Carrickfergus in Bloom News for 2007
Joanna Lumley announces 'Postcards from the Park' competition winner (14th September 2007)
A photo of Whitehead Recreation Grounds was chosen as regional winner of the nationwide 'Postcards from the Park' photo competition which was set up to celebrate lottery investment in parks. The winning photographer, Alex Kane, received the news in person from Joanna Lumley at the exhibition launch at Mile End Park Arts Pavilion in London.
The stunning black and white photo, highly impressed the judges who included celebrated photographer Mike McCartney (brother of Paul) and Damien Demolder, editor of Amateur Photographer Magazine. 'Postcards from the Park' was launched by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund (BIG), with parks charity, GreenSpace. Joanna Lumley, actress and Patron of Mile End Park, said: "Parks are among the UK's most treasured features and the 'Postcards from the Park' competition was a great way of celebrating that fact."
The council advertised the competition in the local press and on the Carrickfergus in Bloom website (www.carrickfergusinbloom.org) earlier this year.
For more information about the exhibition please call the HLF on 0207 592 6102. Click here to preview images from the exhibition.
Carrickfergus in Bloom Competition Awards Ceremony (26th October 2007)
Carrickfergus in Bloom Competition winners and runners-up will receive their well earned certificates and prizes at a prize-giving lunch in Carrickfergus Town Hall today (Friday 26th October 2007). Categories included Best Kept Garden & Best Kept Container Garden for householders; Best Kept Commercial Premises for commercial organisations; Painting, Poetry and Tallest Sunflower Competitions for young people; and for internet users we have the Virtual Flower Show. At the prize-giving lunch, the Chairperson of Parks, Countryside & Amenities Sub-Committee, Alderman May Beattie thanked all those who took part in the competition and made it such a success. "The Carrickfergus in Bloom Community Competitions has really caught the imagination of local people with 2482 people taking part this year. The judges were very impressed by the number of high quality entries, the time and dedication many entrants spend in their gardens is extraordinary and is a credit to them, all who took part should be proud of their achievement's." Alderman Beattie also thanked the Sponsors who paid for many of the flowerbeds and hanging baskets throughout the Borough. "The success of Carrickfergus in Bloom could not have happened without the generous support of local businesses throughout the Borough of Carrickfergus. We would also thank our statutory partners that have made Carrickfergus in Bloom such a success. Translink and Department of Regional Development have helped to improve the beauty of Carrickfergus 365 days a year; with the use of flowers, colourful shrubs, trees and attractive street furniture." concluded Alderman Beattie. click here for a list of the winner and photos of the event.
A 'Wild Week' in Windsor Play Park (25th October 2007)
To meet the ever-growing interest in wildlife, and to coincide with the new BBC landmark series The Nature of Britain, Carrickfergus Borough Council is joining forces with Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland to organise a 'Wild Week' event in Windsor Play Park, Whitehead on Thursday 25th October (1 to 3pm). 'Wild Week' is a nationwide BBC Breathing Places campaign in association with BTCV and The Wildlife Trusts that runs between 22-28 October.
'Wild Week' will complement the Carrickfergus in Bloom campaign 'Blooming Wild!'. Blooming Wild! is a local campaign to encourage people to do one more thing for wildlife in their gardens. The campaign recognises that our local wildlife habitats are increasingly under threat and that every garden, big or small, is a potential mini nature reserve. From small simple changes such as putting up a nest box to larger projects such as building a wildlife pond - any action taken will benefit local garden wildlife. The Blooming Wild! Campaign wants to increase knowledge of the issues relating to biodiversity within the Borough and we have a number of initiatives that will help local people to do their bit by doing one more thing for wildlife.
Bashfordsland Wood Opens (3rd October 2007)
An official opening for a new park in Carrickfergus has been planned today to celebrate the achievements of the finished project. The new park just off Bradford Heights will be called Bashfordsland Wood. The official opening will take place on Wednesday 3rd September in Bashforsland Wood at 11am and will be an opportunity for people to see and use the site and its amenities. Funding for the new 28,000 project has been granted from the Better Belfast Landfill Tax Credit Scheme & NIGEN.
Stephen Daye, Parks & Countryside Development Officer with Carrickfergus Borough Council, said "The event will mark the end of period of hard work involving designing, fundraising, building a path network and three wildlife ponds and finally planting the park with 16,000 trees. Throughout the process young people from local schools and scout groups have played their part. The area now hosts activities for everyone and the opening is a chance to say a well done to all those involved."
"An important part of the Park will be education projects, the area is rich in biodiversity and the amenities added are only the first step. In the future we want to promote and encourage young people through their schools to take part in what the site has to offer with the extra opportunity to enhance their education in the future."
Alderman May Beattie said "This Park provides a new focus for the community in this part of Carrickfergus, especially for the many young people who live in the area. It is a really good example of partnership working and has provided a much-needed boost to the environment. My thanks go to all our partners for their contribution to the project, and especially to all the local residents who have given it their support. I would also like to thank the funders Better Belfast & NIGEN, the Woodland Trust and the Ulster Wildlife Trust who carried out the education events."
Brian Putts from the Woodland Trust said "This new park will be a welcome addition to the greenspace of Carrickfergus. As the park joins the Woodland Trust managed Oakfield Glen via a path this will be of great benefit to local people and we expect to see many new users at Oakfield Glen."
Whitehead scoops top environmental award (26th September 2007)
Whitehead scooped a top environmental award at Coventry Cathedral on Wednesday 26th September. The Britain in Bloom results follow on from the town's success at Ulster in Bloom in which it received a first place in the small town category.
Bill Pollock said "Britain in Bloom is a magnificent opportunity for Whitehead to enhance its surroundings and create beautiful displays that are enjoyed by everybody. Our 'in bloom' campaign is much more than flowers and making the town look good for one day; instead it is a 365 day initiative than looks at sustainable development and biodiversity, conservation and recycling, local environmental quality, permanent landscaping, and public awareness of the environment. I would encourage everybody interested in our campaign to visit the Brighter Whitehead website (www.brighterwhitehead.co.uk) for further details on our campaign and how you can help us in 2008."
Alderman May Beattie said "It's fantastic that the work in Whitehead has been recognised in this way. Britain in Bloom is a very prestigious event so this is very good for Whitehead. Looking at sustaining the environment is one of the things which is key to the council and we want to continue that."
Stephen Daye, Parks & Countryside Development Officer who also attended the ceremony said "This is a wonderful accolade for the community in Whitehead. It is the result of much hard work and no-one should underestimate the amount of effort which has gone into this campaign. Our successes could not have happened without the generous support of local businesses and local people and schools throughout the town; and statuary bodies such as Carrickfergus Borough Council, the Housing Executive and Department of Regional Development."
RHS Britain in Bloom judge Jim Buttress said, "The 'in Bloom' committee have worked hard to involve local businesses in helping to improve the environment. The overall cleanliness of the town and the lack of graffiti was impressive, and the contribution by the school children and community in cleanups was excellent." RHS director-general Inga Grimsey congratulated winners including Whitehead said: "Communities such as these really show how gardening can improve the environment for all and enrich people's lives."
In total, 68 finalists were selected from the 18 UK regions and nations to compete in the UK finals. The finalists all performed successfully in their local campaigns and are outstanding examples of community effort, environmental sustainability and horticultural excellence. The gala ceremony was hosted by Coventry in Bloom and the awards were presented by actress Susan Hampshire. RHS Britain in Bloom is the largest horticultural campaign in Europe. It encourages people to actively improve their local environments through cleanliness, sustainability and creative planting. Britain in Bloom communities will feature in a BBC2 series about the RHS, 'A Passion For Plants' on Fridays on BBC2 at 8pm from 19 October. For further information contact: Stephen Daye, Parks & Countryside Development Officer t: (028) 93358039 or e: inbloom@carrickfergus.org
Blackhead Path Beach Clean-Up (15 September 2007)
Carrickfergus Borough Council is calling for volunteers to help wildlife by spending an hour or two at Blackhead Path to tackle the problem of beach litter. The Blackhead Path beach clean-up has been organised for Saturday 15 September from 4pm to 5pm. Those interested should meet-up at the Blackhead Path car park to help clean up and survey this part of our coastline. This event is part of a UK wide beach clean-up and litter survey organised by the Marine Conservation Society - the UK charity dedicated to the protection of the marine environment and its wildlife.
Beach litter is more than just an eyesore for thousands of beach visitors across the country; it is a global issue that represents a major threat to many vulnerable marine species. It is estimated that, globally, over a million birds and 100,000 marine mammals and turtles die every year from entanglement, or ingestion of plastics. Surveys have recorded a 90% increase in the amount of beach litter compared to 1994, with major sources being beach visitors and individuals, fishing debris, sanitary waste (particularly cotton bud sticks) and shipping waste.
This Beachwatch event provides a simple and effective way in which everyone can help tackle the relentless tide of rubbish on our beaches and at sea. Stephen Daye Parks & Countryside Development Officer at Carrickfergus Borough Council said ”This is your chance to get involved with the biggest litter clean-up and survey on beaches all around the UK. The data you collect will help Carrickfergus Borough Council and our partners tackle the sources of litter and campaign to reduce the most common items ending up on our beaches and killing wildlife”.
Over 4,200 volunteers took part during last year’s Beachwatch weekend, cleaning and surveying over 350 beaches and collecting over 3,000 bags of litter - a clear sign that beach litter is a major issue and is important to the UK public. The survey recorded an average of 1,989 items per kilometre on UK beaches, which equates to nearly two items for every metre stretch of beach!
Sadly, individual people and beach visitors contribute approximately a third (34%) of all litter found, highlighting the fact that if people would just take their litter home with them after each trip to the beach, they would be doing something positive to help the marine environment. We all need to take action for environmental protection, on Saturday 15 September from 4pm to 5pm you can play your part for our seas by taking part in Beachwatch. For further information contact Stephen Daye at Carrickfergus Borough Council t: (028) 93358039.
Link: Marine Conservation Society - the UK charity dedicated to the protection of the marine environment and its wildlife.
Carrickfergus in full Bloom as Winners are Announced (04 September 2007)
The visits are over, the votes have been cast, and the Judges have made their final decisions. The results of the 29th Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition are in! And it proved to be a blooming marvellous summer for our Borough’s green-fingered gardeners as they turned up the flower power to win four category’s in this year’s competition. Carrickfergus & Whitehead have triumphed again! The results announced today (04 September 2007) at Tullylagan Country Hotel in Cookstown are as follows:
Large Town – 3rd – Carrickfergus
Small Town – 1st – Whitehead
Best Station Award – 3rd – Carrickfergus Rail Station
Community Rail Halt Award – Whitehead Station
Alderman Beattie, Chairperson of the Parks, Countryside and Amenities Sub-Committee said “Carrickfergus Borough is renowned for its floral displays which are enjoyed by residents and tourists alike. Carrickfergus in Bloom also plays a critical role in bringing people and investment to the town. However, it’s important to say that issues such as cleanliness, sustainability and community involvement are equally as important. In the Borough, the 'In Bloom' initiative is much more than bedding plants and making the Borough look good for one day; instead it is a 365 day initiative. Carrickfergus Borough Council along with our partners have done a wonderful job in broadening the appeal of the Carrickfergus in Bloom initiative, by getting people to work together we have made our Borough better. Our successes within Ulster in Bloom could not have happened without the generous support of local businesses and local people throughout the Borough; and statuary bodies such as the Housing Executive and Department of Regional Development.”
Stephen Daye, Parks & Countryside Development Officer, who attended the award ceremony with Alderman Beattie, said “Ulster in Bloom is a magnificent opportunity for our Borough to enhance its surroundings and create beautiful displays that are enjoyed by everybody. I would like to personally thank all the staff at Carrickfergus Parks and Cleansing Sections whose hard work and imagination has been the backbone of our entry over the years and I congratulate everyone who took part this year.”
Addressing the event, Translink's Acting Chief Executive, Philip O'Neill said: "This summer will have tested your determination and commitment to the full. You have struggled hard in the face of severe opposition from the weather. But ironically, recent weather has also helped to illustrate the ethos and thinking behind Ulster in Bloom. By coming together in this way, in such adverse conditions, you have shown a collective will toward meeting challenges head on, improving your natural environment; and assisting in improving quality of life for you and your neighbours. The experience of working in partnership, of cooperating with people whom you may not have had contact with before, of creating new relationships and building on the old, lasts long in the memory.
"In our ninth consecutive year of supporting Ulster in Bloom, Translink is proud to be associated with this long-standing competition and the positive environmental messages it raises in communities across the province. We remain committed to the event, as do our bus and train station managers who have been busy planting out their stations this summer, and in particular I would like to congratulate 'Brighter Whitehead' for their efforts in winning the Community Rail Halt Award."
Voting Starts on Virtual Flower Show (23 August 2007)
Voting has started on the Carrickfergus in Bloom Virtual Flower Show. Stephen Daye, Carrickfergus in Bloom Coordinator explained "The Virtual Flower Show is a web based competition that encourages people to submit to the Virtual Flower Show website (www.virtualflowershow.org) a favourite photograph taken during the last year, which fits one of the classes'. My Garden;
My Favourite Outdoor Plant; My Favourite Indoor Plant; My Favourite Landscape or Garden Setting;
Flowers in their natural, wild setting; Flowers with pets or other animals.
"The Carrickfergus in Bloom Virtual Flower Show affords the community an opportunity to view and vote on the horticultural work of local people. I would encourage borough residents to log-on to the Carrickfergus Borough Council website to view the entries. The quality of the work is very high and the willingness of local people to display their Carrickfergus in Bloom themed work is commendable. Voting is easy just log on to www.virtualflowershow.org and pick your favourite photograph. The photo in each category that receives the most votes wins. The winners and runner-up will be invited to a prize-giving ceremony at the Town Hall in October to receive their certificates and prizes. "
"To encourage people to enter the Virtual Flower Show we ran a free prize draw to win a Canon PowerShot A460 digital camera. The winner was Mrs Gladys McAlister from Eden. Mrs McAlister's grandchildren Carl & Garth Skelton (pictured with the Mayor of Carrickfergus, Alderman David Hilditch) collected the prize on behalf of their grandmother. "
Greenisland railway adoption group 'GRASPS' the nettle (07 August 2007)
The gloves were on and tools at the ready today as the 'Greenisland Railway Adoption Scheme Project' (GRASP) got underway. Kicking off a three-day weeding and litter-lift initiative, the intergenerational GRASP community group also plans to repaint the station and work in partnership with NI Railways to discourage anti-social behaviour. Having recently secured funding to the tune of 94k from Children in Need - the highest award made in Northern Ireland - GRASP is currently working with NI Railways to provide a meeting place for young people, with a new community outreach centre expected to open in September 2007 at the railway station site. Pictured: Frank Moore and Victoria Rossborough
Environmental Improvements at Beach Road (10 August 2007)
In the next few months Beach Road Quarry is going to be transformed into a Nature Reserve. The site is located at the end of Beach Road in Whitehead, which effectively represents the most southerly aspect to the town. Much of the site is an old disused limestone quarry which has been worked since before 1769. Around 1868 the quarry provided much of the stone used for the construction of the Belfast to Larne Railway Line which skirts the coastline to form the eastern boundary of the site. The quarry closed in the 1920's and from 1955 to 1982 the area was used as the town waste disposal site. Brighter Whitehead has secured funding from Better Belfast to carry out this work. For more information visit www.beachroad.org.uk
Big Wild Read (10 August 2007)
If you know anyone aged 5-11, then be sure to tell them about The Big Wild Read. Run in libraries across the UK, The Big Wild Read inspires children to make a difference for wildlife, whilst encouraging them to read lots of books. Breathing Places has teamed up with the Woodland Trust's Tree for All campaign so that for every book read, children will receive a tree token which will go towards up to 20,000 new trees being planted. Why not go along and find out more at your local library, or check it out on bigwildread.co.uk
Judgement Day for Whitehead as Britain in Bloom Judges Arrive (10 August 2007)
Whitehead will again represent Northern Ireland in the Coastal Resort category of Britain in Bloom this year. The selection follows the success of the town at last year's Translink Ulster in Bloom competition.
Alderman May Beattie, Chairperson of Parks, Countryside & Amenities Sub-Committee said "The 9th August is Judgement Day for Whitehead as Britain in Bloom Judges arrive to adjudicate our blooming town. Carrickfergus Borough Council along with community groups, committed individuals, the Department of the Environment and Housing Executive have been busy doing their bit to brighten up the town and make it more attractive to local citizens and visitors alike. A huge horticultural operation has been going on and thousands of plants are being tended in Whitehead's acclaimed floral displays. The Judges are two highly-qualified horticulturalists Jim Buttress & Sue Wood. They will be accompanied by Alderman May Beattie (Chairperson of Brighter Borough), Bob Pollock (Chairperson of Brighter Whitehead), Stephen Daye (Parks & Countryside Development Officer) and Matt Hunter (Parks & Countryside Operations Officer) in a Hyundai Santa Fe jeep supplied by Cannon Motors Limited (formally Cahoon Motors), 57-70 Belfast Road, Carrickfergus. Before judging Jim Buttress & Sue Wood will meet the many groups that work in partnership with the Council including sponsors at a reception at Whitehead Golf Club."
Seashore Safari (01 August 2007)
85 seashore explorers joined the creatures of the rock pools to investigate the biodiversity of Blackhead Path Shoreline with the Seashore Safari on Wednesday 1st August 2007. The explorers did not have to wait long to find some of the weird and wonderful creatures living in the rock pools of Blackhead Path. Some creatures that the explorers found included the cushion starfish, Beadlet anemone, Hermit crab, Shore crabs, Brittle stars, Limpets, Barnacles and Periwinkles. Dr Charmaine Blake from the Ulster Wildlife Trust and Stephen Daye from Carrickfergus Council lead the safari. This event was sponsored by Carrickfergus Borough Council and was run in association with Whitehead Community Festival. For other events visit our events section for further details or click here to download the poster.
Borough Supports Launch of 2007 Ulster in Bloom ( 19 June 2007)
Launched at Downpatrick’s Ballydugan Mill by Translink, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA), the Ulster in Bloom competition is open to all villages, towns and cities in Northern Ireland, with judging taking place during July and August.
Speaking at the event Translink Chairman, Mrs Veronica Palmer encouraged the 121 participants in this year’s competition to give free rein to their creativity and competitiveness in order to impress the judges and produce their best blooms to date. “We are amazed each year by the dedication and attention to detail of all the Ulster in Bloom contenders, not to mention the vast number of hours that go into planting, pruning, watering – and occasionally talking to plants! – in order to produce the best results. However, the beauty of the Ulster in Bloom competition is that the fruits of our entrants’ labours are not just competition entries, but also provide enormous pleasure to local residents and tourists to Northern Ireland. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all those with an interest in gardening who use their talents in this way to the benefit of the wider community.“
NILGA President Sean McPeake added: “The heart of the competition is about caring for the environment and it’s lovely to see cities, towns and villages clean, tidy and tastefully decorated with flowers, shrubs and trees. There is no entry fee to participate and NILGA would like to call upon every council and community to give the Competition the support it deserves and warmly congratulate all those councils already involved.”
Mr Patrick Stapleton, NITB Board Member said; “Since 1979 this event has grown to become a household name across Northern Ireland. Who would have thought back then that the event would become so successful, or indeed that Northern Ireland would be named as a must-see travel destination by the world’s leading travel publication, Lonely Planet? The Ulster in Bloom competition is an invaluable tool in attracting visitors; it also ensures that their stay in Northern Ireland is even more pleasant. On behalf of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board I would like to congratulate and thank all of the partners involved in organising this event which seems to go from strength to strength every year,” he said.
Love Parks Week in Carrickfergus (16 to 24 June 2007)
The citizens of Carrickfergus Borough are being encouraged to get out in the fresh air and make the most of the Borough’s’ parks and countryside during national Love Parks Week, which takes place between Saturday 16 and Sunday 24 June 2007. Carrickfergus Borough is celebrating Love Parks Week with a ‘Family Fun Day’ in Windsor Play Park in Whitehead on Saturday 16 June from 2.30. This event will be the first of many events that will happen within the Borough during the summer period. Other events include Shakespeare in the Park at Shaftesbury Park, a Seashore Safari at Blackhead Coastal Park plus much much more.
The Love Parks Week campaign, which is organised by parks charity GreenSpace, aims to raise national and international awareness of the importance of Britain’s parks and green spaces and encourage people to get out and discover just what these fantastic places have got to offer. As part of Love Parks Week, GreenSpace and the Heritage Lottery Fund are running a photo competition called Postcards from the Park. People can enter photos of their favourite park into the competition. Why not enter a photo of one of Carrickfergus Borough’s parks – you could win tuition from top photographer Mike McCartney, and shine the spotlight on your favourite park into the bargain! Visit www.loveparksweek.org.uk for more details.
Chairperson of the Parks, Countryside & Amenities Sub-Committee, Alderman May Beattie said: “Love Parks Week is all about celebrating the importance of parks and encouraging people to get out and have fun. There aren’t many other visitor attractions that are free to enter, open to all and provide such a range of benefits to health, quality of life and the environment – what’s not to love?”
Whitehead School Builds for Biodiversity (08 June 2007)
Pupils from Lourdes Primary School in Whitehead have been busy building biodiversity boxes that will help give food and shelter to a variety of insects within the school grounds. Stephen Daye, Parks & Countryside Development Officer with Carrickfergus Borough Council said “This year’s Carrickfergus in Bloom theme is biodiversity in the garden. Biodiversity encompasses all living things; the diversity of species, the variation of genes that enables organisms to evolve and adapt, and the diverse ecosystems within which organisms interact in a complex web of interdependent relationships. These ecosystems are fragile and if one collapses many others are likely to follow, causing mass extinction of species.”
Launch of Carrickfergus in Bloom 2007 (18 May 2007)
Alderman May Beattie, launched Carrickfergus in Bloom 2007 in the grounds of the historic Andrew Jackson Cottage. Ably helped by school children from throughout the Borough, a string quartet from the Ulster Youth Orchestra and a mysterious ‘Bug Lady’!
"Carrickfergus Borough Council is throwing down a green gauntlet yet again to everybody who lives within the Borough of Carrickfergus. Whether you fill a hanging basket, enter one of the 11 competitions or plant a tree, there is something for everyone to do to make our Borough bloom this year.” said Alderman Beattie.
"Carrickfergus Borough Council will be planting thousands of summer and spring flowering plants, hundreds hanging baskets as well as 50,000 spring flowering bulbs. The numbers make impressive reading and so does the fact that the initiative will last long after the show of spring and summer flowers are over. Our tree-planting scheme and the continued reduction of bedding plants in favour of more permanent planting are the ways we are enhancing the already scenic environment of Carrickfergus for today and for tomorrow." continued Alderman Beattie
"We will again be organising the Borough-wide Carrickfergus in Bloom Community Competitions. Local communities are encouraged to take part by entering the Best Kept Front Garden and Window Box Competitions. Children can take part in the Painting, Poetry and Tallest Sunflower competitions. Local businesses will also be asked to participate by entering the Best Kept Shop and other Commercial premises section. And Web users can enter the Virtual Flower Show. continued Alderman Beattie
“Carrickfergus Borough Council along with the Department of Environment, Housing Executive and various Community Groups are joining together to improve the beauty of Carrickfergus 365 days a year; with the use of flowers, colourful shrubs, trees and attractive street furniture. We encourage shops, businesses, and individuals to brighten up their properties by placing hanging baskets, window boxes, and by generally tidying up their location." ended Alderman Beattie
Stephen Daye, Parks & Countryside Development Officer with Carrickfergus Borough Council said “This year’s Carrickfergus in Bloom theme is biodiversity in the garden. Biodiversity encompasses all living things; the diversity of species, the variation of genes that enables organisms to evolve and adapt, and the diverse ecosystems within which organisms interact in a complex web of interdependent relationships. These ecosystems are fragile and if one collapses many others are likely to follow, causing mass extinction of species.”
“Currently, it is estimated that more than 10,000 species become extinct worldwide each year, and this figure is rising. The central cause of this extinction is human beings. The Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group (NIBG) identified 15 major issues affecting Biodiversity in Northern Ireland in its report ‘Biodiversity in Northern Ireland: Recommendations to Government for a Biodiversity Strategy’. Continued Mr Daye
“In the face of such alarming trends the average garden may seem an unlikely ally to biodiversity. However, of UK's 23 million hectares it is estimated that gardens in private ownership account for 270,000 hectares. These huge areas of land are ecosystems in their own right and are of great significance to the biodiversity of Carrickfergus and the rest of the world. Furthermore, the way in which we garden also has a direct bearing on biodiversity.”
Most gardens are already of great significance to biodiversity. The combination of habitats, soils and native and exotic plants create a unique environment. By adopting some or all of the measures below, the biodiversity in your garden can be further enhanced. Always remember that biodiversity is reliant on complex interactions and that the tiniest insect, lichen or fungus can be of huge significance to the more ‘obvious’ species such as birds and mammals.
Spring into Action (1st May 2007)
Put the spring back into your step this month. People across the borough can make a real impact by volunteering to help conserve the environment during May. May is designated Environment Month for the Year of the Volunteer. Carrickfergus Council would like to hear from individuals who wish to volunteer who would like to hear
Charlie Dimmock, the BBC gardening guru and supporter of the Spring into Action campaign said “Come springtime, we all want to be outside; it's a lovely time of the year to appreciate green spaces. And if you want to help your environment, locally is a great place to start. That area at the end of the road might look like a tip, but with a bit of tidying up, you can help all the native plants in there and that will make a difference to the birds, insects and other wildlife around.”
“Volunteering sounds very worthy, but once you actually start doing it and get involved, especially if it's something near to your community, you get to know people you wouldn't normally come across and you get so much more out of it than you think you're going to. You make new friends, you get a sense of achievement and at the same time you're making a huge difference to the area that you're in.”
“The other great thing is that anybody can volunteer - you don't need to be qualified, you haven't got to be fully able. Basically, you've just got to have the get up and go to want to get involved. Whether it's weeding or making the tea, everybody has something to give.” concluded Charlie
To take part in a community project within the Borough: Contact Carrickfergus in Bloom
Irish Squirrel Survey (30 April 2007)
This year sees the start of some brand new research into Irish squirrels. The Irish Squirrel survey 2007 are anxious to obtain as much reliable information as possible on the present distribution of both red and grey squirrel and also on pine martens. The survey, sponsored by COFORD, is based on a simple questionnaire easily accessible on their website. Visit their website: www.irishsquirrelsurvey.com
Tree planting season ends in Whitehead (29 March 2007)
Whitehead Primary School is celebrating the arrival of Spring and the end of the tree planting season today by planting a tree for every pupil in the school. The tree planting in Whitehead will end the largest tree planting campaign in our Borough’s history with 21,000 trees planted in this season alone.
Alderman May Beattie, Chairperson of the Parks, Countryside & Amenities Sub-Committee for Carrickfergus Borough Council who joined the Whitehead Primary School pupils said “It’s great to see Whitehead playing its part in this tree campaign. Whitehead will be representing Northern Ireland in Britain in Bloom this year and today’s planting will play its part in the town’s submission. Last year Whitehead was awarded a silver award at Britain in Bloom.”
“We are also extremely grateful to all the schools throughout the Borough who have taken part in the many planting days over the part few months. Planting a tree is an easy and an enjoyable way to work together to improve the local environment and strengthen communities. It is also a great way to learn about the environment and is linked to the national schools curriculum.”
“There are many reasons why trees matter and why everyone should play a part in planting new ones. For example, they create attractive places to live, work and relax, help to regenerate neglected land, attract more wildlife into the area and bring jobs and opportunities for sustainable development.”
“The tree planting is being paid with Better Belfast’s Landfill Tax Credits and Carrickfergus Borough Council. The trees will help offset the emissions of Carbon Dioxide, through the removal and storage of Carbon Dioxide from the atmosphere by the growing trees.” concluded Alderman Beattie
Brian Poots of the Woodland Trust said ”Over the last few months young people have been taking part in a tree-planting marathon as part of the Woodland Trust’s ambitious ‘Tree for All’ campaign, supported by Carrickfergus Borough Council. “
“Tree for All is the largest children’s tree-planting initiative the UK has ever seen. During the campaign, 12 million trees will be planted throughout the UK, with half a million set for Northern Ireland - that’s one tree for every child under the age of 16.”
“Tree for All aims to give every child the chance to plant a tree. We want children to get to grips with nature, and to grow up with a real love of nature. Hopefully these activities in Carrickfergus Borough will go someway to doing just that.” concluded Mr Poots.
Stephen Daye, Parks & Countryside Development Officer at Carrickfergus Borough Council "Trees and woodland provide a aesthetically pleasant environment, urban forests can cheaply and easily improve air quality and biodiversity, lessen soil erosion and flood damage and improve community spirit, health and fitness. Trees have a vital role to play in our modern urban environment, urban woodland filters out levels of ambient pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide by up to 45%. The cool and shade that the trees provide reduces street-level ozone which can cause coughing and chest pain. And the impact that the plants have on local climate can rein in the energy consumption of surrounding buildings by up to 10%.
The root network and leaf canopy of this kind of planting also stabilises soil, keeps run-off in check, conserves ground water and lowers the risk of flash-flooding. But the presence of woodland in towns is not just good for the environment, it's good for people too. It has also been shown to encourage more healthy, open-air behaviour in residents such as walking, cycling and bird watching and to provide ‘a living labs and outdoor classrooms’ in which urbanites like myself can learn about the natural world.” Mr Daye concluded.
For further information: Stephen Daye, Parks & Countryside Development Officer, Carrickfergus Borough Council. t: (028) 93358039 ~ e: greenspace@carrickfergus.org
Borough Bloomers Go Wild in 2007 (26 March 2007)
Creature features will be the key to success for the Borough's gardening communities taking part in RHS Britain in Bloom this year. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has introduced a 'Bloomin' Wild' theme for 2007 to encourage communities to design and plant for wildlife and we are playing its part!
Stephen Daye, Parks & Countryside Development Officer with Carrickfergus Borough Council said "We want young people throughout the Borough to help champion wildlife gardening in their community. The RHS have produced a Creature Calendar that lists creatures to look out for throughout the year, from the Buff-tipped Bumblebees to the Marmalade Hoverfly. Young people can then report their finding on our wild night out website and get loads of information and advice to get keen wildlife gardeners started.
Simon Thornton-Wood, RHS Director of Science and Learning, said, "Increased urbanisation and modern farming practices have eroded almost all natural habitat for our native species of wildlife. Actively managed public and private gardens and green spaces can provide remarkably rich environments that are becoming a vital alternative. Everyone can make a contribution to the design and planting of private and public spaces to encourage insects, amphibians, birds and mammals - and it's enjoyable too, creating a display that everyone can enjoy."
Jim Buttress, RHS Britain in Bloom Chairman of Judges & a judge heading to Whitehead this Summer, said, "Britain in Bloom is more than just flowers and bedding displays. Community involvement is one of the central themes for the campaign: engaging children and young people is vital for success. With 'Bloomin' Wild', we want to involve more people in the Campaign, and show another way in which Britain in Bloom contributes to a healthy environment for everyone"
Whitehead is representing Northern Ireland in Britain in Bloom this year. Last year Whitehead was awarded a Silver award at Britain in Bloom. For further information visit our wild night out section or our Britain in Bloom section.
LISTEN: Click here to listen to the BBC Radio Interview on the Blooming Wild campaign.
Carrickfergus Central Primary Get Set for Woodland Challenge (6 March 2007)
Schoolchildren from Central Primary School and other schools in Carrickfergus Borough are joining forces to make a huge contribution to the local landscape. The youngsters are on a mission to plant thousands of native trees at Bashfordsland in Carrickfergus as part of a joint venture between Carrickfergus Borough Council and the Woodland Trust. Local schools have been taking part in the tree-planting marathon in which 16,000 trees have been planted. The events are part of the Woodland Trust's ambitious 'Tree for All' campaign, supported by Carrickfergus Borough Council.
Tree for All is the largest children's tree-planting initiative the UK has ever seen. During the campaign, 12 million trees will be planted throughout the UK, with half a million set for Northern Ireland - that's one tree for every child under the age of 16. Brian Poots of the Woodland Trust explains: "Tree for All aims to give every child the chance to plant a tree. We want children to get to grips with nature, and to grow up with a real love of nature. Hopefully this week's activities in Carrickfergus will go someway to doing just that."
The series of tree-planting events at Bashfordsland are being delivered in partnership with the Ulster Wildlife Trust and have been made possible thanks to support from Better Belfast Landfill Tax Credit Scheme. Alderman May Beattie, Chairperson of the Parks, Countryside & Amenities Sub-Committee for Carrickfergus Borough Council who joined the Central Primary School pupils said "We're extremely grateful to all the schools who are taking part in the planting at Bashfordsland. Trees and woodland should be taken far more seriously, because as well as providing a aesthetically pleasant environment, urban forests can cheaply and easily improve air quality and biodiversity, lessen soil erosion and flood damage and improve community spirit, health and fitness. Woodland's have also been shown to encourage more healthy, open-air behaviour in residents such as walking, cycling and bird watching and to provide 'a living labs and outdoor classrooms' in which urbanites like myself can learn about the natural world."
Tree Week in Carrickfergus (22 November to 3 December 2006)
National Tree Week is an annual festival to mark the start of the tree planting season, and a nationwide celebration of trees and woods. Across the Borough there will be lots of opportunities to plant trees. To celebrate National Tree Week, Carrickfergus Borough Council is inviting everyone to help make trees matter by planting and celebrating trees in National Tree Week. Click Here for further information
Whitehead honoured with Britain in Bloom Silver Award (21 September 2006)
Whitehead community gardeners’ contributions to the creation of high quality public spaces were recognised at the 2006 RHS Britain in Bloom UK Finals Awards held last week (21 September) in Perth, Scotland when they scooped a Silver Award. Bill Pollock (Brighter Whitehead) and Alderman May Beattie (Chairperson of Parks, Countryside and Amenities Sub-Committee) collected the award on behalf of the town.Alderman May Beattie said “Being chosen to represent Northern Ireland at the Britain in Bloom Awards is a huge achievement for the town and our Borough. It is wonderful that we are now ranked with the best in the country and a sign that Whitehead is well and truly back on the map and being recognised as an attractive and vibrant place in which to live, work or visit. To have reached this level is a testament to all those community groups and members of staff who work tirelessly all year round to maintain and improve the standards of horticulture and cleanliness across the town. All credit also to those businesses, individuals, and organisations that continue to support this vital environmental work."
Carrickfergus in full Bloom as Winners are Announced (30 August 2006)
The visits are over, the votes have been cast, and the Judges have made their final decisions. The results of the 28th Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition are in! And it proved to be a blooming marvellous summer for our Borough’s green-fingered gardeners as they turned up the flower power to win four category’s in this year’s competition. Carrickfergus & Whitehead have triumphed again! The results announced today (30 August 2006) at Tullyglass House Hotel, Ballymena are as follows:
Large Town – 1st – Carrickfergus
Small Town – 2nd – Whitehead
Floral Station – 3rd – Carrickfergus Rail & Bus Station
Community Rail Halt – Whitehead Station
Translink’s Carrickfergus Line Manager Frank Moore also received a special award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Ulster in Bloom competition. Check out the Brighter Whitehead Website: Click Here
