DALE folk over the age of 50 are being encouraged to get involved with the regeneration of a nature reserve in Barnard Castle.
Veg Out in Barney, a community garden project, has secured £10,000 to bring its latest project to fruition.
The money has been awarded from the County Durham Community Foundation as part of the Enriching Later Life programme. This is aimed at supporting older people to remain active and improve their quality of life.
Project leader Dr Ann Barmby is trying to source talented individuals who could run practical sessions and teach others a range of new skills.
These will then be put to use in the nature reserve, which is next to the People’s Garden at the rear of the TCR Hub. Topics will include willow weaving and scything.
There will also be an emphasis on art using natural products.
Dr Barmby said: “We have got 24 weeks to cover. In that time we would maybe run two two-hour workshops a week which would be free for people to come to. They will be open to everyone but there will be an emphasis on people over 50.”
Dr Barmby believes the sessions could be perfect for people of all ages.
While the team at the TCR Hub are already trying to maintain the wildlife haven, further help has been offered from the community and further afield. Members of Fruitful Communities, a project led by YMCA Teesdale, have been on site and planted fruit trees.
Volunteers from Northumbrian Water have also been helping clear the pond.
Chief officer at the Hub Rachel Tweddle said: “We do get lots of people down here but we want more people doing more things. It will be really good and it is all about working together. Anything that is going to encourage people to use this facility more and appreciate what is around them is amazing.”
The sessions are expected to start at the end of April.
Ms Tweddle added: “It will be really nice for people to use the space and appreciate the natural environment we have got. It is unique, it is safe and it is fairly accessible. It is a beautiful place. It will be nice for older people to come down with their grandchildren.”
