The Friends of Ponteland Park was formed in late 2005 to improve the area for wildlife and the public with planting and environmental projects to run through the seasons.Various initiatives have taken place, including the creation of a young people's wood, seating improvements, footbridge renewal and pathway enhancements, as well as regular maintenance tasks.
And now the volunteers have set their sights on the replacement of a rickety old fence.The barrier runs along the perimeter of the old railway, but has fallen into disrepair and the area has become a magnet for litter.
The Friends plan to construct a new ranch-style fence in its place, while Ponteland Town Council has pledged to provide resources to clear the overgrowth, paving the way for fresh planting to create a wildlife corridor.
However, the Council support was dependent on funding being secured for the rest of the project so the group was delighted when the Borough's Community Fund Panel approved a £1,514 grant for the work.
Friends Chairman Margaret Stainsby said: "That is marvellous news, it's fabulous."I'm very pleased about that because the whole project hinged on whether we could get this old fence removed.
"The Town Council has promised that if we got the grant for the fence, it would clear the embankment."The idea is that once the new fence is installed, we will prepare a trench to make it ready for a wildlife hedge, with all native species planting in it.
"We are trying to make the park more interesting for people to visit and produce something they can look at throughout the seasons, as well as bring the wildlife into the park."Castle Morpeth councillors unanimously approved the grant when the application came before the final meeting of the Panel.
Member Richard Dodd said: "There is a lot of good work being done in the park and the Friends are very enthusiastic.
"As we all know who live around there, this group has worked hard over the years and has had one or two good events of late.
"The Friends' most recent project was the creation of a flower meadow after securing a grant for almost £10,000 from the Breathing Spaces campaign.
The area was cleared last Summer and experts were brought in to advise on the best ways to go about the scheme.In September, more than 1,000 varied flower plugs were delivered and they were all planted by the end of the month.
The next plan is to extend the area, stage a number of community events, improve the Long Walk and buy additional bird and bat boxes.Volunteers meet in the park every Tuesday afternoon or early evening to carry out their work.
More helpers would be welcome.
Source: Morpeth Herald