Above: planting Aspen, photo Anna Litchfield

 

BOOM Grows in Barrow!

 

Art Gene are delighted to announce a new community growing partnership as part of the University of Cumbria’s ‘Back on Our Map’ (BOOM) project.

BOOM, a £2 million, National Lottery Heritage Funded scheme will work with communities to help bring back and strengthen 12 different species of flora and fauna across South Cumbria over the next 4 years. The University of Cumbria project will be delivered in partnership with Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Natural England, Forestry England and Morecambe Bay Partnership.

Art Gene’s partnership with the University, will mean Barrow residents can take part in this important species restoration work. Art Gene’s Allotment Soup – the Isle of Walney Community Growing Space will host and deliver part of the project.

 

Join us for

BOOM Grows in Barrow!

Saturday 15th February 2020

12 – 2pm

The event ‘BOOM grows in Barrow!’ will be held on Saturday 15^th February at the Isle of Walney Community Growing Space, Mill Lane, Walney Island, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 3XX, from 12:00- 14:00 pm will mark the start our our work with BOOM. There will be free hot food, short talks and information from expert guests from the University of Cumbria about the species and how you can get involved, followed by planting demos and art activities suitable for all ages. Free, all welcome. Please let us know if you are going to join us, by contacting Eve at Art Gene on 01229 825085 or email events@art-gene.co.uk

 

University of Cumbria, BOOM Project Officer, Ellie Kent said,

“Schools and community volunteers will be invited to grow Aspen trees as well as plants including primrose and kidney vetch, food plants of the Small Blue and Duke of Burgundy butterflies. The new polytunnel and growing beds have supported with thanks to Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund, extending the growing space.”

 

Working alongside the BOOM team, Art Gene will be offering community training and volunteering in practical conservation as well as hosting a range of public events, walks and talks and family activities throughout the year as part of their wider programme of Extreme Views events.

 

Maddi Nicholson, Art Gene Artist/Director said,

“We are really pleased to be working with University of Cumbria on such an exciting project, which will give people in Barrow the opportunity to learn about and support these rare species. People will be able to be a part of the whole journey, from sowing the seed to planting the species back out in the landscape. Barrow-in-Furness is rated number 1 for the quality of its Natural Heritage assets (RSA heritage index) – this is amazing and something we should all be proud of and celebrate. We are looking forward to getting everyone involved in this important work.”

 

 

Above: ‘BOOM Grows in Barrow launch’ at the Isle of Walney Community growing Space, photo Maddi Nicholson