Trying something new today, a blog that covers 2 days spanning a week of the same project. We had two full vans and were very lucky that the nice weather has started to come in. The project at the Church (www.giffnockurc.org.uk) was a very simple but fun task. It started with the previous mid-week group clearing a 1 metre wide path to be filled with type 1 gravel. Also our Green Gym leader for Renfrewshire created some lovely wildlife garden beds (to be filled with wildflowers) and posts that can be used to create shelter for a seating area.
Pathway cleared for the type 1 gravel.
Pathway cleared for the type 1 gravel.
Pathway cleared for the type 1 gravel.
Built by our Green Gym leader for wild flowers to be planted later.
Built by our Green Gym leader for wild flowers to be planted later.
Built by our Green Gym leader for wild flowers to be planted later.
Built by our Green Gym leader for wild flowers to be planted later.
Built by our Green Gym leader for wild flowers to be planted later.
Over the two days our team concentrated on laying down membrane to stop unwanted attention from weeds growing through the type 1 gravel. We then laid down the type 1, making sure we kept the width to a metre. Also covering the area of the wildlife garden as well. In future we will compress the type 1 gravel with a wacker plate then add grey wind dust and compress that so the path and garden are easy to walk on and looks as tidy as possible. We moved a lot of type 1 on the first day as everyone was having a lot of fun – the group was also working very hard and it shows from the photo below.
What was left after the first day of type 1 shifting. The original pile was 20 tonnes.
The second day was made up of more type 1 shifting but with extra emphasis on making sure the path was within 1 metre width and the wildlife garden was neat. We removed all weeds and obstacles in the wildlife garden, also making sure the ground was stable for the membrane to be laid as it was waterlogged in some areas from previous weeks rain. It was another very successful day with the Sun beaming down on happy faces. On a another note the Young Scot filming team were out as I was nominated for a Young Scot Award by members of TCV and have reached the finals which will be held on April 10th at the SECC Clyde Auditorium. This was great promotion for TCV – as an orginisation that does great work.
Filled with type 1 gravel and maintained over several days.
Filled with type 1 gravel and maintained over several days.
Both sets of days seemed to fill the Volunteers with a great sense of self satisfaction as it is tough work but very rewarding – you can see the results of the days work very clearly. I personally can’t wait to get back and see the project to completion.