Back in December 2017, we received the good news that our ‘Green Woodland Community Project’ application had been shortlisted in the Tesco Bags of Help initiative (see previous post). Tesco customers in local stores then voted for their favourite project and, last month, we were awarded £2k funding.
What is the Green Woodland Community Project?
The Green Woodland Community Project will improve the infrastructure and access in Sensicall Park, Oughtibridge through the creation of a traditional riven oak handrail to provide durable support on the steep steps within the woodland.
As part of this project, free woodland workshops are being held with members of the public to create and then install the new handrail.
Greenwood craft workshops
The first of these workshops was held this weekend, where a group of 10 spent the day with local craftsman, Jasper Prachek, learning how to make a cleft oak handrail using traditional woodland craft techniques.
Our Environmental Project Officer, Kate Hughes, who is running the project said “Thanks to all those who took part in the day. Everyone worked really hard and we have now got lots of posts and rails ready for installation at our next public event in May. Thanks must also go to Tesco for their Bags of Help scheme and all the customers who voted to provide the funding to run this project.”
This weekend’s workshop attendees all gave positive feedback on the event, including the following comments:
“Haven’t done anything similar and didn’t know what to expect. Had a fabulous day, learnt new skills from informative, friendly staff. Have booked onto next event and would definitely recommend it to a friend.”
“Very informative and fun. I have previous experience with Greenwood crafts but this taught me several new skills and gave me plenty of time to practice them.”
“Brilliant, thank you for holding the event. it was an insightful introduction to both rustic woodworking and the Steel Valley Project.”
Want to know more?
If you are interested in getting involved with future workshops or volunteering with the Steel Valley Project, please email kate.hughes@steelvalleyproject.org or keep an eye on our website and social media.
Facebook: TheSteelValleyProject
Twitter: @steel_valley
More about the Tesco ‘Bags of Help’ scheme
Tesco teamed up with Groundwork to launch its community funding scheme, which sees grants of up to £4,000, £2,000 and £1,000 – all raised from carrier bag sales in Tesco stores – being awarded to local community projects.
Bags of Help offers community groups and projects across the UK a share of revenue generated from carrier bag sales in Tesco store. For more information, see www.tesco.com/bagsofhelp
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