features include a stunning metal tree sculpture; while one of summer’s highlights will be a glorious wildflower meadow, boasting vibrant displays of cornflower marigold, poppy, ox-eye daisy and yellow rattle.

Woodland Trust Jubilee Woods Director Georgina McLeod said: “We’re absolutely delighted that so many different organisations and landowners have joined with the Trust to create these 60 very special Diamond Woods. They will help make a massive difference to the environment and pay a special tribute to Her Majesty the Queen. By the end of the project millions of people will have planted trees, a testament to the nation’s love for trees and our second longest reigning monarch.”

On top of the prestigious 60, the Trust has also confirmed that over 250 smaller Jubilee Woods will be planted across the UK helping to achieve the Trust’s ambitious target of planting 6 million trees this year, at least 1 million of them planted by children.

New Art Piece Installed in Diamond Jubilee Wood

A new art piece has been installed at Whitehead Diamond Jubilee Wood. The art piece was designed by artist Kevin Killen and local school children from Whitehead Primary School. The art piece was funded by Grow South Antrim and The Woodland Trust.

60,000 Trees Planted

The last remaining trees were planted at Whitehead Diamond Jubilee Wood just before Easter. That brings a total of 60,000 trees planted at the new woodland. Members of the Northern Ireland Conservation Volunteers (CVNI) and local people came out for the last tree planting day of the year.

Whitehead Diamond Begins to Sparkle

The ‘Diamond Wood’ at Whitehead is glowing with life thanks to the hard work of nature lovers from throughout Northern Ireland. School children, local people and visitors transformed the landscape by planting thousands of trees during a week-long series of events in celebration of the Queen’s historic Diamond Jubilee.

Whitehead's new wood is the result of a partnership between the Woodland Trust and proud owner Carrickfergus Borough Council; and is one of 60 Diamond Woods springing to life across the UK as part of the Trust's ambitious Jubilee Woods project.

The Northern Ireland gem will be home to 60,000 native saplings, mostly oak and ash. In addition, a majestic tree-lined avenue already has pride of place: 54 copper beech trees represent the 54 countries within the Commonwealth and extend a warm leafy welcome to all. The 'Commonwealth Tree Avenue' was planted by the Housing Executive's Housing Community Network as part of its work to promote good race relations across Northern Ireland.

Patrick Cregg, director of the Woodland Trust, said: "We're extremely grateful to Carrickfergus Borough Council for making this land available. And we're heartened by the enthusiasm of the children and adults who rolled their sleeves up to get the tree planting underway. It's a wonderful way to mark the Queen's 60-year reign, while making a meaningful contribution to the environment."

The Mayor of Carrickfergus Borough Council, Alderman Jim McClurg, added: "Thanks to collective efforts we have the beginning of a fantastic natural resource. This new woodland will provide a much-needed habitat for wildlife and will be a lasting legacy for future generations. We hope that everyone - local people and visitors from further afield - will take time to explore and enjoy this quiet corner of nature."

Plant Your Tree for the Jubilee

Nature lovers are invited to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee by making a personal and lasting contribution to the environment. Mark this historic event by rolling up your sleeves to plant trees at Northern Ireland’s new ‘Diamond Wood’, just outside Whitehead, on Saturday 25 February from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

Tree planting, arts and crafts, storytelling, face painting and archery are just some of the activities on a brimming woodland agenda – and all free of charge.

The Woodland Trust’s Jubilee Woods project aims to involve millions of people in planting six million trees throughout the UK. At the core of the project will be the creation of 60 special Diamond Woods – each at least 60 acres in size.

Land on the doorstep of the seaside village of Whitehead has been chosen as the venue for Northern Ireland’s Diamond Wood. This jewel in the crown is the result of a joint partnership between the Trust and owner Carrickfergus Borough Council, and is funded by Forest Service and GROW under the NI Rural Development Programme.

Patrick Cregg, the Trust’s director, says: “This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the Queen’s 60-year reign while making a meaningful contribution to the landscape. This February - the anniversary of the accession to the throne - will see mass tree planting right throughout the UK. We’ve a target to plant 60,000 native saplings here at Whitehead, and we hope that individuals and groups will help get things off to a flying start.”

The Mayor of Carrickfergus, Alderman Jim McClurg, adds: “We want as many people as possible - local people and visitors - to join us. And with a wealth of fun activities on offer, it’s an unmissable day for everyone. This new wood will be a fantastic natural resource, a haven for wildlife, and a living legacy for future generations.”
 
EVENT LINK

Tree Planting at Eden

Eden Primary P6 pupils planting for Tree Week

P6 pupils from Eden Primary School attended a Tree Planting event at Eden Allotments & Playing Fields last week.

The 37th annual National Tree Week will ran from 26th November to 4th December 2011 and launches the winter tree-planting season. Every year millions of trees are planted across the UK as part of the initiative. Tree Week started in 1975 and this year in Carrickfergus Borough we will be playing our part by planting more trees that ever.

Planting a tree is a very positive thing to do and is great fun, even in the depths of winter. There are plenty of reasons to get planting - it's great exercise, children love it, and you'll be making a valuable contribution to our community woodland.

Also in attendance were representatives from local charity Mindwise, the environmental improvement group Conservation Volunteers plus local MLA Roy Beggs and Councillor Andrew Wilson.

New Diamond Jubilee Woodland in Whitehead

Diamonds are forever: Carrickfergus Borough Council and the Woodland Trust to create a living, lasting legacy in Whitehead.

Whitehead in County Antrim is set to sparkle with a precious new addition. Land on the doorstep of the seaside village will be the Northern Ireland venue for a new 'Diamond Wood' to mark the Queen's 60 years on the throne.

Sixty new Diamond Woods - each 60 acres in size, plus hundreds of smaller Jubilee Woods are being created across the UK as part of the Woodland Trust's ambitious Jubilee Woods project. The aim is to plant 6 million trees and to involve millions of people in the planting.

The County Antrim gem - just over 60 acres of improved grassland - has been made available by Carrickfergus Borough Council and sits amid a patchwork of fields and pockets of woodland to the north of Whitehead.

The Mayor of Carrickfergus, Alderman Jim McClurg, says: "The creation of this Diamond Wood brings a special opportunity for everyone to make a personal and lasting contribution to the landscape, while marking an historic event. Working with the Woodland Trust, we hope that as many people as possible - members of the public and schoolchildren - will take part in a series of events next spring. Within as little as 10 years, the trees will be towering over the tallest of walkers and we'll have a flourishing woodland, rich in wildlife. We envisage a fantastic natural resource for the benefit of local people and, of course, visitors en route to the Antrim coast."

The project will commemorate the 2012 Diamond Jubilee, marking Queen Elizabeth's 60th year as monarch. Next to Queen Victoria in 1897, she is the only British sovereign ever to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee.

The Woodland Trust hopes to encourage other landowners to plant their own Diamond or Jubilee Wood, and is offering help, advice and in some cases funding. The Trust is also offering thousands of free Jubilee tree packs to schools and community groups. Designed to help groups enhance local shared spaces, the community tree packs come in two sizes: 105 trees (suitable for a small grove or hedge) or 420 trees (for planting on one acre of land). Groups can choose to plant for wildlife; for wood fuel; year-round colour; or tasty treats. To find out how to get involved, please contact the Woodland Creation team on 0845 293 5680.

Trees or Turf

A report prepared for the Woodland Trust highlights the cost savings and other benefits of planting woodland as opposed to grassland in urban areas.

The report "Trees or Turf - best value in managing urban green space", produced for the charity by Land Use Consultants, compares the costs of maintaining a number of grassland regimes with those of different woodland types in urban areas. The results show that native woodland creation can provide an attractive and less costly alternative to amenity grassland.

For further information, including a full copy and summary of the report, visit http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/campaigning/our-views-and-policy/woods-for-people/Pages/treessavemoney.aspx

Tree Planting at Bashfordsland Wood

Carrickfergus pupils from Oakfield Primary School planted trees in support of the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers today.

The tree planting event took place at Bashfordsland Wood (Red Fort Drive off Marshallstown Road) on 28 January 2011 as part of the launch of Carbon Army in Northern Ireland.

Carbon Army is the climate change campaign organised by BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) - it’s all about taking local action on a global problem. The Carbon Army campaign is providing opportunities for positive action to help tackle climate change.

Tree Planting in Whitehead

The Mayor of Carrickfergus, Alderman Jim McClurg joined members of Brighter Whitehead today to plant 30 trees in celebration of Tree Week.

Carrickfergus Tree Week



Alderman May Beattie, Chairperson of the Parks, Countryside & Amenities Sub-Committee launched National Tree Week in Carrickfergus Borough at Oakfield Primary on Friday 19 November. The launch will also highlight our achievements since the year 2000, in which Carrickfergus Borough Council will have planted 100,000 trees by the end of this tree planting season.

Alderman Beattie said "National Tree Week (27th November to 5th December) is an annual event that launches the winter tree-planting season. Every year millions of trees are planted across the UK as part of the initiative. Tree Week is celebrating its 36th Birthday this year and in Carrickfergus Borough we will be playing our part by planting more trees."

"Although Carrickfergus Borough Council has committed to planting more trees, planting of new trees across the UK has fallen to its lowest level in more than three decades. We need more trees planted now if we are to see any benefit for forthcoming generations and with the start of National Tree Week, there is no better time to get planting."

"Although it may seem that there are plenty of trees, the UK is one of the least wooded countries in Europe, with half the average tree cover, so we need to make sure that we don’t fall even further behind. Tree diseases such as ‘Sudden Oak Disease’ that has affected trees in Carrickfergus and throughout the UK are another reason why we need to continue planting a mix of trees."

"Planting a tree is a tremendously positive thing to do and is great fun, even in the depths of winter. There are plenty of reasons to get planting, it's great exercise, children love it, and you'll be making a valuable contribution to our community woodland. To take part in a tree planting event or for further information contact: Stephen Daye, Parks & Countryside Development Officer at Carrickfergus Borough Council. t: 93358039 or e: parks@carrickfergus.org". ended Alderman Beattie

Tree planting events in December:

Tree Planting at Whitehead Recreation Grounds in association with Brighter Whitehead on Thursday 2nd December at 2pm.

Tree planting at Eden Allotment Gardens (off Beltoy Road) on Saturday 4th December at 11am.

For further information on any tree planting events please contact Stephen Daye on 9335 8039. More tree planting events will take place in January, February & March visit www.carrickfergus.org/treeweek for further information.

BBC ends its Breathing Places and Dig In campaigns

What a shame the BBC has scrapped its Breathing Places and Dig In campaigns. The campaigns promoted gardening with schemes such as giving away free seeds and trees. The BBC explained that Breathing Places was only supposed to last five years and Dig In was only supposed to last two. A BBC representative said 11,000 primary schools had registered for Breathing Places and 1,000 partners had held 28,000 public activities, with thousands attending Springwatch Festivals. The BBC has also helped create 1,000 new "Breathing Places", working with local organisations across the country and supported by the Big Lottery Fund. More than 100,000 people registered for the Dig In newsletter this year. Sow, Grow and Harvest animation films by TV gardener Chris Collins generated 300,000 views and the events, which visited nine towns this year, reached 50,000 people. The BBC came under fire from the Taxpayers Alliance for spending £150,000 giving away trees and vegetable seeds last year through the campaigns. In 2009, it spent £57,500 on giving away 250,000 packets of vegetable seeds as part of the Dig In campaign.

Trees and Urban Climate Adaptation

The Treework Environmental Practice organised a conference in London on 19 November 2009, focusing on the University of Manchester's research showing the influence of green infrastructure on the urban climate.The conference's aim was to mobilise policy makers and the wider community to ensure a sustainable urban forest canopy capable of meeting future climate adaptation needs. It was premised on the concept that the urban canopy agenda can be met by including climate adaptation within the national health and well-being agenda. Presentations are available online at www.treeworks.co.uk/seminars/past_seminars.php