Green Build Fortnight

Free tour of 'green' visitor attraction

A free tour highlighting the 'green' environmental improvements at Talkin Tarn country park will be held this Thursday (6 September) between 1.30pm and 2.30pm.

The event will be held as part of Cumbria Green Build Fortnight and will include the opportunity to visit, explore and learn about one of the county's most sustainable visitor centres. It will look at the principles and practicalities facing the management of the venue and will highlight some of the main environmental measures introduced as part of the £1million improvement works. These included:

• a small scale wind turbine;
• a water source heat pump and two air source heat pumps;
• the use of sun pipes for lighting;
• the use of sustainable local materials;
• solar panels; and

• rainwater harvesting.

Carlisle City Council took over the management of the Country Park in April last year and upgraded the facilities to ensure that they complied with DDA and health & safety regulations.

The area and its buildings were made accessible, as well as safe, for residents to visit. Over time, the facilities had become neglected and were in need of repair. A summer 2006 programme of improvement works has ensured that future visitors are now able to fully enjoy their visit to the Brampton site.

The development work promoted a Cleaner, Greener & Safer environment and used materials in keeping with the local surroundings. Educational development was key, as were efforts to reduce CO2 emissions into the atmosphere by using environmentally friendly energy sources.

The sensitive environmental approach to the works has resulted in the country park being shortlisted for a national award. The site has been nominated as one of three in the Award for Sustainability in the 2007 Public Servants of the Year Awards. Cllr Ray Bloxham, Portfolio holder for Environment & Infrastructure said:

As part of the improvement works, we took the opportunity to use environmental practices and sustainable materials which were in keeping with the local surroundings. The importance of the estate to local people and its users was our main focus. The free tour is an opportunity to see first hand why and how the improvements were undertaken and also look at how this kind of approach is still part of the ongoing management of the country park.

The public tour of Talkin Tarn will be staged between 1.30pm and 2.30pm this Thursday (6 September). The event is free but places are limited. Booking is essential and can be arranged by emailing office@edenla21.org.uk or by telephoning 01768 210276.

A 'Forum' addressing how large public organisations can most effectively improve their sustainability of their buildings, operations and policies will follow the event. This will be held between 2.45pm and 4.45pm and is particularly aimed at councils, health services and other large institutions.

The Cumbria Green Fortnight is organised by Eden Local Agenda 21. The programme started on Monday, 27 August and runs through to Sunday, 9 September. A full programme is available by visiting www.edenla21.org.uk (external link) or telephoning 01768 210276.