Local school children lend a hand

(Date of issue: Wednesday, 3 June 2009)

Some local green fingered school children are continuing to lending their support to a restoration project at Eden Bridge Gardens, Stanwix, Carlisle.

All this week, around 200 Stanwix Primary pupils, from various age groups, have been helping the City Council’s Green Spaces team plant bulbs, put down turf and prepare the gardens for future ground works.

The school has volunteered their support from Monday this week and will carry on until Friday. Assistant Head of Stanwix School, Sue Whitlock, said:

“The children love the idea that the gardens are being renovated and that they are such a big part of it. They can’t wait to go back to see what it looks like when it is finished. Carlisle City Council has been extremely innovative – thinking of ways the children can be involved with their busy work schedule. Extending these opportunities to children not only develops their interest in the outdoors but gives them ‘life skills’ as well as lots of fresh air and exercise.”

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) awarded a grant of £50,000 to help the City Council restore Eden Bridge Gardens, Stanwix last year. The work will cost around £100,000, with the remaining funding provided by Carlisle City Council and Marks & Spencer.

Restoration work has been underway since last November and the scheme has seen vital repairs made to the rose pergolas and lily ponds. The rock garden has been cut back and invasive species and weeds removed and the surrounding trees cut back to allow more light into the garden and create sight lines through to the main rose pergola. The steps, which connect the two raised terraces have been re-laid and the crazy paving paths re-pointed.

Cllr Ray Bloxham, Portfolio holder for Environment & Infrastructure, said:

“Eden Bridge Garden, is commonly known as either the Italian or Chinese Gardens, and has been an established part of Carlisle for many decades. The Heritage Lottery funding has enabled us to give it a new lease of life and provide a glimpse of horticultural history for local residents to enjoy.

“I’m delighted that some local school children are lending a hand with the restoration work and would like to thank them for all their hard work.”

The work is expected to be completed later this summer.

Any local resident who would like to volunteer their support and become a ‘Friend of Eden Bridge Gardens’, please telephone Carlisle City Council on 01228 618500.