At the end of last year, Viking Police, Military and Defence reinforced its dedication to the local military community by contributing £18,000 to the e50K’s Bramble Woods Project in Catterick. Since then, the project has flourished and achieved significant milestones.
Bramble Woods Project Achievements:
- Polytunnel Installation: A 72 ft. polytunnel with 100 planters has been set up. Seventy planters are available for community hire, while 30 are managed by the e50K volunteer team. 10% of the produce from these planters is donated to food banks, with the remaining profits reinvested into the project.
- Volunteering Opportunities: Sixty new volunteer positions have been created to help maintain the polytunnel.
- Planter Sponsorship: Local businesses can sponsor planters for £100 each, with all funds supporting community initiatives.
- Site Improvements: In collaboration with the Prince’s Trust, the site has been tidied, weeded, planted, and re-designed.
- Beekeeping Project: Two bee hives have been introduced, with six volunteers trained as beekeepers at the prestigious Foxglove Covert.
- Extended Lease: The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has granted a five-year lease for Bramble Woods, signifying the MOD’s recognition of the project’s impact and support for e50K’s initiatives.
Community Recognition:
Bramble Woods’ success is largely due to the hard work of dedicated volunteers and the broader community. The project has been recognised for its outstanding contributions:
- Service Children Friendly Group of the Year: Awarded at the inaugural Catterick Service Children’s Awards.
- Community Champion Award: Secured by one of the young volunteers.
- Celebrating Forces Families Awards: Finalist for both Inspirational Family Member of the Year and Small Business of the Year.
- Ex-Forces in Business Awards 2024: Shortlisted for Advocate of the Year.
Viking Police, Military and Defence looks forward to celebrating Armed Forces Day with the Bramble Woods team on June 29, 2024, at the community picnic event.
