Works have now started on the Pavilion which is exciting. The contractor, Bolt and Heeks, have set up camp with their double decker container and will be on site until July. Access to the bowls green will always be available and access to the toilets shall be maintained as much as possible.
The Rochdale Road entrance works are moving along steadily with the ground works nearly complete. The small substation will next be relocated so the original Rochdale Road entrance can be restored.
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| (photo courtesy of FOGH) |
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| Artist impression of the new Hub area |
Marnock Lake is looking a bit more open since some of the preparatory clearance treeworks have been carried out. The lake was lowered again to allow for 3 jobs to be completed: installation of a pumping house for the dripping wells; completion of de-silting the lake; and tree works on the island. The pumping house installation was the first job and this is nearly complete, allowing for the contractor to return and complete the de-silt.
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| Making the pump house for the dripping wells |
The wetland area has been allowed to lower naturally for the season on advice from a professional ecologist. The reason being that we need to reduce the habitat suitability for wildlife so that when the landscape works start there in autumn there is as minimal damage to wildlife as possible. Once the landscape works are complete the habitat quality of the wetland will be greatly improved and have a positive effect on the biodiversity of the area.
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| Artist's impression of the wetland area |
Our Community Orchard is coming along splendidly. We had a wonderful community planting day on 21st February when 25 fruit trees were planted by their sponsor families. Despite a random snow shower in the morning the sun soon came out and everyone had a wonderful day. Each tree was blessed by its sponsors using the traditional method of wassailing. A little cider was poured on the tree (or drank in some cases) whilst a wassail poem was read out. This should encourage good health for the tree and a bountiful crop.
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| Wassailing in action |
On Saturday 21st March we shall be having a community planting day from 10am until 1pm that everyone is welcome to come along to. We shall be planting up the old rose beds at the back of the Bowls Green with some lovely fragrant flowers and herbs. We will also make a few habitat features like bug boxes and burrow posts. The result should be a lovely colourful and fragrant area that will be easier to maintain than the rose beds and should even allow Lee to use some fresh herbs in his paninis! Do come along for as long as you can - tools, gloves and refreshments will be provided.
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| Oakley work experience lads helping prepare the beds. |
