The group now known as Mudlarks was set up in September 2006. This resulted from a growing concern by a number of people and organisations that there is an urgent need to provide community opportunities for people with learning difficulties in East Herts.
A committee was formed made up of concerned members of the local community (including people who themselves have a learning difficulty) to determine the need for and to explore the possibility of setting up a project to provide training in horticulture and conservation based skills that would cater for the needs of people with learning difficulties in the Hertford area.
The committee has carried out much work, including
- Undertaking various surveys to determine need.
- Lobbying local councillors and local people of influence.
- Undertaking searches for suitable project sites.
- Looking at similar projects running in other parts of the country.
- Drawing up the business plan.
- Identifying funding sources.
Allotment Beds after preparation in May 2008. Each bed is small enabling them to be maintained from the paths. A compost bin was created for this area.
From the gated vehicle access path looking across to the already established individual plots.
Sheds under construction in May 2008. Both sheds, roof felt and guttering were donated to Mudlarks. the sheds are built on paving slabs laid on sand.
Rabbit proof fence protecting our first vegetable beds.
September 2006 - Mudlarks started.
March 2008 - We obtained the lease for the allotment site, after 18 months of negotiation with the town council.
March 2008 - First allotment plots cultivated and shed erected.
April 2008 - We secured a contract with Adult Care Services and took on our first trainees.
May 2008 - We linked with Vale House drug and rehabilitation centre and set up 3 work experience placements.
June 2008 - The Mayor of Hertford & County Councillors visit.
July 2008 - Hosting meeting of East Herts social workers & providers.
July 2008 - Visit by Chernobyl children.
September 2008 - Mudlarks resumes after the summer break and harvests some of its produce.
September 2008 - Our first raised beds and the Herb Spiral started.
Autumn 2008 - We won our first funding bids and became the charity of the year for a local secondary school.
October 2008 - Bulb planting and bird box building.
October 2008 - Public meeting to discuss new site buildings
November 2008 - a concert was held at Castle Hall in Hertford to raise money for us.
February 2009 - Mudlarks stall at the Hertford Farmers Market
February 2009 - Orchard started and Tree Planting Day
13 May 2009 - T-mobile company day
May 2009 - Mudlarks members help out at Day Care Centres
7 June 2009 - Mudlarks participates in Open Farm Day
9 June 2009 - Annual General Meeting
10 June 2009 - SKF company day
July 2009 - Visit by Chernobyl children
September 2009 - Mudlarks opens three days a week
11 September 2009 - Visit by Mark Prisk MP for Hertford and Stortford
4 October 2009 - Harvest Feast
December 2010 - First Volunteers Christmas Party
February 2010 - Planning approval for shed granted. Construction of compost toilet and tool shed
March 2010 - Mudlarks stall at the Hertford Farmers Market
19 June 2010 - Summer Open Day including talk on permaculture
June 2010 - Mudlark stalls at Foxhole Farm Open Day and the Way to Work event
21 June 2010 - Annual General Meeting
July 2010 - Eco-shed foundations
July - August 2010 - Holiday Scheme
Picture Galleries
June 2008 Visit by County Councillors
July 2008 Meeting of Social Workers and Providers
July 2008 Visit by Chernobyl Children
Past Articles
September & October 2008 Activities
November 2008 Activities
December 2008 Activities
January & February 2009 Activities
Compost Toilet Construction (2010)
One Square Metre Garden
Slim-line Leaf Bin Design
Updated 28 June 2010