Alas, my time with the Easterhouse gang has come to a close…. Don’t worry I’m not actually going to recite a poem here.
But yes, my time getting the guys from the green gym involved in citizen science has ended and it has been great getting to know them and get them involved in a load of new activities. Hopefully giving each person a bit more confidence to continue trying new tasks, and experiencing more of the wonderful wildlife right on their doorstep.
Sweeping for bugs at Auchinlea Park
All in, we have managed to gather an abundance of records especially those for the Scottish ladybird survey. With the help of the green gym as well as everyone who has taken part in the survey, the number of records has sky-rocketed from a measly 4 records in 2011 all the way to 192 at the end of 2013. A big well done all round!
As well as collecting records with the group, I also made a point of gathering as much footage of them throughout the sessions as possible. After all, writing about a group is all well and good, but to get a real feel for a group’s character and to see how much they enjoy an activity, you’re better off seeing it directly. So why not take 3 ½ minutes of your day to have a wee look at this video, compiled from footage of the Easterhouse Green Gym taking part in invertebrate surveys. https://vimeo.com/83490903
There’s a Solitary Bee in that box. Honest!
As you can see from the video, this group has been a joy to work with. Not always easy, but ‘Always’ entertaining. Always up for giving it a go, finding out new information, gaining new skills and helping to improve an area of Glasgow which suffers from high levels of deprivation.
This is where it all gets a little bitter sweet. For all they have enjoyed their work and really got involved in something that was completely new and unusual to them, this Green Gym has now no funding to continue and this does raise a question or two when it comes to funding. Everyone surrounding this group has worked tirelessly to try and obtain funding for them, but unfortunately, shiny new projects always seem to be more appealing to funders rather than continuing a project which is having a real positive impact on people’s lives. Green Gyms are excellent for improving the lives of their group members, promoting social inclusion, building self-confidence and general mental/physical wellbeing, all whilst working to improve local green spaces. Considering how much these guys have put in and indeed gained from working in their local environment, it is nothing short of a crying shame that the group cannot continue. It really makes you think…