Archive for 25 February 2008

One more week to complete your application

A quick reminder that the closing date for the Big Green Challenge is now Monday 3 March - one week from today. That means you’ve still got seven days to think about your entry.

If you’ve not yet started your application form, get going on it today! Make sure you submit it by 11.59pm on Monday 3 March.

If you’ve got a question about applying for the Big Green Challenge, call the helpline on 020 7566 1465 or email admin@biggreenchallenge.org.uk.

Edinburgh Community Backgreens Association

Here’s a great example of a community working together to reduce carbon emissions and build a strong sense of neighbourhood and community spirit.

Since 2006, Edinburgh Community Backgreens Association has been working with households to turn neglected tenement backgreens into shared community green spaces. It’s established seven sites in Edinburgh, and the engagement and participation of local residents is central to the success of the community backgreens model.

Residents volunteer their time at monthly workshops to clear the rubbish and overgrowth and lay out the new community greens. A Green Caretaker – usually a tenement resident – is appointed for each backgreen, to oversee its development and provide a regular maintenance service.

The community backgreens provide a focus for community activity and facilitate the environmental sustainability of the tenement buildings. As well as space to grow plants, fruit and vegetables, the backgreens include play and relaxation areas, community composting and bike sheds.

You’ve got one week left before the deadline for entering the Big Green Challenge, so if you’ve been thinking about putting an application together with members of your local community, then get going today!