Gerald Lee Park - the latest news

Building the smallest park in Britain in Victoria Road didn't present as the most 'catchy' idea for South Terrace Residents' Group - but the media have thought otherwise.

The Northern Echo and BBC Radio Tees gave it such prominence that even Burntwood Park in the Borough of Lichfield have got cold feet about their petite position on the podium. Amanda Llewellyn, our project co-ordinator, wowed the listeners of Radio Tees and the story went viral.

But - our ground-work preparation is yet to happen, and time is tight. The provisional day for the Grand Opening of the 'Smallest Park in Britain' is Tuesday 29 July, when the Mayor, Councillor Gerald Lee (wearing his Mayoral chain) and assisted by the children of South Terrace will cut the tape.

Gerald Lee and 'The First Dig'

Our days of action are to be 'The Big Dig' on Saturday 7 June, and 'The Big Plant' on 21 June. In each case, volunteers are asked to meet in the back lane west at South Terrace.

Those with forks and spades will be particularly welcome, but we also cherish others to serve tea from the urn, and distribute biscuits and cake. We are working on a theme for the day, currently a guarded secret, but which will be revealed in time.

One matter that is of particular importance for the Darlington Guerilla Gardeners is the environmental credentials of the project. Whilst Friends of the Earth have given us a resounding silence (they seem more preoccupied by demonstrating with placards, than digging with spades) - we are determined to give a new definition to 'the environmentally adjusted park'. Everything from drainage and seating - to planting - will respect indigenous principles.

Of course, we now need your plants! The fabulous Peter Plant has already offered to help. Will you?

Councillor Gerald Lee Park

Just as Darlington Council examines more ways to cut costs and save money, you would be excused from believing that now was an impossible time to envisage the development of a brand new park for Park East Ward. Especially as the ward boasts one of the finest provincial parks in the county.


Well, of course you would be wrong. In association with Guerilla Gardeners Darlington Division and South Terrace Residents Association, we have plans.

The objective is to create Britain's Smallest Park, to be named after next year's Darlington Town Mayor, Gerald Lee.

For too long, this small patch of earth has been allowed to fester as one of the most neglected patches in the town. Until Councillor Paul Harman took an interest in it, this piece of council-owned land between Victoria Embankment and Feethams South was a mess. Covered with litter and dead plant material, it was a carbuncle on the south side of Darlington's face.

All of that is to change with our new plans.

First, we plan to fork and weed the plot, and systematically litter-pick.

After this, we are arranging for path liners and bark chippings to be delivered to the site. This will enable us to divide the area into planting areas, whilst leaving an access for maintenance and bill-board posting.

And this is where we come in. Our final task is that of planting.

The location is wild and north facing, so provides a small, but not insurmountable challenge.


Perhaps some of the more successful South Terrace gardeners can recommend plants, and maybe share some of their established clumps. Generally, we will be looking for a colourful herbaceous border feel of hardy perennials.

The piece-de-resistance will be the 'Veronica Tree'. We are planning to have a Wish Tree within the planting. Due to the size of the park and the presence of the bill-board, we cannot have a proper tree as such, but propose a Wish Bush!
Your ideas on this will be invaluable.


It is not often that we get the opportunity to take hold of our own environment to create something special and lasting. Here, we can make a difference. Are you in?

Local Motion - hot tips for transport

John (no 13) with Jonathan ,Alex - and in the window, Basil Hardy

It's Friday, and its sunny. What better time for a visit to the terrace from Local Motion, Darlington's transport initiative to change the ways we think about environmentally-friendly travel.

 

John, getting great tips about the Ariva App

You will have seen the red uniformed Local Motion team touring the town, and today was our turn. We had the benefit of two of their most experienced (and personable) advisers, Jonathan and Alex.

Funded by the Department for Transport's Local Sustainable Transport Fund, and supported by the town council, Local Motion give tips on healthy and sustainable travel options - with a clear drive to encourage the use of shared transport where possible. Click the link to find out more about Local Motion.