Hi my name is Alex and I'm going to be volunteering for 'Let's Grow Preston'. This means I'll be posting regular blogs to the website and keeping everyone up to date with the latest goings on at 'Let's Grow Preston'. As well as volunteering at LGP I also volunteer at Preston Parks on Monday mornings with Steve Smith ( senior park ranger) We do a thourough litter clearance of the park and/or some planting bulbs. Fortnightly on Tuesdays I volunteer at Leyland Day Centre. This involves serving tea and coffee for the clientsand soon I'll be venturing out in the garden to do some work there. Fortnightly on Wednesdays I volunteer for the Bees, Butterflies and Bikes group. We meet at the Anderton Arms, Fulwood. It is managed by Chris Taylor at Lancashire Wildlife Trust and he gives a practical demonstration of the work we'll be carrying out then he leaves us to it for a couple of hours. We mostly do plug planting, wildflower planting and scrub clearance. Every Thursday morning I volunteer at Green Gym in Blackburn. This is a conservation based group that carries out work across Witton Park in Blackburn. Since being there last October (2015) I have done rhododendron clearance, created log piles and learnt how to make trenches and plant trees. Yesterday I had a meeting at INTACT in Ingol and I'll be volunteering for them every couple of weeks from Tuesday 29th March, working in the garden. Friday - Sunday is a well deserved rest! Please keep an eye out for my blogs on here, I hope you find them interesting.:)

Let’s Grow Preston in conjunction with the Workers Educational Association (WEA) are running a 2 day ‘Introduction to Permaculture’ course at Ashton Walled Garden next month. It is also planned that a further 14 day course will follow shortly afterwards. If you wish to attend the course please be quick because places are limited please email info@letsgrowpreston

Some of you may remember Lets Grow Preston (Preston Environmental Forum) distributing some seed potatoes, onion sets and vegetable seeds last year. These were kindly donated to Let’s Grow Preston by Brighter Blooms, a nursery down London Road. Brighter Blooms are holding a Potato Day next mon th and would like to invite you to go along.

Progess is going well at the Let's Grow Preston Community Garden. This new community garden is part of the Let's Grow Preston Community Hub in Ashton Walled Garden on Ashton Park

This is the new Lets Grow Preston Website, we hope you find it very useful and would welcome any feed back you may have about how it looks and works. Email info@letsgrowpreston

Welcome one and all to the penultimate blog I will write. For the past 6 months I have been documenting my gardening voluntary work in and around the community of Preston, Lancashire. A lot has changed in that 6 month period and today marks the near end of my time with Steve Smith ( senior park ranger ) at Ashton Park. I intend to say goodbye to Preston Parks on October 3rd 2016. It was initially going to be October 17th but Steve was away that week so I've decided to conclude my time a fortnight earlier. I am delighted as to everything Preston Parks has provided for me and the many experiences and memories over the past year that I will cherish for some time, thank you. Today, however, was still a working day and Steve and I tackled Ashton Park with our bin bags, litter pickers and gloves in a diligent and hassle free way. Throughout our jaunt round the park we were fortunate to see some familiar faces who walk dogs for a living. It was brilliant to see the dogs in such good shape and enjoying the beginning of autumnal weather. Steve and I were also fortunate to avoid the wet weather. On some Mondays when I've done a litter pick it's been absolutely throwing it down and we both came back to the Pavilion base looking like a pair of drowned poodles. By the time we got back this morning it was pushing on 11.45am and I reminded Steve that I wanted a photograph of him and I outside the pavilion to document my time with Preston Parks and Let's Grow Preston since end last year ( 2015). We managed to get an employer from Preston City Council to take a photo of us, we got two in total and we were no doubt looking particularly cheesy. It was edging towards 12noon and before I went Steve asked me to email him what I would like on the reference. I will email him soon and also print the photograph. It's not totally goodbye as I'll be coming in for the last time on October 3rd and I have asked Steve if he'd like to join me and Barry from Intact ( need to check with Barry ) for a beer bi-monthly from December onwards. He said he'd like to but his schedule is really busy with family commitments. I said my goodbyes for now to Steve and looked around Preston Parks to recall what a special year these last 12 months have been and what a privilege it's been to meet Steve and the rest of the team. I'll be back for the last time on October 3rd for now though this is Alex Ashworth signing off for Preston Parks 19/9/16. Throiughout

Good afternoon blog followers and welcome to the latest instalment of the intrepid adventures of Alex Ashworth as he continues to gain valuable experience in the field of gardening within the voluntary sector. Today marked a return to Preston Parks at Ashton Park after a two week break. I arrived at approximately 9.45am complete with full outdoor clothes in ( getting ready for the winter freeze), and, after I helped myself to a brew and made one for Senior Park Ranger, teacher, mentor and friend Steve Smith we were just about ready to get going for the morning's activities. For the first hour or so it involved giving the park a good clean up and, since Steve had already been round last Thursday and Sunday it wasn't as bad as previous weeks had been, in fact both of us could probably testify that we only used about 1 and a half bags throughout our walk round the park. Thankfully, this week it didn't rain only a slight drizzle so it did mean cleaning the park wasn't as gruelling . We began with the first port of call, giving the car park a little maintenance then I turned right towards the tennis courts and teen shelter and Steve turned left heading towards the doctors surgery then on to the path where he would meet me later. Sometimes it easy to loose each other and I did turn round several times to see if Steve was still in focus. I'd just about filled my first bag so I tied it and placed it next to a bin for the council to take away. It was at this point that Steve surfaced again and he instructed me where he'd like me to clean up next. It was after 11 am now and we were both getting parched so Steve agreed to call time and we went back to base for a brew. By 11.45am we went out towards the main road on the park and Steve had the major job of bringing in the old green flag from last year down the pole and attaching the new one. The Green Flag represents a clean, sustainable, eco-friendly park and is accessible to all if, they too keep it clean. Prior to Steve fixing the new one and hoisting it up the pole he took several pictures of me holding the flag with a somewhat cheesy expression. Thankfully, the lens didn't break so I must have been looking good. After the pictures were taken and the relief was over, Steve hoisted the flag up the pole and it looked cool as it floated in the wind. Which marks the end of another PP session for another couple of weeks. I'll be back with Steve on September 19th, until then, however, this is Alex Ashworth signing off for a rewarding and productive morning with Preston Parks at Ashton Park, Preston.

Hello people and welcome to the latest update into the voluntary world of Alex Ashworth in his quest for experience and progression. Today was Friday which meant two things. One, the start of a long bank holiday weekend in the hope that it doesn't rain and two a visit to Intact at Ingol where I have been attending gardening sessions with the encouragingly brilliant Barry Mann for the past five months or so. I started the session in fine form by putting all my gardening gear on and as I tied the last shoelace on my boot I looked up and Barry zoomed past me on my bike, it was like something out of an action film. Having already built a strong rapport over the past five months we knew exactly how to get the work done and in the most effective and diligent way. Before anything began I thanked Barry for writing an excellent reference for me which really emphasised how much he has appreciated me giving up my time to help run the gardens at INTACT. Barry instructed me into what needed doing this morning and by 9.20am the work was already quite underway. The first task involved uprooting the potatoes with the fork, picking them off the root, cleaning them slightly and leaving them in a warm spot to dry. Once that was accomplished a period of weeding that bed took place. By this stage fellow volunteer Chris appeared and he began the lengthy yet rewarding task of cleaning the potatoes with a bucket of water that I had uprooted earlier. At this point in the morning Barry and I were slightly parched so I was pleased when Barry asked if I'd like a brew. I didn't hesitate at all, in fact I was delighted to have a refreshing drink that came just at the right moment in between the next task which I was yet to carry out. Barry introduced me to the herb bed and his desire for the coriander's in the bed round the corner to relocated to the herb bed. He highlighted specific areas where he'd like them to be placed. Admittedly it was hard to keep them standing especially as the coriander's weren't that robust due to their faint stems. I completed the task with ease and persuasion. After they were all planted I gave them a little sprinkle of water to encourage their growth. By this stage in the game my brew was ready and I could drink it knowing the majority of the morning's work had been completed. Chris demonstrated his eagerness and determination to continue by working during the brew break and refusing to have a brew. This meant Barry and I could chill for a while knowing we were in capable hands with Chris manning the fort. After 11 am the morning's work was rapidly coming to an end. We put all the tools back in the tool shed and said our goodbyes' to fellow volunteer and great grafter Chris. End of part one for my time with INTACT was fast approaching. I knew that after today I wouldn't be working in the garden with Barry and Chris again but come October time I'll be re-instating my volunteer time with The Work Club. To help channel that future goal of getting back to work, Barry showed me how much business cards are due to my desire to have my own gardening business at some stage. As I was about to depart INTACT till the autumn, Barry kindly wanted to extend his help by asking me to send him an email based on the type of work I'd like to do and my contact details. He would then forward that on to social networking sites and any other advertising websites to get my name out there. He was being a realist and said it could take some time which is fine as I like to pace myself in all things I do. I thanked him for the past five months and he opened the hand of contact by saying he would still like to see me when I attend The Work Club in October. This is Alex Ashworth signing off for my final day volunteering for Barry Mann but it's not quite the end for my time with INTACT.

Good afternoon fellow blog followers and welcome to an exciting update into the voluntary escapades young Alex Ashworth is dedicating to, in and throughout the district of Preston, Lancashire. Today was Monday which meant two things :- the start of the new working week and another visit to Ashton Park where Preston Parks is based. I arrived at Ashton Park HQ at roughly 9.45am. As I was driving into the car park I noticed Senior Park Ranger Steve Smith already undergoing a period of litter picking prior to our usual start. Once I got all my appropriate gear on ( waterproofs, boots, waterproof jacket and gloves) I soon got into a brief instruction from Steve to go to the base and collect the litter picker and three bags to join him on our weekly clearance of the park. Bear in mind at this point in the days proceedings the rain was coming down quite heavy, yet, this did not prevent our determination to get the park clean and at a good level for people to enjoy walking in and bring their dogs or children. Fortunately on our jaunt round the park we met some friendly faces. Two men who regularly walk dogs in the park for extra income noticed our high level of diligence and stopped briefly for a chat. This helped keep up the momentum and pace despite being totally drowned from head to foot. I'd probably reached half way when I suddenly realised I'd ran out of bin bags. Thankfully Steve had some extra bags spare so I concluded the mornings litter pick with the bag Steve gave me. By the time we'd got back to the base, we'd down at least two hours non stop and how much we were looking forward to sit down and enjoy a nice cup of coffee. I made a brew for Steve and I had two chocolate biscuits, what was that diet I was on? oh yeah, seafood. With the weather being so bad there was little activity we could do after our brew break so Steve let me know that I could go once I'd finished my brew. I'll be back with Steve in a couple of weeks, taking us up to 5th September 2016. For now then this is Alex Ashworth signing off for productive if, a little wet, morning with Steve at Ashton Park. heavy, yet

Good day to you all and welcome to the latest update reporting the various volunteering pursuits young Alex Ashworth is committing to in and around the district of Preston. On Monday 8th August I volunteered my time with Preston Parks at Ashton Park. I've been coming here since November last year and in that time I have learnt some valuable skills and information regarding various plants. Monday however, focused on planting some oak trees around Ashton Park area. I met Senior Park Ranger Steve Smith at 10am and we got into a relaxed conversation whilst drinking our brew before we endured the mornings work. At 10.20am we left the Pavilion HQ and made our way to Steve's van. In addition to planting oak trees we also took the time to sow some grass seeds on areas around the park that were dry and lacked grass. I learnt how to use a rake properly at this stage with Steve's expert help. We then began planting a variety of oak trees. The first one was Steve's daughter's. We did the work collaboratively. Steve would create the outline border with the trench spade then I would dig the hole then carefully placing the oak tree in the designated spot. We filled the hole with soil unearthed from our digging. A particular highlight of our mornings work happened when Steve spotted a tiny oak tree. Without missing an opportunity he dug round it then I scooped it up with the spade. He kindly asked if I'd like to take it home, I said yes. Steve christened it after himself, adding a touch a comical brilliance to the day. We continued planting the oak trees and covering areas of destitute grassy areas with grass seeds to make the park more welcoming both for dog walkers, young children, teens and adults. The mornings proceedings concluded at 12.10pm. Steve had a series of other jobs to do and it was getting towards lunchtime so my stomach was calling me. It was another peaceful and enjoyable morning with Steve. I'll be back there in a couple of weeks. For now though, this is Alex Ashworth signing off for time well spent with Steve Smith at Ashton Park.

Good afternoon blog followers and welcome to the weekly visit into the voluntary pursuits young Alex Ashworth is committing to in and around the city of Preston. Today was Wednesday which meant another visit to Ashton Park where the Let's Grow Preston team were getting prepared for the final session of the horticultural class. The session has been going on for some time now between the hours of 12noon - 3pm every Wednesday afternoon. The group is being taught the basics such as how to plant plants, how to prevent weeds and how to grow your own vegetables. As volunteers started to emerge after 12.15pm we began with the planting. This included Echinacea purpurea ( wild berry) which is an erect perennial producing tall rose purple flowers with orange - brown cone shaped centres. We also planted another Echinacea purpurea this time however it was white flowers and yellow cone shaped centres. Finally, the Leucanthemum or Laspider, this is a compact, mat-forming perennial producing a very large, double pure - white daisy like flower. It is ideal for borders and patio containers. Whilst this was being carried out a number of other volunteers began weeding a series of beds in the community garden. Bill ( the tutor ) and another fellow volunteer observed how on the right hand side of the beds there appeared to be two plants sprouting purple flowers in an area that mostly included yellows and whites. They agreed it was slightly odd and would have been preferable if they had been planted on the left hand side. The next task included removing the grass from the potato bed. I did this solely then I was fortunate to have at least two other volunteers and Bill contributing to dispose of the grass. It was here where a conversation about music and favourite artists occurred. It was interesting learning about other peoples musical interest and how they differ from one another. At this point in the afternoon it was time for a break, and, an opportunity to indulge a little in a fellow volunteers treats she had brought. When brew time was taking place lead of Let's Grow Preston Annie Wyn appeared complete with mower and strimmer. This became the background noise whilst we were slurping and scoffing. In part two of the session all of us got to work in taking out the potatoes from the potato bed which included forks and tubs for the spuds. I foolishly took the whole root out and placed it in the tub! I then realised the correct way of doing it was to remove the spuds then place them in the tub. We all got on great during this period and it was such great fun when we'd dug up quite large potatoes. Much to our delight we were allowed to take some of the spuds if we were that way inclined. For the half hour or so our sessions were crystallised when a photo of us all was taken. It captured the fun and enjoyment we've all experienced during the past few weeks. After that several of us explored the community fruit garden and picked some berries for a potential pie whilst others took some to try. The session wound up around 2.45pm as we'd just about exhausted all our physical and mental strength. Whether we see each other again depends on who signs up for the next course but it has been both educational and enjoyable in way that is truly unique to each volunteer. This is Alex Ashworth signing off for yet another rewarding afternoon with Let's Grow Preston.

A good day one and all and welcome to the first of two blogs to be posted this week chronicling the busy life of Alex Ashworth as he continues in his quest for gardening experience. Today was Monday morning which meant the weekly visit to see Senior Park Ranger Steve Smith at The Ashton Park Pavilion base HQ. After an initial coffee kick start we were both more than ready to face the weekly onslaught of litter scattered across Ashton Park. Fortunately we had our litter pickers and at least three refuse bags to collect the debris all done in a cool, calm and diligent manner. The first port of call was to clean up the car park. Steve worked one side then I made my way to the teen shelter and tennis courts to see what the kind folk of Preston had left for us. As the morning progressed so did the events. I tidied an area where above me a tree branch could, at any minute have collapsed on top of me, as one dog walker observed. This came to Steve's attention later on and he tried to contact me via phone to help him remove it but my phone was off. Despite this Steve dealt with it and took it out of dangerous view. I'd got to a stage as I was litter picking and I had no idea where Steve was. I just kept walking and picking up the debris then, as I was near the swings and roundabouts there was Steve. Things got back on track then. I apologised for not answering my phone, we concluded our litter picking and made our way back to the Pavilion base HQ. It was here where a much needed brew and biscuit was the order of the day. We had quarter of an hour or so break during which time we had a look back at some of the photo's from The Armed Forces day at the weekend held in Preston's Harris Museum. Some of the pictures were quite comical and they captured the poignancy of what the day symbolized. After the brew break it was time for 20 minutes or so removing weeds from the community fruit garden. The plan was to utilize the bags from the litter work earlier to collect the weeds into. We both used forks to dig out the weeds and remove the excess soil then place them in the bin bags. By 12.10pm it was time to conclude the mornings proceedings. Will no doubt see Steve at some point on Wednesday during the Let's Grow Preston session. For now though, this is Alex Ashworth signing off for a peaceful, productive morning with Preston Parks and senior Park Ranger Steve Smith.