Making Space for Nature

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• Transformations provide a wellness boost at Castle Park

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  On 12^th August Making Space for Nature hosted an event at Castle Park in Liskeard, showcasing a range of activities that use nature to derive health and social benefits. It was great to welcome many new partners to the park - Survival Wisdom, Forest Bathing Cornwall, Nature Connects, Nature’s Way (Eden Project), The Sensory Trust, Sukha Shala Yoga, Cornwall Libraries, Secure Forests and CORMAC.

  The event was designed to demonstrate how the enhancements made at the park for wildlife also provide better opportunities for our wellbeing, with taster sessions and demonstrations in everything from forest bathing to sound mapping and woodcarving being enjoyed by all age groups and abilities. The event also celebrated the huge impact being created by members of the local community through regular green volunteer sessions at the park, helping to care for the new planting and keeping an eye on general maintenance.

  To highlight the transformations that have taken place at the park a series of over-head images have also been produced, giving a birds-eye-view of the new orchards, colourful meadow areas and pollinator friendly plant beds. Also captured, is the new eastern-link path, which has provided a useful connection between residential areas and schools as well as people enjoying existing and new facilities within a setting that has been enhanced for wildlife and people.

  

  The new path, mini-orchard and football area with enhanced landscaping for sustainable drainage and wildlife.

  

  Sensory planting, meadow patches and the next generation of trees help create a green patchwork with St Martin’s churchyard, also enhanced through the ERDF funded project.

• Last Summer Forest School session at Lanchard Woods

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  Throughout the summer holidays the stretch of woodland on Liskeard’s southern edge known as Lanchard Woods, has hosted regular forest school sessions as part of the Active Cornwall, Time2Move holiday provision programme.

  Over the week’s participants have enjoyed getting closer to nature, including spotting froglets, wild cooking, building dens on stilts and sculpting with natural materials.

  The final session of the season will be next Thursday, 19^th August, so don’t miss out book your place using the link below or contact Lizzie directly via Sparrows and Sycamores Forest School - Posts | Facebook

  Lanchard Woods Summer Sessions:

  • 29th July 11am-3pm
  • 5th August 11am-3pm
  • 12th August 11am-3pm
  • 19th August 11am-3pm

  The sessions are open to children aged eight years and above.

  Funding is available for home educated or children receiving free school meals to attend, although the sessions are also open to everyone.

  Booking link: http://www.activecornwall.org/childre…/t2m-holiday-programme

  
  

  

  
  

• Making Space for Nature photography competition winners

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  The Making Space for Nature photography competition has announced the 2021 winners.

  
  

  The competition, which ran throughout June, encouraged people to get out and explore their local green spaces in villages and towns by photographing urban nature within walking distance from their house.

  
  

  An event was held at Castle Park in Liskeard on Friday16th July to celebrate the project, where two of the winners of the photo competition were presented with their prize and certificate by Cornwall Councillor Alvey.

  
  

  The youngest entrant, 6 year old Cadan, was recognised for his picture of a bumblebee and Katie, aged 15, was rewarded for the composition of her photo of meadows.

  
  

  The winner for the Urban Wildlife category was Craig Macey with his picture of a common lizard and Mark Broadhurst was the runner up for his picture of fox cubs on the edge of a housing estate.

  
  

  The People and Parks category had some wonderful entries showing the wide range of use of Cornwall’s public spaces. Nicole Forrester’s winning photograph of people using a skate park was a great action shot. The runner up, Anna Druce, submitted a tranquil shot of an inviting park with tree blossoms.

  More information about the photo competition and a selection of the entries can be found at www.exeter.ac.uk/esi/community/making-space-for-nature

• How to boost your wellness through nature!

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  Come and explore a range of nature-based activities that deliver physical, social and emotional health and wellbeing at our Nature and Wellness Showcase at Castle Park on Thursday 12^th August.

  As a society we are increasingly aware that spending time in green space, or bringing nature into your everyday life, can benefit both our mental and physical wellbeing. With reports indicating that 75% of us value nature more now than we did pre-covid, the pandemic has shone a light on how vital access to nature-rich environments is.

  Making Space for Nature has delivered enhancements at three sites in Liskeard, the biggest being Castle Park, where areas of previously mown grass have been planted with habitat shrub beds, nectar-rich flowering meadow patches and mini-orchards.

  To celebrate and demonstrate the connection between nature and our wellbeing there will be a showcase of nature-based activities at Castle Park on Thursday 12^th August from 3pm to 7.30pm.

  The event is free of charge and available to all.

  Come and have at a range of activities, whilst finding out more about providers in the area and how to join local groups. Active taster sessions and demonstrations include:

  • Yoga for Happiness
  • Woodcarving for Mindfulness
  • Natural Navigation
  • Forest Bathing
  • Sensory Nature Exploration Techniques
  • Intergenerational Walking Group
  • Story Telling for the Summer Reading Challenge 2021
  • Mass litter-pick

  
  

  Speaking about the upcoming event, Charlotte Evans, Project Advisor at Cornwall Council said “Parks and urban green spaces are about enriching people’s quality of life. When our outdoor spaces are well-used and loved as a sanctuary of wellbeing, it helps reduce neglect and anti-social uses. Castle Park is a vibrant location in which to showcase the diversity of ways we can all increase our engagement with nature to support our health”.

  To find out more: spacefornature@cornwall.gov.uk or tel: 07749 712452

  
  

  

  
  

• Making Space for Nature is coming to Bodmin

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  Making Space for Nature is all about enhancing Cornwall’s urban public open spaces for wildlife and people and, starting this autumn, our plans for three sites in Bodmin will begin to be implemented.

  The sites that we will be delivering enhancements on are Kinsman Estate and Play Area, Tredanek Play Area and parts of The Burgage Plots.

  Ahead of our programme of delivery we will be letting people know about our plans and answering any questions you may have at the following events in Bodmin:

  • Kinsman Estate Family Fun Day, 31st July 2021

  • Tour of Britain, Narissa Lawn, 4th and 5th September

  Making Space for Nature offers a range of opportunities for community engagement, both through our Green Volunteering initiative and through one-off activities.

  
  

  For more details please visit https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/making-space-for-nature

  or contact charlotte.evans@cornwall.gov.uk

  Green Infrastructure for Growth 2 is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund

  
  

• Making Space for Nature is coming to Penryn

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  The Making Space for Nature project aims to improve urban green spaces in Cornish towns, increasing their wildlife value, accessibility and community enjoyment.

  Our enhancements in Penryn will begin this autumn and are likely to continue into spring 2022.

  In the woodland between Brook Place and Saracen Way, we are planning enhancements that will improve the resilience to climate change and increase social value. Understory planting with will create the next generation of trees. Improving ground cover of native species will help limit growth of invasive species. Around the zig-zag path from Saracen Way, a scheme of sensory perennials and fruit trees takes inspiration from forest garden design.

  At Trelawney Park we want to create a vibrant space that serves multiple purposes for the community and nature – increasing people’s desire to spend time there. Introducing blossoming trees and shrubs and a variety of bulbs will bring a longer season of colour – with forage for pollinators to boot. Cornish varieties of apple and plum trees reflect Penryn’s heritage as a town of orchards, whilst habitat enhancement will respect the riverside location with planting and retention of dead vegetation to provide space for amphibians, insects and birds.

  Special attention will be given to the heritage aspects of Glasney College, an important Scheduled Monument, including raised beds to evoke a sense of the former church tower, pollinator friendly herbaceous borders and new seating facilities to allow people to stop and take in the history. Our plans have been designed not to distract from the existing granite insets outlining the walls of the former church, and a significant area of the site will remain in mown grass so that these remain visible as well as providing open space for community events.

  Throughout all of these schemes there will be opportunities for volunteer activity, which we hope will be the start of long-term involvement of the community in future care for these sites. We are particularly keen to establish a ‘green gardening group’ at Glasney College from this autumn/winter onwards, so please do contact us if you would like to be participate.

  Making Space for Nature will be at Penryn Town Fair on 28th August, where you can find out more about any of the schemes and pick-up tips on wildlife friendly gardening.

  For more details please visit https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/making-space-for-nature

  or contact charlotte.evans@cornwall.gov.uk

  Green Infrastructure for Growth 2 is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund

  
  

• Lanchard Woods gets welcome Spruce-up ahead of Summer Holidays

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  On 24^th July Making Space for Nature was joined by seven volunteers to spruce up Lanchard Woods in a successful effort of keep the recently enhanced area accessible for the community to se and enjoy, especially over the summer period when access to nature-rich environments can help children make the most of their school holidays.

  Lanchard Woods, which is formed from mainly natural woodland regeneration on abandoned fields, is located on the edge of Liskeard, where it can be accessed from either Little Dean, Lanchard Rise or Willow Way.

  Following interventions through Making Space for Nature, including improvements of steps and paths, drainage repairs and clearance of scrub and fly-tipping, the woods will be managed for nature conservation, with a varied broadleaved woodland proving a haven for wildlife as well as being a sanctuary for residents to enjoy and explore.

  Volunteers got stuck in, using traditional hand methods to clear dominant bracken, opening up the groundcover structure to give space to a larger variety of ferns, mosses and herbaceous species, and reduce smothering of establishing tree saplings. The group made a huge difference in a two-hour stint, remarking on a small commitment as a team can make a big impact.

  
  

  Community Engagement

  A long-term plan for the site sees families and local groups making use of the wood for events and being actively engaged in its management. This is beginning to come to fruition with both the volunteer days and a series of forest school sessions that will be held there over the summer holidays.

  The forest school sessions are being run by Lizzie Lay from Sparrows and Sycamores Forest School, who has been successful in receiving funding through the Time2Move initiative, which aims to ensure that all children in Cornwall eligible for Free Schools Meals will be offered activity during the 3 main school holidays.

  To book this or other activity sessions please visit: http://www.activecornwall.org/children-young-people-families/t2m-holiday-programme?fbclid=IwAR2F6-EBhuEWfJK42LtszUitrsx96hyf8xARqxI-qDHbWMPmYLg8BuSEXYE

  Those eligible for free provision will have a unique code that can be entered in the booking system.

  
  

• School helps to Make Space for Nature in Liskeard

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  The next generation have taken an active role in the future of Castle Park, Liskeard with children from St Martin’s School constructing a bug hotel at the site on Friday 16th July.

  
  

  The activity took place as part of the Making Space for Nature Project Celebration event, at which Liskeard's Mayor, Simon Cassidy made the point that “those who plant trees are not the ones that sit in their shade; doing so is a commitment to the future”, in his opening remarks.

  
  

  The pupils also made wishes on the magical 'wicker tree', including that the hotel will provide a home to a host of mini-beasts, with many of them saying how much they are looking forward to visiting the site throughout the summer to see the new residents it will attract!

• Wildflowers flourish under Cornwall Council’s new verge cutting policy

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  Wildflowers are being left to flourish in towns and villages under Cornwall Council’s new approach to urban verge-cutting.

  The Council is responsible for maintaining over 75 hectares of urban verges across the Duchy. These are the verges you see within 30mph zones.  

  Previously, these sites were mown around eight times a year starting in spring. However, at the start of the pandemic, grounds maintenance operations on urban verges were held back which resulted in a flush of native wild flora, drawing in insects and other wildlife.

  Over the winter Cornwall Council carried out a public consultation asking residents how they wanted the verges to be managed in the future. The results of the survey, which received more than 2,000 responses, overwhelmingly suggested that residents wanted to see nature encouraged to flourish.

  As a result, Cornwall Council has introduced a new policy which aims to encourage wildflowers and pollinators to thrive, without compromising road safety.

  Verges will now be cut two or three times a year, instead of eight, and cuttings will take place after the flowers have finished blooming and seeds are set.  

  The Council will still be tidying path edges, cut around benches and fixtures, ensuring visibility for safety reasons, as well as removing noxious weeds. Cutting at junctions and bends on the highway will also continue to ensure roads remain safe and visibility is not compromised.

  Martyn Alvey, portfolio holder for Environment and Climate Change at Cornwall Council, said: “During the pandemic our verges became full of colour as wildflowers took back control.

  “We know that many of our residents appreciate this natural beauty and we listened to the feedback we received during the public consultation.

  “This policy aims to help flora and wildlife thrive while also ensuring that our roads and pathways remain safe for residents and visitors.”

  Mike Beckett, Interim Environment Contract and Change Manager at Cormac Ltd, which is responsible for cutting back the verges on behalf of Cornwall Council, said: “It’s amazing how quickly nature bounced back. Many verges that would have been cut back by now are covered with beautiful flowers.

  “Our teams work hard to ensure that our roads and pathways remain safe and this will continue.

  “Areas that need to be cleared for safety reasons will be cut back and care will be taken to ensure that wildflowers are left to flourish where possible.”

  Link to the full story on Cornwall Council's main website: Wildflowers flourish under Cornwall Council’s new verge cutting policy - Cornwall Council

• Making Space for Nature Summer Events Programme - 2021

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  It's that time of year - That's right time to take time for fun and family, and we hope that through our nature-based summer events, you can find out more about the environment around you at the same time.

  We have events and activities in a number of the towns that we work in, and they are open to anyone.

  Check out the list below!

  
  

  Photographic Exhibition

  

  Falmouth Art Gallery and The Princess Pavilions, Falmouth. An abstract view on the nature around us, posing the question how can we more deeply appreciate it? Photographs by Falmouth University student, Daniel Wheeler, captured during a placement with Making Space for Nature (GI4G2).

  
  

  Throughout June. Gallery open 10am – 4pm, closed Sundays. Booking is not needed to attend this exhibition.

  
  

  St Austell Green White Gold Festival

  Cemetery Park, St. Austell. Take part in a treasure hunt and find out about our green gardening volunteering opportunities.

  Saturday 26^th June 10am – 4pm. Booking is not needed to attend this event.

  
  

  Cornish Hedging Workshop

  Tregoniggie Woodland, Falmouth, TR11 4SN. Come along to learn a practical skill whilst helping restore old Cornish hedges in this cherished urban woodland.

  Saturday 3^rd July 9.30am – 12.30pm or 1.30 – 4.30pm. Maximum 10 people per session, so to guarantee your place, please email spacefornature@cornwall.gov.uk You are welcome to come along on the day.

  
  

  BioBlitz

  St Martin’s Churchyard, Liskeard, PL14 3AQ. Join us in a race against the clock to find as many different species as possible whilst learning some identification skills from experts.

  Saturday 17^th July 10am – 1pm (early birds can join from 8am to see the mammal traps opened). For more information and to book call 01872 302250 or email erccis@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk

  
  

  Woodland Spruce Up

  Lanchard Woods, Liskeard, PL14 4JL. A hands-on session to keep paths and glades clear at this recently reinvigorated river-side woods.

  Saturday 24^th July 11am – 1pm. For more information and to book call 07749712452 or email spacefornature@cornwall.gov.uk

  
  

  Family Fun Day

  Kinsman Estate, Bodmin. A chance to find out more about upcoming Making Space for Nature enhancements to the site. A full day of activities organised by the Tenants and Residents Association.

  Saturday 31^st July. To find out more please email lc111communityhub@gmail.com

  
  

  Nature and Wellness

  Castle Park, Liskeard, PL14 4JL. Come and explore a range of ways that engaging with nature can benefit your mental, social and physical health. Taster sessions and demonstrations including yoga, natural orienteering wood working.

  Thursday 12^th August 3 – 7pm Booking is not needed to attend this event. If you would like to involved as a provider please contact 07749712452 or email spacefornature@cornwall.gov.uk

  
  

  Nature Celebration

  Beacon Park, Falmouth, TR11 2AB. You can get involved with caring for our wonderful Cornish nature. Come along to find out how at this showcase of organisations working in sector.

  Saturday 14^th August. For more information and to book call 07483158016 or email spacefornature@cornwall.gov.uk

  
  

  Liskeard Unlocked Tea Treat

  Castle Park, Liskeard, PL14 4JL. Join us for a new take on the traditional tea treat with food supplied for all through the Real Junk Food Project. Activities include a teddy bears picnic, natural crafts, nature trail and fresh food demonstration.

  Saturday 18^th September 2-5pm. Booking is not needed to attend this event. Find out more at www.visitliskeard.co.uk/whats-on/

  
  

  Green Infrastructure for Growth 2 is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund