A NEW green space to allow newly-planted trees to flourish has opened at a Barrow museum.

The Dock Museum has celebrated the opening of its green space by hosting a ribbon-cutting event which saw the community rally together.

The newly-opened space, which was made possible by the support of FCC Communities Foundation and Barrow Borough Council, will become a haven for wildlife, and a peaceful and pleasant place for museum visitors to enjoy the spectacular views.

Leading the ribbon-cutting was champion of Barrow’s Beautiful Places and Walney Councillor, Helen Wall, who said she was 'thrilled' to see trees planed on the green space.

She said: "I'm thrilled the Dock Museum has planted these trees.

"The reason why it's so important is because Barrow is 24th from bottom as the most nature-depleted areas in the UK.

"These trees could live well over 100 years.

"We need to start looking after our natural areas - we have to change now."

Spectators came along to watch the ribbon-cutting, with guitarist and singer, Gary Bridgens, entertaining crowds throughout the day. Crafting workshops also took place for children to get involved in.

Anna Thomason brought along her two children to celebrate the opening of the green space.

She said transforming the area from concrete into a haven for nature and wildlife was a 'lovely idea'.

"It's a great and lovely idea which the whole community will benefit from." she said.

"It means children will have another area to play in."

Sabine Skae of the Dock Museum said she is 'hugely pleased' with the finished result of the green space.

She said: "It looks absolutely wonderful, I'm so pleased.

"You can see the difference already, with people using the paths.

"BAE Systems is already talking about setting up a path directly through the green space which will be fantastic.

"I think visitors are really going to enjoy this new amenity."

Andrew Baxter, area operations manager which headed the project, added: "It is always good to see another green space in Barrow.

"We're all really pleased with the finished product which I'm sure visitors and residents will all enjoy."