What's New in Greenspace
What's New in Greenspace
Islington in Bloom Awards Ceremony
Islington's greenest fingered gardeners have been rewarded for their efforts at the 2011 Islington in Bloom Ceremony. Winning residents, schools, businesses and community gardens received certificates and national garden centre vouchers to help them keep Islington blooming in 2012.
Friends of Parks' Charter is gaining momentum
16 of Islington's 'friends of parks' groups have now signed the Islington Friends of Parks Charter.
The charter was launched this spring to strengthen the partnership between Islington Council and many of the Friends of Parks, community gardeners and various other associations that are actively involved in managing their local public spaces.
The charter can be viewed and downloaded when you create a profile at www.islington.gov.uk/friendsofparksforum
For a hard copy please email greenspace@islington.gov.uk or call 020 7527 8839.
Success for Apprentice Community Greenspace Ranger
Apprentice Community Greenspace Ranger, Nick Bowry, claimed a Runner's Up prize at the London Council's Apprentice Awards Ceremony on September 14th 2011. He was shortlisted in the category for Best contribution by an Apprentice in London Boroughs and got through to the final four.
Nick’s enthusiasm and professionalism make him an exceptional apprentice. He proactively makes suggestions for resolving problems. For example to reduce damage to planted areas caused by people playing football, Nick suggested marking out pitch lines in an area of the park without planting. This practical solution has reduced maintenance costs.
Nick passed his British Trust for Conservation Volunteers training programme with flying colours and has been successful in achieving the NVQ level 2 Diploma course at Capel Manor College. Nick’s tutors have been impressed with his efforts and willingness to learn.
He goes the extra mile to help with residents’ queries and supported a group from City and Islington College who won first place in the Police Safer Neighbourhood Challenge Awards. The group carried out planting improvements in the park and Nick was on hand to provide extra compost, plants and advice. He wrote an article about the award, collecting photos and quotes.
The London Borough Apprenticeship Awards was created to provide a platform to highlight the value of apprenticeships to London boroughs.
Green Flag Community Award Winners!
Culpeper Community Garden, King Henry's Wak Garden, Mary Tealby Peace Garden in Paradise Park, Penn Road Gardens, Sunnyside Community Garden and Thornhill Bridge Community Gardens have all been awarded the Green Flag Community Award this year. The award is a national award that recognises high quality green spaces in England and Wales that are managed by voluntary and community groups.
The Friends of Groups for the parks and the Community Gardens' Management Committees all applied for the award and have Service Level Agreements with the Greenspace Team at Islington Council to maintain the spaces.
The award mainly recognises that all the groups rally volunteers, put on events and raise money for redevelopment in the parks creating a stronger sense of community and making residents feel proud of their parks.
Keith Hodgson, Chair of Penn Rd Residents Association says, "Whilst we look after the Gardens, this has to be seen as a combined achievement along with the Greenspace Team, especially Colette Blanchard, not forgetting all the Enterprise people who cut the grass and keep the paths clean."
People's Choice Award
Voting for the Green Flag People's Choice Award is now open. Follow the links below to vote for an Islington site to win.
Vote for Culpeper Community Garden
Vote for Kng Henry's Walk Garden
Vote for Mary Tealby Peace Garden (Paradise Park)
Vote for Thornhill Bridge Community Garden
Free Master Gardeners training
Islington Master Gardeners are looking for volunteers who can share their enthusiasm for food growing in their communities. You don’t have to be an expert to volunteer - just some experience of growing your own and a passion for encouraging others to have a go. Full Master Gardener training is provided with additional support from a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator. Call Kate Fenhalls on 020 7837 2373, or email kfenhalls@gardenorganic.org.uk to find out more.
Page Last Updated: 10 October 2011