Each week we publish a column in the Times & Star about what's been going on in Allerdale's communities. This week we're talking about the fantastic work done to improve Workington's Siddick ponds and Harrington Nature Reserve, our Knitting Ninjas poppy display outside Allerdale House and the WW1 display for the public in the Carnegie Theatre, Workington.

Work has been continuing at Workington’s Siddick Ponds this week to make the area even more attractive – for wildlife and visitors.   

The Workington Nature Partnership, which is a joint initiative between Allerdale Borough Council and Workington Town Council, has arranged for diggers to be on site, scraping back vegetation and excavating to provide new shallow wetland wildlife habitats and feeding grounds. And it’s proving really popular with birds such as teal, snipe, redshank and several species of gull which are already making use of the new site, whilst the diggers are still onsite.   

The added benefit is that the area in question was overgrown and little used – except by fly-tippers.   

This work is being funded by Allerdale Borough Council and the Robin Rigg Community Fund.  
Work on a new sunken viewing area overlooking the south end of the main pond alongside the cyclepath is also nearing completion and will provide a sheltered seating area with tarmac ramped access from the cyclepath to enable Access for All. Funding is being provided by Allerdale Borough Council, Nugen and Sustrans (via their Heritage Lottery grant for their “Tracks of the Iron Masters” project)  

Meanwhile the work carried out at Harrington Nature Reserve earlier this year is really paying off as these photos from local photographer Sheil Ivison shows. The partnership has also been given some new bird’s-eye drone images which show the new shape of the reservoir in all its glory.   

Work began to take out silt and create new channels in April. This was designed to deal with the siltation and flooding issues, benefitting the reservoir's wildlife and biodiversity and improve the area for the many visitors to this popular site. Funding for the £182,000 project has been provided by Allerdale Borough Council, Workington Town Council, the WREN Community Fund, E.ON (via the Robin Rigg Community Fund) and the Tesco “Bags of Help” Scheme.   
 
The revamp included lots of new planting too – and nature has worked its magic through self-seeding, transforming the site into a fantastic haven for local wildlife.  
   
Michael Heaslip, Executive member with responsibility for environmental quality, said: “The work carried out by the Workington Nature Partnership is really great. Harrington Nature Reserve is looking fabulous after its revamp, and I know is really appreciated by people in the local community as a place to go and get outside which is so important for our health and wellbeing.”  
 
You can find out more about the partnership, including how to volunteer, via their Facebook page.   

WWI centenary commemorations 

An artistic installation that represents life in Allerdale during World War I is on display to the public at the Carnegie Theatre in Workington. The life-sized 3D installation was unveiled on Thursday 1 November at event a launch event that saw speeches, poetry readings and performances from local community groups and schools to mark the occasion.  

The ‘Allerdale 100’ project, which has been commissioned by Allerdale Borough Council, has been created by members of the local community to commemorate the centenary of the end of WWI. 

The Council appointed Black Knight Historical to manage the project, which has held workshops with local schools and groups across Allerdale to research and produce different elements that will be used on the display. 
 
Councillor Bill Jefferson, Executive Member with responsibility for tourism and culture, said: “I am very proud that we’ve had the opportunity to mark this important occasion with the help of our local communities. It’s great to see how many people have been involved in the project which represents such a significant moment in history. I hope the display is enjoyed by many people and encourages them to reflect and remember those in Allerdale who were affected by World War I.”  

Molly Housego, project leader at Black Knight Historical, has been putting the installation together. She said: “After months of preparation and lots of hard work, it’s great to finally see the centrepiece of the Allerdale100 project come together. Following the workshops with local schools and groups, the wonderful tributes which have been created came in thick and fast, and have provided a moving display within the installation.”  

The installation is open to the public until Wednesday 21 November and is free to view. For more information on the project visit www.allerdale100.com.  

Knitting Ninjas

Allerdale Borough Council’s very own ‘Knitting Ninjas’ have also been busy knitting poppies to mark the centenary. They have put together a display at Allerdale House in Workington showing their hard work in a thoughtful tribute to those who fought in the Great War.   

Carni McCarron-Holmes, the council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: "It is at this time that the country unites to recognise and honour all those who have served their country, and remembering those who never returned home. This year, as we mark the centenary of the end of the Great War, it is particularly poignant. And so it is great to see so many communities and organisations showing their support - from poppies descending down church towers, to local bus and transport companies with the poppy proudly emblazoned on the front of their vehicles. And of course our own Allerdale100 project at Workington Carnegie Theatre and the poppies knitted by staff outside our offices in the town."