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Over 300 Trees Planted at Knuzden Recreation Ground

A dedicated group of 40 local residents planted over 300 trees on Saturday 8th February 2025 at Knuzden Recreation Ground. The newly planted trees will create a woodland edge alongside the site’s motorway fence, enhancing the site's aesthetics, reducing waterlogging on the main field, increasing biodiversity in the area and reducing noise and air pollution from the M65.

The initiative saw the enthusiastic participation of the Mayor of Hyndburn, Cllr Mike Booth, alongside Cllr Tina Walker, Cllr Andy Gilbert, the Hyndburn Police Cadets, and local volunteers, all working together to plant a diverse mix of native species, including English Oak, Hornbeam, Alder, Field Maple, Guelder Rose, Hawthorn, Hazel, and Spindle.

This event was organised and led by the Prospects Foundation, Hyndburn’s community-owned environmental charity. The TreeACTION community woodland programme is a collaborative project between the Prospects Foundation and Hyndburn Borough Council, created as a direct result of Hyndburn Borough Council’s Climate Emergency Declaration in September 2019.

The Mayor of Hyndburn, Cllr Mike Booth, commented: “There was something very satisfying about planting these trees today. It was an investment in all our futures. Knowing Hyndburn is doing something positive about the declaration of a climate emergency sets a good example and gives us all hope that as individuals we can all do something positive to avoid climate change.”

Cllr Tina Walker, representing the St. Oswald’s Ward, added: “It’s great to see so many volunteers. This is a fantastic scheme for the area, I can't wait to see them in bloom.”

Helen Earnshaw, TreeACTION Officer for the Prospects Foundation, said: “This is what the TreeACTION Project is all about - getting local people involved in woodland creation, improving the land for future generations, and doing our bit to tackle the climate emergency. Thanks to our funders Trees for Cities, the Windfall Fund and Hyndburn Borough Council, we’re able to carry out this important work”

Cllr Kimberley Whitehead, Portfolio Holder for Parks and Open Spaces said: "Hyndburn Borough Council is proud to provide funding for the TreeACTION initiative and many other environmental projects delivered by the Prospects Foundation. The Council supports many initiatives across Hyndburn that enhance our spaces and contribute to biodiversity, reduce pollution, and improve the quality of life for our residents. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Prospects Foundation and seeing the positive impact of these projects for years to come."

This initiative builds on previous improvements to Knuzden Recreation Ground, which saw the installation of a new play area and ballcourt in 2023. The addition of new trees will help manage flooding on the main field, making it more accessible and enjoyable for local residents year-round.

For those interested in participating in future tree planting opportunities, please contact the Prospects Foundation at info@prospectsfoundation.org.uk.

Residents of Accrington came together on 15th and 16th November 2024 to breathe new life into Bullough Park’s old bowling green by planting 35 ‘Family Trees.’ Ranging from resilient Alder and Birch to fruitful Bramley Apple and Plum, the trees were planted as heartfelt dedications—many in memory of loved ones or as gifts to future generations.

Organised and led by the PROSPECTS Foundation and supported by Hyndburn Borough Council, the Windfall Fund and Trees for Cities, the ‘Family Tree’ initiative, part of the Tree ACTION programme, aims to improve green spaces for the community by increasing tree cover while honouring the history of the site. The towering 10-15 foot trees were carefully planted by local volunteers just before the snow set in. These volunteers will also help maintain them in the years ahead.

Want to help grow a greener future? Contact TreeACTION Officer Helen helen.earnshaw@prospectsfoundation.org.uk