Council asks for help to identify tree planting sites
North Lincolnshire residents are being asked to suggest areas to transform into woodland as part of the council’s commitment to plant more trees.
Any spare piece of land will be considered – recent plantings of 1,000 trees took place off Brambling Way at Ashby Ville following a suggestion from a local resident.
A Bottesford landowner this year saw 3,400 Woodland Trust-donated trees planted on land close to the beck, helped by volunteer groups including Friends of Bottesford Beck, Scunthorpe Pentagon Rotary Club and TCV.
It isn’t just farmers or estate owners who could benefit, says the council, but smallholders or people with an acre of two behind their houses, or who know of unused land nearby.
Cllr David Rose, cabinet member for environment, said: “We can help provide the trees if residents and landowners can come up with the land to plant them on – together we can create a greener North Lincolnshire that will benefit generations to come.
“As well as generous funding schemes, groups of volunteers to carry out planting and aftercare can also be organised.”
The council works with a variety of funding sources and have already been involved in several large and small scale plantings across the region, in both rural and urban settings.
The site at Brambling Way used Humber Forest funding after North Lincolnshire joined the partnership.
Humber Forest helps communities, farmers, landowners, and businesses to plant trees in the easiest and most effective way possible, using grants from Trees For Climate and the Northern Forest.
A dedicated and experienced team is available with help, advice and guidance throughout the whole tree-planting process and beyond.
Newly-planted trees will be registered on the tree counter on the council’s website which keeps track of the ultimate aim of planting 250,000 trees.
It is part of the council’s Green Futures strategy, which is committed to making North Lincolnshire greener, more sustainable and a better place to live and work for generations to come.
Even small areas of land, such as field corners, are suitable for planting, and residents and landowners are urged to get in touch with Andrew.Taylor@northlincs.gov.uk for more information.
Bransby Horses share revolutionary grazing system insight at free information event
Keeping horses at a healthy weight can be an uphill struggle during the summer months, when the grass is at its richest.
Bransby Horses have been using a track system style of grazing to manage their overweight equines and would like to share the secrets to their success with owners.
On July 13, Bransby Horse’s dedicated Track System Ambassadors will be sharing what they have learned with horse owners, yard managers and anyone who is interested, at a free event.
Event organiser Rachel Dixon said: “We have used a track systems here for the last three years and realise how difficult it can be to manage a horse’s weight and still keep them happy. We want to share what we have learnt and give horse owners the knowledge and guidance to consider a track system on their land.”
Track systems are about creating a more natural herd related environment for horses, encouraging them to move about more and eat less.
At the event guests will find out more about a basic set-up around the perimeter of a field to more detailed information about how to keep horses motivated to move around and managing a herd.
Bransby Horses are one of the UK’s largest equine welfare charities, dedicated to improving the lives of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules.
For over 50 years they have been rescuing and caring for equines in need, and as the demand for their rescue and welfare work continues to rise, they successfully collaborate with others when needed to achieve the best possible outcome.
At their Make a Difference events, guest speakers and their experienced teams share their equine knowledge with horse owners as part of their ongoing mission to positively impact the lives of equines.
Managing Grazing with Track Systems takes place on Thursday July 13, 6.30pm – 9pm in the Clifford Marshall Building at Bransby Horses in Bransby near Lincoln.
The event is free but spaces are limited so booking is essential.
Light refreshments and free parking will be available.
For more information or to reserve your free space, please call 01427 788 464 or visit BransbyHorses.co.uk/MADE
Four new Cycle Lincolnshire routes launched
Just in time for the balmy British summer, Cycle Lincolnshire in partnership with West Lindsey and East Lindsey District Councils and Boston Borough Council has launched a further four cycle routes.
With two routes taking in the pretty villages to be found in West Lindsey, one taking riders on a BIG challenge, and the final route designed to encourage short breaks in the south of the county, this final release of routes sees Phase Two of Cyle Lincolnshire come to a close.
After two phases of development, 24 routes in total have been created in partnership with seven Councils across Lincolnshire (Lincolnshire County Council, West Lindsey District Council, East Lindsey District Council, Boston Borough Council, North Lincolnshire Council, North East Lincolnshire Council and North Kesteven District Council) to showcase towns and villages, wildlife and landscapes across Yellowbelly Country.
Helen Smith, Cycle Lincolnshire Project Manager, said: “It’s been great working with so many partners on these new routes. Some of the shorter routes can be done in just an hour or so, which will hopefully open up the market and get new people to seriously consider cycling.
“For me, the next stage will be the most exciting! Phase three will see us actively marketing these routes to both the domestic and international markets, especially the Netherlands and Germany, showcasing our great county and welcoming more visitors.”
The four new routes:
Snakeholme to Wragby, created in collaboration with West Lindsey District Council, is a short circular 11.5 mile / 18.5 km route that starts and finishes at Snakeholme Pit Nature Reserve. Developed to offer visitors the opportunity to also experience nearby destinations, cyclists are encouraged to stop off at Bardney with its pretty village, Bardney Abbey, Snakeholme Pit Nature Reserve, Fiskerton Fen Nature Reserve, Apley and Wragby itself.
The second route – Edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds – also developed with West Lindsey District Council, can be done in two parts or one long ride in a figure of eight. Part one starts in Market Rasen and goes to Caistor passing Osgodby, North Kelsey, Caistor, Nettleton, and Claxby returning to Market Rasen. Part two takes riders from Market Rasen to Wickenby, exploring Friesthorpe, West Torrington, North Willingham, Tealby and back to Market Rasen.
Over in East Lindsey, in collaboration with the area’s District Council, is The Wolds’ Challenge. A new route, which, unlike others, offers the visitor, well, a challenge. You could of course opt for an e-bike and take the pressure off. This route is a full 80 miles of slow-burning climbs, rapid downhills and pretty villages that offer much-needed refreshments. A circular route, riders will start and finish in Horncastle.
The last route is Boston’s, Pilgrims and Wildlife. Developed to encourage cyclists to experience a short break in Boston and enjoy the local produce and independent shops – with an array of different types of accommodation to choose from to make a staycation in Boston a home-from-home. Highlighting two short routes for visitors to enjoy during their stay, cyclists can choose from a short ride out to Pilgrim Fathers’ Memorial or the Frampton Marsh Nature Reserve. Or, do both!
Digital assets are available for all 24 of Cycle Lincolnshire’s routes, as well as printed materials which can be found at Giant at Doddington Hall, Lincoln Visitor Information Centre, and accommodation providers across the county.
Faye Pudney, Visitor Economy Officer at West Lindsey District Council, said: “We are delighted to have supported the creation of two new cycle routes in West Lindsey. Cycling is increasingly popular, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to explore some of the most scenic parts of Lincolnshire.
“Helen’s knowledge and expertise have allowed us to create routes with varying lengths that suit most cyclists, and we are excited to see them launch as part of the Cycle Lincolnshire product.”
Councillor Andy Izard, Boston Borough Council portfolio holder for Communities (Place), said: “I am delighted that this fantastic cycle route is now available for residents and visitors coming to Boston to explore and see not only Pilgrim Father’s Memorial, but some of the other wonderful buildings in our town centre, visit our independent shops and view stunning nature and wildlife in a new way.
“I hope that people will make the most of it over the Summer and Autumn months, get out in the fresh air, discover new areas and get involved with some of the great things Boston has to offer.”
Councillor Adam Grist, East Lindsey District Council portfolio holder for Market Towns and the Rural Economy, said: “We are delighted to be able to work with Cycle Lincolnshire to launch this great new cycle route through the heart of the East Lindsey and the stunning Lincolnshire Wolds.
“It will provide a challenging ride to anyone looking to take part, with the hills and twists of our beautiful Wolds landscape to enjoy. I hope it will bring enthusiasts from far and wide to the area to test their limits and sample some of the local shops, produce and hospitality in our towns and villages.”
Scunthorpe manufacturer falls into administration
Scunthorpe-based Birkdale Manufacturing Group Limited has entered administration.
The company is an established manufacturer of garage doors and roller shutters, and in more recent years increased its range to include composite front entrance doors, window security shutters, awnings, pergolas, patios and fence panels.
The business had been experiencing trading difficulties which led to cash flow pressure, and in recent weeks was also subject to a winding-up petition from one of its creditors.
Prior to the appointment of James Lumb and Howard Smith from Interpath Advisory as joint administrators, the company ceased to trade.
The administrators are seeking interest in a going concern sale, and at this point, no redundancies have been made while this interest is explored.
James Lumb, Managing Director at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator, said: “Companies across the sector have experienced significant difficulties in recent months, including softening demand, as well as rising input costs and interest rates.
“Unfortunately, these challenges proved insurmountable for Birkdale Manufacturing Group. However, we are presently working towards a solution which could see the business rescued as a going concern. We will continue to update workers regularly while this process unfolds.”
St Barnabas HeART artist Rachel was inspired by her mum
The Lincolnshire-wide HeART Trail is attracting hundreds of people to see the thirty beautiful heart-shaped sculptures to visit, with twenty in Lincoln, five on the east coast and five more in towns around the county.
One of the artists of the Trail, known as HeARTists, is 22-year-old Rachel Benson from Welton, whose HeART is outside the St Barnabas charity shop at the bottom of Steep Hill in Lincoln and is colourfully painted with the Lincoln Cathedral and intricate mandalas on both sides of the sculpture.
Rachel was one of over a hundred local and national artists who submitted their designs for the HeART Trail. Her design, ‘Heart of the City’, was chosen by sponsor Lincoln BIG as their favourite, after which she was commissioned to paint it for the Trail.
Rachel said: “I was inspired by my mum, who was incredibly artistic, I could watch her for hours, and I definitely get my creativity from her. When the HeART Trail opened for artist submission, I decided to give it a shot – but I never expected actually to be chosen!
“I heard in October last year that my design was chosen. It was such a wonderful surprise and so exciting, but it came at a difficult time.”
In March of 2022, Rachel’s mother, Glenis, was diagnosed with cancer. Sadly, the condition was terminal, and her health deteriorated rapidly. On 11th April, Glenis was taken into the St Barnabas Inpatient Unit in Lincoln to receive care around the clock. She stayed there for ten days before she died, with Rachel and the rest of their family always by her bedside.
Rachel continued: “Spending those last ten days with Mum was incredibly special; the nurses gave her amazing care and looked after us as a family too. They would give us all the time in the world to spend with her; we could even stay overnight at the Hospice.
“Staff and volunteers would check in to see if we needed anything, and food and drinks were provided to not just Mum but us as visitors as well. We were also offered counselling and other types of mental well-being support. We were given so much love and sympathy. Those extra touches make St Barnabas so wonderful.
“The care, compassion and love St Barnabas provided not just to Mum as their patient but to us as the whole family is just amazing. That is why I support St Barnabas Hospice, and I hope you will support them too by taking part in the HeART Trail.”
Rachel’s HeART can be viewed until 4th September as part of the HeART Trail, which aims to bring communities together and raise awareness of the high-quality, free care St Barnabas provides not just in its Hospices in Lincoln and Grantham but also in people’s own homes around the county.
Don’t swim in the docks, it’s not safe, warns ABP
As the school holidays approach and the summer climate hots up, Associated British Ports is urging people not to swim in its docks.
With the hot weather recently experienced and with the summer break coming up, ABP knows water can be an attractive place to go.
The company has started a campaign, which will run this summer, aimed at schools and others to think about safety when near the water.
Simon Bird, the company’s Regional Director said: “On a hot day, it might seem like a good idea to cool down in open water, but swimming is prohibited in our docks.
“Docks are not a safe place to swim. Apart from being industrial centres, they pose a danger due to the steep walls which makes it difficult to escape.
“People also do not know what may be lurking beneath the water that could be a potential hazard. If you want to swim, go to a pool, or find an open water swimming club.”
The potential dangers of swimming in docks are:
- Deep water
- Unexpected cold-water shock
- Hazards lurking beneath the surface
- Active operational areas
- Waterborne diseases
- Tides
North Kesteven District Council colleague to participate in Baton of Hope initiative
North Kesteven Council officer Jenni Swift is seeking to raise public awareness as she takes part in the Baton of Hope relay which aims to prevent suicide.
#BatonofHopeUK is designed to be the biggest suicide awareness and prevention initiative the UK has ever seen, opening necessary conversations, and prompting appropriate actions.
The specially designed baton will tour UK towns and cities for two weeks in Summer 2023, raising the profile of this issue like never before. Suicide is the biggest killer of men and women under 35 in the UK.
The initiative brings people together to raise awareness, reduce the stigma, and get better at asking questions, listening, and directing people to the right help.
Jenni, who works in Democratic Services, has been selected as a Baton holder for a London leg of the tour, which will take place on Thursday 6 July.
Jenni and her family set up Evelyn’s Butterfly Effect after their daughter Evelyn Gibson lost her battle with mental illness on April 15, 2022. Evelyn’s Butterfly Effect lets Evelyn’s memory and kind legacy shine bright, through encouraging others to carry out random acts of kindness in her name.
Evelyn’s Mum Jenni said: “I feel really honoured to have been selected as one of the Baton holders for the London leg of the tour. I will be carrying the Baton of Hope in Coal Drops Yard near Kings Cross and will pass a board promoting Random Acts of Kindness – how apt considering we set up Evelyn’s Butterfly Effect in her memory, to promote random acts of kindness.
“Evelyn always wanted other people to see hope in the world. She didn’t want other people to go through what she went through and that is our driving force now. Let’s get the conversation going and raise awareness. Our young people deserve better. There is always hope.”
The specially designed Baton of Hope set off from Glasgow on Sunday 25 June and will now take a journey through towns and cities across the UK, reaching Downing Street on 6 July.
Baton holders include celebrities such as Norman Cook (aka Fatboy Slim), Olympic cyclist Chris Boardman, Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Will Vaulks and mental health campaigner Dr Alex George. The Royal family is also expected to be represented on the tour.
As part of the tour, there are also various online free and discounted mental health events and training for anyone to access.
Three Boston shops hit with closure orders after illegal activity
Shops in Boston that have been supplying counterfeit, unsafe, non-duty paid cigarettes, have been ordered to shut for three months.
Lincolnshire Trading Standards applied for Closure Orders in respect of four premises trading in Boston. Closure Orders were granted by the Magistrates in respect of Market AZADI, 17 West Street, Bucharest, 95 West St, and Europlus, 30 West St.
A Closure Order for a fourth premises, Sophia, 7 Horncastle Road, has been adjourned to allow the closure to be contested, although the Magistrates did order that the premises remain closed in the interim.
Andy Wright from Lincolnshire Trading Standards said: “We applied for these orders based on evidence that criminal activity was taking place on the premises. The Magistrates granted the orders for the maximum period allowed by the law – three months. However the option of extending that by a further three months will be considered in future if necessary.”
Trading Standards officers, assisted by Lincolnshire Police, visited the premises on 19 June 2023, where large quantities of illegal, child-appealing vapes were also found and seized.
Inspector Colin Clarkson from Lincolnshire Police said: “It’s important that we take joint action to stop businesses trading illegally. Criminal activity will not be accepted and attracts undesirable elements into the centre of Boston. We’ll continue to work with Lincolnshire Trading Standards to protect the public from dangerous products.”
Administrators of Lincolnshire plant-based foods firm secure sale of manufacturing site
The administrators of Plant and Bean Limited (P&B) have sold the company’s manufacturing site and associated equipment to Vegan Solo Consulting Limited (Vegan Solo) and Duo Renovations Ltd (DRL).
P&B is a dedicated alternative protein food manufacturer based in Boston, Lincolnshire, operating from a 125,000 sq ft factory and producing vegetarian products for large brand names with placements in major supermarkets.
The company entered administration on 31 May 2023 when James Clark and Howard Smith at Interpath were appointed joint administrators.
Vegan Solo specialises in the production of meat-free products and is run by Heather Mills, the entrepreneur and a leading champion for the vegan movement. This purchase will add to Miss Mills’ existing portfolio which includes Vbites – a pioneer of meat-free substitutes.
Like several other businesses in the sector, P&B experienced significant inflation across its cost base, primarily increases in food and energy prices. The business also suffered from several operational issues stemming from a lack of investment.
It is understood that following the sale there will be a period of renovations to upgrade the production capabilities, and that Miss Mills is determined to ensure that any future manufacturing that takes place at the site be plant-based.
Heather Mills said: “I am delighted to acquire the P&B facilities and to keep it as a non-meat factory. I am also pleased to try and help the founder of P&B who has worked in a similar vein to myself for many decades to drive positive change for the environment, the animals and for the health of the global population.”
James Clark, Managing Director at Interpath and a joint administrator of Plant and Bean Limited, said: “I am delighted to secure a sale of this great facility to someone committed to investing and improving on the great manufacturing capabilities implemented by Plant and Bean. The factory has huge scope to deliver improved economic output for the Boston area and we wish the buyer all the best in their new venture.”
National Lottery gives £250,000 to northern Lincolnshire museums
Museums in North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire museums are to share in a £250,000 National Lottery Heritage Fund grant to research and digitise items that tell the history of Northern Lincolnshire.
When completed the rich collections will be made available to the public to enjoy on the North Lincolnshire Museum and Grimsby Fishing Heritage websites.
The project will see volunteer teams, including The Museum Makers, a group for adults with additional needs, join museum staff to document and interpret the huge collections of local photographs and objects.
Cllr John Davison of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded this substantial funding. The team at North Lincolnshire Museum prides itself on ensuring North Lincolnshire’s fascinating history is accessible to residents and this cash will enable us to go even further, making thousands more items freely available to local people.
“I’d like to thank The National Lottery Heritage Fund for their generous grant, which will help to make this great project possible.”
As well as providing new volunteering opportunities, the project will also see the development of a new heritage focused group for adults with additional needs at the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre, with residents researching and interpreting the local history collections.
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “It is fantastic news that thanks to the National Lottery players, we have been able to support North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire Museums to ensure that their collections are preserved for years to come, meaning that local communities and people from further afield can learn more about the fascinating and rich heritage of North Lincolnshire.”
