Villagers make Neatishead hall even greener

A pioneering village hall, partly built from straw bales, has got even greener after a community planting session surrounded it with plants.

Victory Hall at Neatishead is well-known as one of Norfolk's 'greenest' buildings because of environmentally-friendly construction, but sat on a very 'brown field' site.

Now a community challenge event has seen locals plant a hedge with a mixture of 500 native species, providing shelter and food to a wealth of wildlife, while flower beds were also installed all around the hall.

The sessions were organized by the hall's management committee in conjunction with the North Norfolk Workout Project, which aims to get people fit by doing conservation projects outdoors.

Project officer Mark Webster said: 'This was an exercise session which enabled everyone to enjoy meeting new people, learning new skills and doing something useful.

Many of the volunteers started without any experience or knowledge, and there was definitely no Lycra involved in the workout, he smiled.

'We have all done something practical to improve a local green space whilst having fun and learning a bit about the natural world,' said Mr Webster.

Hall project co-ordinator Ian McFadyen said the work would make a huge difference to the way the site was used - provide space to enjoy on a summer evening.

'Maybe our garden will even produce a few herbs for cooking with in our kitchen,' he added.

The Workout Project is looking for locations for at least three more big Community Challenges each year which could involve clearing and improving access to a local open space. Suggestions for future projects are always welcome. For more information about the project or becoming a volunteer see email workout@btcv.org.uk or call 01263 516 336.