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(L) Volunteers learning new skills (R ) first project complete, a bench carved by the team in situ in the woodland
For some time, we have hoped to organise Green Woodworking sessions attended by Therapeutic Horticulture volunteers. It’s always sad when mature trees fall in times of drought, or limbs are brought down by high winds, we’ve been wanting to re-use the wood around the Gardens by transforming them into benches, tables and sculptures. Due to continued funding we receive from Jo Malone London, enabling activities like this to go ahead,
On a warm afternoon in July 2021, with the gardens full of scent and colour looking their best, staff and volunteers gathered for an afternoon tea party to bid a fond and emotional farewell to Miranda Kingston.
Orange-tailed clearwing moth (L) was identified near the children’s play area (R)
Andrew Curran, one of our longstanding volunteer wildlife recorders, was elated to report his recent discovery, after the latest moth identification session:
“The moth was sighted by the lower oak canopy near the earth oven on Thursday 8th July. I thought it was Yellow-legged Clearwing which was recorded here at Martineau Gardnes, several times in the past. To my great delight, this beautiful moth proved to be Orange-tailed Clearwing. A new identification for Martineau Gardens and nationally scarce”
Huge thanks to Tauny Southwood who has come on board by bringing bands, ‘Jazz on Tap’ and ‘Tayz & the Drolls’ to the Garden Party. Read on for more details about the bands.
For those of you who have been following the story regarding the renovation of our Shipwreck Play Area, you will remember how we have been focusing on a natural play experience, which will engage children’s imagination. With our commitment to wildlife and the environment we wanted to keep materials as green as possible, creating a green play space that reflects our values was important to us.
We were delighted when local business Envirotoy got in touch with a good deal around their plastic-free toys. They gave us a number of sets and we were so pleased with them that we bought additional sets for busy times.
Stuart Loach (Envirotoy) with the plastic-free toys by the newly created sandpit
Pictured here, Stuart Loach (Director, Envirotoy) personally delivering the plastic-free play sets. The wooden sand play sets are made from ‘planwood’ a type of moulded wood that uses left over sawdust and good for waterplay too.
Prior to the official launch, our volunteers gave the sandpit area a test run and of course, a cermonial sandcastles were made.
Members of the Garden Team give the buckets and spades a test run!
Stay in touch with our plans, by following the story on social media. You can find out more about Envirotoy here.
We’re delighted to have completed the repairs to our bird hide thanks to a Magic Little Grant of £500 and the hard work of our volunteers who did all the renovations. The grant also funded the planting of even more bee-friendly plants as part of our work in facilitating natural beekeeping methods.
A jay viewed from the bird hide
Honey bee on Hemp agrimony
Our wonderful colunteers mid-repair of the Bird Hide
The Garden Team and staff first in to try out the repaired hide
Gill at the helm of the recently restored wheelhouse
Our wonderful CEO Gill Milburn is retiring in September after three years of incredible service to Martineau Gardens. We will be writing more about all that Gill has achieved for Martineau Gardens soon, but wanted you to hear as soon as possible. Please give her a virtual three cheers and fist bump for leading us, the organisation, the staff and the volunteers with such diligence, kindness and strength, particularly through the pandemic. We feel very fortunate that Gill was at the helm during this time.
We are seeking an inspirational leader to join our small independent charity. The successful candidate will be someone who shares our vision and values, invites innovation and thrives on making a positive difference to the people and communities we serve. Click here to access the application pack details.
Our CEO is retiring and we are seeking an inspirational leader to join our small independent charity. The successful candidate will be someone who shares our vision and values, invites innovation and thrives on making a positive difference to the people and communities we serve.
The Visitor Welcome Team meet, greet and look after our visitors Mondays to Saturdays*, usually working 10am – 1pm or 1pm – 4pm Some like to do a full day.
*Martineau Gardens is now open Mondays to Saturdays 10am until 4pm. We extended our hours to include Saturdays on 31 July 21.
