£10,064 funding boost for Northumberland’s Berwick Parks

Northumberland County Council is receiving a £10,064 funding boost from SUEZ Communities Trust which will see the creation of a sculpture trail in Berwick’s parks.

The Berwick Castle Parks Sculpture Trial 2017 project will focus on local animals and plants and will add educational and imaginative play opportunities for children within the park. The sculptures will be suitable for climbing and sitting on, and will make the park look more attractive for park visitors.

The sculptures has been developed by the Friends of Castle Parks, working in partnership with the county council and Berwick Town Council. It has also benefited from a private donation.

Eight local first schools are involved in helping produce designs, and David Gross, the sculptor, is working with them to produce sculptures based on their designs. One design is being selected from each school to install in the park, along with a sculpture of the iconic Berwick Bear.

Glen Sanderson, cabinet member for environment and local services at Northumberland County Council, said: “The funding is fantastic news for Berwick Parks. These recreational spaces have had a renaissance in recent years, after a successful Heritage Lottery Funded improvement programme for Castle Vale Park and Coronation Parks.

“We are delighted to have been awarded this funding for what will be a further improvement scheme - adding new interest and entertainment for residents and visitors and making these great parks even better.”

Pete Sessions, SUEZ Communities Trust, said: “We are thrilled to have been able to support this wonderful project. SUEZ Communities Trust provides grants through the Landfill Communities Fund. This important source of funding is celebrating its 20th year and in that time has provided such worthy projects with more than £1.4 billion.

“Also, as they will be required to research interesting facts about the plants and animals that will be the subjects in the trail, the children’s scientific and environmental knowledge will increase.

“This is the sort of project that looks to a future generation and will capitalise on the fine work that has gone into both of Berwick’s Castle Parks in the last few years.”