Friends of Bashfordsland Wood & Oakfield Glen

Want to take a direct role in improving Bashfordsland Wood & Oakfield Glen?
The Friends of Bashfordsland Wood & Oakfield Glen is a voluntary group of local residents who want to dedicate some of their time, energy and effort to caring for and improving this green space area.
A Friends Group is a number of interested local people coming together with the aim of improving the appearance, facilities, conservation value and safety of their local park. Anyone can join and give as much or as little time as they want.
Bashfordsland Wood is Carrickfergus’s newest parks and is managed by Carrickfergus Borough Council. Oakfield Glen is managed by The Woodland trust. Representative from both organisations will be at the first meeting which takes place on Wednesday 11th May, at 7pm in Oakfield Community Centre.
For further information please contact Carrickfergus Parks & Countryside Service on 9335 8000 or email parks@carrickfergus.org

Download an application form to join the Friends of Bashfordsland Wood & Oakfield Glen

Frog Video at Bashfordsland Wood

Have enclosed below a video of frogs and their spawn at a pond in Bashfordsland Wood.

Allotment Event at Stormont

Carrickfergus Borough Council took part in an event at Stormont today (15th March 2011) to celebrate the booming demand for new allotments, community gardens and other green spaces. A leaflet 'Allotments in Northern Ireland' was also launched. The event was organised by the Federation of City Farms and Allotment Gardens and the Northern Ireland Allotment Forum. The event was hosted by Sammy Wilson, MP for East Antrim. The event had representatives from Council's and allotments and community gardening groups from all parts of Northern Ireland.

Stephen Daye, Carrickfergus Borough Council with Sammy Wilson, MP for East Antrim

Jermery Iles, FCFCG with Sammy Wilson MP and Austin Herron, Northern Ireland Allotment Forum

FCFCG Chief Executive Jeremy Iles said it was an exciting time for food growing and community gardening in Northern Ireland:

“We have been working alongside a range of environmental organisations, local authorities and land-based groups for several years to support this activity in Northern Ireland, but thanks to grant from Awards for All, we are now able to put our work on a firmer footing. This event will give us a further boost as it means we have the attention of policy makers in Northern Ireland.

“Ultimately we would like to see an increasing number of well-used, well-run and well equipped community gardens and allotment sites, giving the chance for local people to reap the benefits of growing their own.”

Fun Day at Bashfordsland Wood

Have uploaded some photographs of the Family Fun Day at Bashfordsland Wood yesterday.

The Wilson family from Carrickfergus are shown some willow weaving techniques.

The Blackstock family from Lisburn at Bashfordsland Wood.

The Grant family from Carrickfergus enjoying the events at Bashfordsland Wood.

The rain and hale did not put off members of the Black, Green and McKnight families that attended the Family Fun Day at Bashfordsland Wood.

The Hamilton family enjoy the fun day at Bashfordsland Wood.

Radio 4: Gardeners' Question Time Recording

Carrickfergus Borough Council is delighted to announce that the popular Radio 4 programme Gardeners' Question Time will be recording from Carrickfergus Town Hall on Monday 18th April 2011.


Seasoned experts, which may include Anne Swithinbank, Bob Flowerdew, Bunny Guinness, Chris Beardshaw, Matthew Biggs and Pippa Greenwood, will be available to answer your questions with Eric Robson or Peter Gibbs in the chair.

We are delighted that this event is taking place in Carrickfergus and that local people can participate in the audience for this exciting event. This event is hosted by the Northern Ireland Federation of City Farms & Community Gardens.

As well as fresh ideas and inspiration, Gardeners' Question Time offers solutions to most of your gardening problems. Packed full of practical advice from a panel of expert gardeners here's 45 minutes of top gardening tips, from vegetable growing to wildlife, new plants to dealing with garden pests.

A very limited number of tickets are available to this event and they will sell out fast, so book early to avoid disappointment. Tickets may be obtained from Carrickfergus Tourist Information Centre, 11 Antrim Street, Carrickfergus, BT38 7DG. (T: 9335 8094)

The recording will take place in the Jubilee Hall at Carrickfergus Town Hall. Doors open at 5.30pm and tea and coffee will be available before the recording starts promptly at 6.30pm.

Family Fun Day at Bashfordsland Wood

On Saturday 26th February you will be spoilt for choice with all the activities and entertainment on offer at the Family Fun Day at Bashfordsland Wood.
The day offers a variety of activities including face painting, storytelling, samba drumming, guided walks, willow weaving and arts and crafts.
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS

Storytelling sessions 12.45pm, 1.45pm & 2.45pm
Guided walks 1pm and 2pm (meet at marquee)
Drumming Workshop - 12.30pm, 1.30pm & 2.30pm

Parking is available at Oakfield Community Centre. Bashfordsland Wood  is located at Red Fort Park, off Marshallstown Road, Carrickfergus - see location map.

Love your parks this Valentine's Day

...A stroll in the park will do wonders for you!
Did you know that just five minutes of exercise in a park has been shown to boost your mood and self esteem?
Show your local park some love this Valentine's Day!
Visit us at http://www.carrickfergus.org/environment/parks-and-open-spaces/love-parks-week/