Get Fit for Free in the Fresh Air of Bashfordsland Wood

LtoR: Lee Gorman, Jamie-Lee Mogey, & Stacy Keatley

Carrickfergus Borough Council has unveiled a new outdoor gym in partnership with The Woodland Trust and generous funding from BIFFA Award. The twelve-piece gym provides a great work-out in the beautiful surroundings of Bashfordsland Wood. The gym is completely free to use and is suitable for all, from experienced gym goers to beginners and offers any user of the park an opportunity to increase their physical activity. Designed to give a mix of cardiovascular, strength and toning exercises, each piece of equipment has clear guidelines for proper use and information on which part of the body it is benefitting.  

Alderman May Beattie, Chairperson of the Parks Sub-Committee said: “The Council is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of our residents. This outdoor gym shows how we continue to maximise the services available in our parks. The installation has been specially configured to allow users to get the maximum benefit of the equipment in the shortest time. By concentrating the equipment together, we have made things easier for people in the park who want a quick exercise routine during their lunchtime or after a walk. Physical activity produces real benefits for people and is important for all ages and abilities. It can help you keep a healthy weight and help improve your mood, reduce anxiety and protect against depression. Other outdoor gyms in the Carrickfergus Borough area are located at Diamond Jubilee Wood and Blackhead Path in Whitehead. These gyms provide a fantastic opportunity to get fit on your doorstep and I would encourage people to try them out.”


The BIFFA Award is a multi-million pound environmental fund, which utilises landfill tax credits donated by Biffa Waste Services.

Link: Bashfordsland Wood

Get fit by joining the fight against litter!

Need a New Year’s Resolution? Get fit by joining the fight against litter! Litter Champions is a community project in Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey that aims to support role models in their efforts to rid the borough of litter. The project aims to offer support by providing members of the public with equipment! Litter Champions are already hard at work throughout the Borough; some collecting litter from beaches, some from local walking routes and with others focusing their attention on improving their local neighbourhoods. As a Litter Champion, each volunteer will be provided with a FREE litter picker and a volunteer information pack. It doesn’t matter where individuals decide to volunteer or how often they volunteer, as Litter Champions they are role models in their community. Sharon from Newtownabbey who takes part in the project regularly said "Going places that you can walk and pick up litter are enjoyable". The Litter Champions project is being coordinated by Amanda Wilson, a young person from Carrickfergus who was recently awarded a grant worth £2,500 from O2 Think Bigger. Amanda said, "We are asking people to come forward to do their bit for their communities, and enjoy time outdoors keeping fit and healthy at the same time". The project is also being supported by Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey Borough Councils. For more information about the project or to get involved, please visit the weblink: http://www.carrickfergus.org/environment/litter-champions/

New Orienteering Course in Carrickfergus

People in Carrickfergus Borough are being offered a new way to stretch their legs and their minds, with the launch of a new permanent orienteering course at Bashfordsland Wood and Oakfield Glen.

 The Mayor of Carrickfergus, Alderman Jim McClurg officially opened the new course and its accompanying map which was funded by Carrickfergus Borough Council. At the launch, 100 local secondary school pupils took part in a competition laid on by NI Orienteering.

Alderman McClurg said “We want to encourage as many people as possible to explore this beautiful woodland area and get fit at the same. Orienteering is a fun way to exercise both your leg power and your brain power. It’s also been proven that exercising in woodland and other green spaces boosts both your physical health as well as your mental health. The beauty of this area is the open access for active recreation, which lends itself perfectly to orienteering. Permanent orienteering courses like these are aimed at beginners and improving orienteer’s who want to practice their skills and enjoy a walk, or run in the woods. I would like to thank NI Orienteering for all their help and advice to make this project a reality and a big thank you to the Woodland Trust who manages Oakfield Glen.”

Helen Baxter, NI Orienteering said “Orienteering combines outdoor adventure and fun, it is ideal for people of all ages, shapes and sizes. Orienteering involves using a map to navigate round a series of control points that are marked on the ground by red and white flags. Orienteering maps are specially drawn to a large scale with lots of detail. The sport provides a healthy mix of physical activity and mental challenge. Map reading skills are learned while having fun finding the markers on your course. Everyone can take part at their own pace. It’s perfect for children, who can run around in a fun, safe, controlled environment and also excellent for adults wanting to shape up, try something new and meet new friends.”

If you would like to try orienteering, visit the Council website www.carrickfergus.org for events or to download the course map. The map is also available at Oakfield Community Centre. The NI Orienteering website (www.niorienteering.org.uk) has lots of events and advice on Orienteering throughout Northern Ireland.”



Orienteering Course at Bashfordsland Wood



Exercising Outside is Priceless

Exercising outside is priceless, even at this time of year when many of us just want to stay inside and hibernate. Exercising in one of our many parks can lead to an immediate improvement in mood and self esteem, as well as physical fitness.
To help with this the National Trust has devised a 31 day plan in association with outdoor exercise specialists Eco Fitness. It has been designed to give you a real sense of the enjoyment, freedom and refreshment you can experience from exercising outside, so you can kick start the New Year feeling energised and invigorated.
Download the entire 31 Day Plan here.
Watch the video here.

Foster Carers at Eden Allotments

Foster Care Fortnight got off to a sizzling start at Eden Allotment Gardens in Carrickfergus this week. A barbecue was hosted at Eden Allotments, where 10 foster families from the Borough grow their own vegetables. Guests were treated to a cookery demonstration using the produce harvested at the site.

Underpinning the event was the serious message that fostering in Northern Ireland is under increasing pressure due to the continuing rise in numbers of children needing care and the ongoing shortage of carers.

With more children coming into care, the Fostering Network says that 200 extra foster carers are urgently needed to look after children on a long-term basis, in most cases until they reach adulthood.

Foster carers are needed for children of all ages, but specifically for teenagers, who now make up 50 per cent of the care population. All children in foster care, whatever their age and background, need carers with a diverse range of skills who can make a real and lasting difference to their lives.

Foster Care Fortnight 2010 runs from 17 to 30 May, and highlights the need for more foster carers in Northern Ireland to provide long-term care for children.

Link: www.fostering.net/northern-ireland

Mayor of Carrickfergus joins ‘One Pot Pledge

The Mayor of Carrickfergus, Alderman Patricia McKinney unveiled her mini allotment in a pot and has taken up the ‘One Pot Pledge’. The Mayor will be growing vegetables, herbs and even strawberries at the Carrickfergus Civic Centre courtyard this summer.

Alderman McKinney said "We want to encourage Carrickfergus Citizens to make the One Pot Pledge and sow, grow and harvest their own food for the very first time in 2010."

"Growing food, even on a small scale in just a pot, gives people the chance to connect with the food they eat. As well as saving money and encouraging healthier eating, growing fruit and vegetables also helps people to make more sustainable food choices."

"We are trying to promote growing your own food and vegetables, getting families and children involved and getting their hands dirty. It's a growing movement throughout the country and we're just hoping to encourage that within our Borough too."

"Carrickfergus Borough has already an excellent track record at encouraging our citizens to grow their own. The Borough is the home of the largest allotment site in Ireland and we have successfully run the Carrickfergus School Growing Clubs initiative that encourages pupils to grow and eat fruit and vegetables in their school grounds." ended Alderman McKinney.

The Mayor is not the only politician embracing the "grow your own" movement. David Cameron will be taking over Gordon Brown’s vegetable garden at Downing Street. Barack Obama has a herb and vegetable patch at the White House. And even the Queen has turned a corner of palace backyard into an allotment.

To join the campaign, go to Carrickfergus in Bloom website, http://www.carrickfergusinbloom.org/onepotpledge.htm which features growing advice and tips." At the site you can follow the Mayor’s progress and even upload your own photographs to show how your own ‘One Pot Pledge’ is growing!

'Green' exercise quickly 'boosts mental health'

Just five minutes of exercise in a "green space" such as a park can boost mental health, researchers claim. There is growing evidence that combining activities such as walking or cycling with nature boosts well-being. In the latest analysis, UK researchers looked at evidence from 1,250 people in 10 studies and found fast improvements in mood and self-esteem. The study in the Environmental Science and Technology journal suggested the strongest impact was on young people. The research looked at many different outdoor activities including walking, gardening, cycling, fishing, boating, horse-riding and farming in locations such as a park, garden or nature trail. The biggest effect was seen within just five minutes. With longer periods of time exercising in a green environment, the positive effects were clearly apparent but were of a smaller magnitude, the study found. Looking at men and women of different ages, the researchers found the health changes - physical and mental - were particularly strong in the young and the mentally-ill.

A bigger effect was seen with exercise in an area that also contained water - such as a lake or river. Study leader Jules Pretty, a researcher at the University of Essex, said those who were generally inactive, or stressed, or with mental illness would probably benefit the most from "green exercise". "Employers, for example, could encourage staff in stressful workplaces to take a short walk at lunchtime in the nearest park to improve mental health." He also said exercise programmes outdoors could benefit youth offenders. "A challenge for policy makers is that policy recommendations on physical activity are easily stated but rarely adopted widely."

Paul Farmer, chief executive of mental health charity Mind, said the research is yet further evidence that even a short period of green exercise can provide a low cost and drug-free therapy to help improve mental wellbeing. "It's important that people experiencing depression can be given the option of a range of treatments, and we would like to see all doctors considering exercise as a treatment where appropriate." Mind runs a grant scheme for local environmental projects to help people with mental illness get involved in outdoor activities.

Make the One Pot Pledge

Carrickfergus Borough Council is backing a nationwide campaign launched today by Garden Organic that will target a growing band of people that want to have a go at growing their own food for the first time. The campaign, the One Pot Pledge, aims to help gardening newcomers to grow an edible crop by using simple steps and clear advice to encourage and enthuse them.

Stephen Daye, Parks & Countryside Development Officer said "We want to encourage Carrickfergus Citizens to make the One Pot Pledge and sow, grow and harvest their own food for the very first time in 2010. It is expected that 30,000 people throughout the UK will take the pledge."

"Growing food, even on a small scale in just a pot, gives people the chance to connect with the food they eat. As well as saving money and encouraging healthier eating, growing fruit and vegetables also helps people to make more sustainable food choices."

"Despite the surge in interest in 'grow your own' many newcomers, although keen to have a go, still don't know where to start when it comes to food growing. Many are put off because they think they don't have space to garden, or because they don't have the time or knowledge. By encouraging people to start small with just one pot, the One Pot Pledge campaign aims to combat this, promising to make growing easy and successful. To join the campaign, go to The One Pot Pledge website, www.onepotpledge.org, which features everything from downloadable growing advice and tips."

Gardening Guru and BBC Gardeners' World presenter Alys Fowler says, "Eating food that you've grown yourself is one of life's great pleasures and one that everyone should have the chance to enjoy. With the One Pot Pledge campaign we want to inspire and support people to try something new and experience the joy of growing their own food from seed to harvest."

According to Garden Organic, research last year showed that 26%* of the UK had grown its own. The charity says that if every one of those people encouraged just one person to also give it a go then there would be over 6 million new gardeners experiencing the joy of sowing, growing and eating their own produce in 2010.

To pledge to be part of the campaign you can sign up at www.onepotpledge.org from Monday 22 March 2010. After making the pledge, you will be invited to pick a favourite from the suggested easy to grow varieties, follow the growing instructions and tips, check progress from regular email updates, and look forward to harvest time.

None of the crops featured are difficult to grow and include potatoes, salads, french beans and chillis. More experienced gardeners signing up to the pledge will be encouraged to have a go at growing something new, that they have not tried before.

As well as providing simple and clear guidance, Garden Organic also wants experienced gardeners to join the campaign as 'Gardening Gurus'. It hopes that gurus will encourage and support those with less experience to make their first attempt at food growing a success.

Bob Sherman, Head of Horticulture at Garden Organic says, "Garden Organic's work is all about passing on knowledge and providing encouragement. We hope that experienced gardeners will also join the campaign and along with a non-gardening friend, colleague or family member, make the pledge together. "

"One of the best incentives for a beginner is having a friendly face to turn to for help and advice and as gardeners we tend to love sharing our passion and knowledge. We want the nation's gardeners to join us and share their love of growing delicious, sustainable food to get thousands more people growing their own."

On the Farm

On BBC Radio 4 last Sunday the 'On the Farm' programme visited a Sheffield school which is growing its own food to teach pupils where their meals come from. Emmanuel Junior School will use the food in school dinners and sell any excess in local farmers' markets. Charlotte finds out how the project aims to connect youngsters with local city farms. To lisiten visit their website.

Detroit's farming rebirth

Sacha Workman from Holywood Transition Town (www.holywoodtransitiontown.org) sent us an interesting and up lifting article from Radio 4 on Requiem for Detroit, which tells the story of the city through the 20th century, conveying its transition from Motor City to its rebirth as an urban prairie. Principal Asenath Andrews who is teaching Detroit's single mothers to become farmers, describes how the city is changing. To listen to the article visit the BBC website.

Best Kept Allotment Winners Announced

Carrickfergus Borough Council has announced the winners of the Best Kept Allotment sponsored by Sunnybank Garden Centre, they are:

Winner: Andrew and Carrie Gault, Carrickfergus.
Runner-Up: David McCormick, Carrickfergus.
Runner-Up: Godfrey Robinson, Carrickfergus.

What the judges looked for:

• environment sustainability;
• the variety & quality of the crop;
• the control of weeds & rubbish;
• the use of compost;
• general appearance;
• creativity of each plot.

The prizes are: 1st Prize: £60.00 Gift Voucher plus two Runner-Up Prizes: £35.00 Gift Voucher. The award ceremony will take place at the October Carrickfergus in Bloom Prize Giving lunch.

Stephen Daye, Parks & Countryside Development Officer said “Carrickfergus Borough Council is committed to improving the quality of life for all the people of Borough through the services it provides including our allotment service. We opened are allotment site at Eden last April. What started as 36 plots has grown already to 198 plots. I would encourage residents of the Borough to visit Eden Allotment Gardens off Beltoy Road to view what the allotmenteers have achieved in the past year. The quality of the plots did make it difficult to pick our winners but all allotment holders should be proud of their achievements. We would like to thank Sunnybank Garden Centre who kindly sponsored the Best Kept Allotment Competition.”

Eden Green Heroes Win Award

The Garden of Eden allotment project has won the title of “BTCV Project of the Year” in the Green Heroes Awards in association with Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland. The Garden of Eden project has been running for almost a year at the Eden allotment site outside Carrickfergus. The group work weekly on the site to produce their own vegetables and have received training in a range of organic horticultural skills. The project consists of a group of volunteers from two local charities; Mindwise and the Drug and Rehabilitation Centre. The group were nominated for the award by the project co-ordinator Helen Tomb, “The team worked really hard on the project from the start, and have produced fantastic results in such a short time.” The Green Heroes Awards are given out in recognition of the outstanding work volunteers of all ages do across Northern Ireland to improve their local environment. The project was up against other projects from across Northern Ireland in the category to win the title of “Project of the year.” The project has improved the physical abilities of those involved by providing a means for gentle exercise and improving their mental health. The group grow local organic produce which they can take home and they now have a good appreciation of the benefits of eating organically where possible. The group has also recently won 1st prize in the Garden Gourmet competition for their Brussel Sprouts. The annual show displays thousands of colourful prize blooms alongside amazing monster-size vegetables and other horticultural cuties from local gardens, allotments and greenhouses. The project would not have been possible without the funding from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust and the huge continuous support from Carrickfergus Borough Council.

Gardening is good for you

A report has found that 70 per cent of the population believes that spending time in gardens is more important for their quality of life than in front of the television or shopping. The report ‘Space to Grow: Why People Need Gardens’’ argues that gardens and other green spaces are crucial for food security, wildlife and even tackling climate change.

We welcome the report that gardening is good for physical and psychological health. I am delighted that this report has highlighted how gardens and gardening can benefit everyone in society, regardless of age, background or circumstance.

The message is clear, if you want to feel better get into gardening. Never has access to green space been more important for our spiritual and physical wellbeing than it is in today's rapidly changing world.

Carrickfergus Borough Council provides over 125 hectares of parks, green space areas, allotments, wildflower meadows, countryside and shoreline walks, woodlands, floral displays and playgrounds. Council initiatives such as Carrickfergus in Bloom and the School Growing Clubs are excellent examples of bringing the benefits of gardening to residents of the Borough.

In today's fast-paced world, finding space and time to unwind and relax is becoming ever more crucial. Nowhere does this better than the quiet corner of a garden or park that give us the chance to breathe in our natural surroundings and refresh our weary spirit. I am passionate about the idea that everyone should have access to a garden or local green space.

Fun Day Update

The morning started early for the Fun Day on Saturday. BBC Radio asked to do a live broadcast from 8pm so I needed to be at Eden Allotment Gardens for 7am to let in the sound engineer. It also gave me an opportunity to have a look round the allotments before the crowds descended. The place is beautiful in the morning and it's my favorite time. The BBC interview went well and I was interviewed along side Austin and Myrtle from the Allotment Association. By 9am the Technical staff had arrived to put up the Marquee and things started to get done. The Allotment Association stands looked great and we supplied them with tables, chairs and gazebo’s. Other stands included some commercial craft stalls, face painters, bee keeper association, conservation volunteers, petting farm, bouncy castle, McConnell Funeral Service Balloon Competition, Treasure Hunt and football kick-about area. By 11.30 the public started to come in droves. The sheer number was over-whelming but very welcome. The Apex Jazz band played until 2pm and they added to the festival atmosphere of the event. At 2pm our local MP Sammy Wilson gave a speech and he was very kind to Carrickfergus Borough Council. After the speech we had the Scarecrow Competition sponsored by Sunnybank Garden Centre, 20 Scarecrow took part. The result:

1st Place: James Howells from Carrickfergus
2nd Place: Anna Clarke from Carrickfergus
3rd Place: Curtis & Lewis Patterson from Carrickfergus

The Treasure Hunt winners were Adam Mercer from Whitehead and Georgia Nelson from Magheramorne. The McConnell Funeral Service Balloon Competition winner was Lillian Allen who guessed the correct number of balloons 191.

Feedback from the day was very positive as was the attendance figures with over 3000 people attending.