Green Up and Clean Up

Aims of the project Clean up – an area in our town called the old forge and also the front of our local library Clean up – an area in our town called the old forge and also the front of our local library Clean up – install new bins along the back lane/the old forge Clean up – install new bins along the back lane/the old forge Green up – plant new shrubs and trees along the back lane/the old forge Green up – plant new shrubs and trees along the back lane/the old forge Green up – transform an area of waste ground in our school into an organic community garden Green up – transform an area of waste ground in our school into an organic community garden

Objectives of the project Invite a local garden expert to help us with the project Invite a local garden expert to help us with the project To design the community garden and the memorial garden To design the community garden and the memorial garden To clean up the old forge area To clean up the old forge area To decorate and refurbish the area To decorate and refurbish the area Campaigned for new bins Campaigned for new bins

Garden Before

Garden After

Old Forge Before

Old Forge After

Project Steps Spring we drew up a plan for our new garden and got to work, digging, clearing, building raised beds and planting vegetables Spring we drew up a plan for our new garden and got to work, digging, clearing, building raised beds and planting vegetables May 2010 – we applied for funding from the Clare county council under “local agenda 21 funding” to develop our garden and we also sought a “clean up of an illegal dump grant” May 2010 – we applied for funding from the Clare county council under “local agenda 21 funding” to develop our garden and we also sought a “clean up of an illegal dump grant”

September 2010 – we dug up our harvest and cooked up a lovely meal of roasted veggies and wedge potatoes. September 2010 – we dug up our harvest and cooked up a lovely meal of roasted veggies and wedge potatoes. October 2010 – we started our clean up of the old forge area, we cleared the rubbish, repaired the stone wall, planted trees and shrubs October 2010 – we started our clean up of the old forge area, we cleared the rubbish, repaired the stone wall, planted trees and shrubs October 2010 – we approached local businesses for sponsorship of bins and also lobbied local politicians October 2010 – we approached local businesses for sponsorship of bins and also lobbied local politicians

November 2010 – We started work on the area in front of the Library, we repainted the outdoor seating and designed murals to hide the old railings November 2010 – We started work on the area in front of the Library, we repainted the outdoor seating and designed murals to hide the old railings February 2011 – we invite in local garden experts to give us advice and to help us with the pond February 2011 – we invite in local garden experts to give us advice and to help us with the pond March 2011 – Build seating area for the garden March 2011 – Build seating area for the garden

April 2011 – Meet with local gardeners to share information and learn from each other. Agree a rota system for use and upkeep of garden during school time and summer holidays. April 2011 – Meet with local gardeners to share information and learn from each other. Agree a rota system for use and upkeep of garden during school time and summer holidays. May 2011 – official opening of our organic community garden, invite local gardeners, parents and students for a BBQ. May 2011 – official opening of our organic community garden, invite local gardeners, parents and students for a BBQ.

Working Hard

Working Hard

Making of Pond Dug out pond area Dug out pond area Put down old carpets so not do damage plastic Put down old carpets so not do damage plastic 2 layers of plastic sheeting 2 layers of plastic sheeting Filled with water Filled with water Put oxygenating plants on ledge Put oxygenating plants on ledge Decorated with stones along the outside Decorated with stones along the outside Placed small fish inside for finishing touch Placed small fish inside for finishing touch

Finished Pond