You may have noticed some improvements to the Dene over the past six months. Much of this is down to the hard work of the volunteers. Getting muddy is a speciality of the volunteers. The pond near Fisherman’s Lodge which was starting to smell very bad has been emptied and cleared of debris. It is now crystal clear and a small wishing well has been uncovered. Work has now begun on another pond below Paddy Freemans Pond. Mud and rocks are being cleared out and Ivy cut back from the surrounding rocks.
The iron railings on the eastern end of Armstrong Bridge have been stripped of paint and rust and are awaiting a new coat of paint. Work was started in the summer on the ruined part of the Banqueting Hall, this involved clearing back vegetation and soil. The cattle run in Armstrong Park was cleared out and it is hoped that a Victorian water feature will be reinstated in the autumn. Other works include footpath clearance, removal of the invasive Himalayan Balsam and tidying up St Mary’s Well. If anyone is interested in volunteering contact the rangers on tel 0191 2810973 e-mail Jesmond.dene@newcastle.gov.uk and we will send you a volunteer information pack.
The volunteers have been entered for a new competition, ‘growing together – Newcastle environmental awards’. They were entered in the category, ‘best effort by a community group in improving the local environment’. We will find out on September 5th if they have won, at, an awards ceremony at the Civic Centre.