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FRIENDS OF SILVER END
MEMORIAL GARDENS:
A meeting was held in Silver End Village Hall on Monday 29th
March.
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Action Points from the Friends meeting held on 29th March
2010
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HOW TO HOLD AN EVENT
IN SILVER END MEMORIAL GARDENS:
Did you know that the gardens are available for outdoor hire?
Information for you or your organisation to arrange an event in
this park is available from the Parks and Open Spaces Manager on
01376 332314 or send an email to customer services
csc@braintree.gov.uk
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Events Programme 2010
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Events Programme 2009
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A brief history
of the Gardens:
Silver End Memorial Gardens, lying in the centre of Silver End,
were officially opened in 1952 and still function as an attractive
village park thanks to a major grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund
which enabled its full restoration completed in 2005. The
park is much valued both locally and nationally, lying at the
centre of the model `Garden Village` of Silver End near Braintree
in north Essex.
- Read more about the historical
development of the Gardens
The park is owned and managed by Braintree District Council and
has a part-time warden employed by Silver End Parish Council who
ensures a benign and welcoming atmosphere. There are many
Friends of Silver End Memorial Gardens and close links with
community organisations, especially the three under-5s groups
and the Children's Centre.
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Improving
Biodiversity:
The Council is keen to protect and increase the biodiversity of the
Gardens in a number of ways...
- A pond survey was undertaken prior to the restoration and
pond plants introduced thereafter. Two further surveys are planned
for 2010 to compare results, 5 years after restoration
- A member of the Horticultural Team is also a keen
ornithologist and has undertaken to carry out four bird surveys
(one at each season) and the results of the 2010 January survey
have been sent to the RSPB to be part of their annual national
survey; 'Big Garden Birdwatch'
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Bird Survey Results
- Bird boxes have been installed to encourage birds into the
gardens
- Investigations will be carried out to see if funds and volunteers
can be found to install and take care of a bird feeding table
- A wide range of flowering plants has been included in the Gardens
to provide a "nectar bar" for insects
- More wildflower and bulb planting is planned
- Two large bins have been installed in different parts of the
Gardens to collect leaf litter to provide mulch and thus
further habitats for wildlife
- Two log piles have been installed in secluded locations; these
will provide "bug hotels"
- Pesticide use has been minimised, and the use of herbicides is
avoided
The unusual Tulip Tree in the Gardens flowered for the
first time in 2006 (Photographed by Jim Sanders)
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