Wildflower
walk
Summer Activities
January 2011 saw the start of Low Luckens’ “Wellbeing in the Environment Project” which aims to provide a range of farm based outdoor activities for adults suffering from mental distress and/or learning difficulties.
Project participants have the opportunity to get involved in conservation and volunteering tasks which will include the creation of new woodland and wildflower areas, the construction of bat & bird boxes, planting for bees and butterflies and the rejuvenation of a failed pond. Participants will also learn new horticultural skills such as plant care and maintenance, working alongside Centre Staff in Eva’s Organics’ market garden.
Not all of the activities are conservation and volunteer based, the project also provides opportunities for simply enjoying and discovering the environment with a number of river, woodland and wildflower walks, environmental art and cooking activities.
Historically Low Luckens has worked predominately with Primary Schools and therefore this project represents a new and challenging area of work for the staff team. Project staff development will include Mental First Aid Training additional training places offered to other community organisations at a subsidised rate.
Project partners include Carlisle Eden Mind, AMAZE, Glenmore Trust’s Heathlands Project and Impact Housing.
The project has been made possible by a grant of £19,107 from the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and Higher Level Stewardship Educational Access payments in addition to in kind support from project partners.
Mental Health First Aid Training was delivered to Low Luckens' staff team by Carlisle Eden Mind over two days on the 14th/15th March 2011. The training was professionally delivered and very informative. We look forward to working with Carlisle Eden MIND as part of this project.
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As part of this
programme of work we would like to say a Big Thanks to Helen Brown and Jean
Parker who valiantly stepped in to host our Wildflower Walk, covering for Bryan
Jeffrey who was unfortunately unable to lead the event.
A group of 16 members of the public and dedicated wildflower enthusiasts
managed to dodge the showers and observe some rare and beautiful late spring
flowers. A most enjoyable day was had by
all.
Conservation
and horticultural work experience activities have been taking place in
association with Carlisle Eden MIND and AMAZE throughout the summer months with
more visits planned for the autumn. A new woodland and wildflower area has
been planted, the river bank has been cleared of rubbish and firewood has been
removed from wooded areas and stacked ready for collection. The
photographs below illustrate activities taking place during two farm and Centre
visits.
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Low Luckens Organic Resource, Roweltown, Carlisle, CA6 6LJ. Tel: 016977 48186
E-mail: lowluckensorc@hotmail.com