Tuesday 11th March 2025 – Woodnook Vale
On Tuesday 11th March 2025 the Hyndburn’s Woodlands Volunteers were back at Woodnook Vale LNR carrying out some Invasive Non-Native Species management.
This time, it took the form of Small-leaved Cotoneaster removal. The coverage of this shrub was quite extensive as it had been allowed to grow for many a year.
The main issue with this plant is its density and coverage, which tends to prevent any foliage growing underneath it, reducing the overall species diversity and reducing the prevalence of native species. Some bird species also eat the berries, which retain through Winter and so offer an appealing snack, this is turn helps the plant spread far and wide through seed dispersal.
Initially, all of the branches must be cleared away until just a small stump remains, which makes mechanical removal via digging the roots out much easier.
We are happy to say we have cleared two large shrubs, with one more on the radar.
Thank you to our amazing volunteers who help us keep Hyndburn’s Woodlands native
As always, thank you to our funders at Lancashire County Council, Hyndburn Borough Council, and the Windfall fund for making it all possible
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Over 300 Trees Planted at Knuzden Recreation Ground
Tuesday 25th February 2025 – Bat Box Making
On Tuesday 25th February 2025 the Hyndburn’s Woodlands volunteers had a change of pace from our usual activity session! Today, we created 9 bat boxes from scratch that will be installed around Whinney Hill woodland to create habitat space for bats!
We followed The Wildlife Trust methodology for our boxes, which is available to view HERE
Everyone had a great day making the boxes, it was very much an appreciated change being dry inside a building!
Thank you to our amazing volunteers who have helped us create habitats for UK wildlife!
As always, thank you to our funders at Lancashire County Council, Hyndburn Borough Council, and the Windfall Fund for supporting our work, and making it all possible
Tuesday 11th February 2025 – Whinney Hill
On Tuesday 11th February the Hyndburn’s Woodlands Volunteers were back at Whinney Hill woodland carrying out some Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) removal. This took the form of removing 3 large Cherry Laurels from the site, along with a few much smaller Japanese Spotted Laurel (Variegated Laurel).
Volunteers first used loppers to clear away much of the foliage, leaving the main trunk exposed. Bow saws were then used to fell the remaining tree using a traditional ‘V notch’ technique.
We also carried out a litter pick in the opened up area as the density of the INNS had attracted quite a lot of litter.
The arisings from the INNS management were put to good use as a fence bordering the area of felling had fallen into disrepair and needed supporting back into place. The Woodland’s volunteers put their extensive dead-hedging experience to work and created stakes from suitably large limbs, which were driven next to the fence to sure it up, and others were driven a metre behind it. The remaining brash was then slotted between these stakes to create a dead-hedge.
This gives the fence structure, provided space for wildlife, and improves the aesthetic value of the area.
Thank you to our amazing volunteers who helped us maintain Hyndburn’s Woodlands and improve space for wildlife.
As always, thank you to our funders at Lancashire County Council, Hyndburn Borough Council, and the Windfall Fund for making it all possible
Citizens gather for the first of our Climate Action & Me events!
Starting off with a talk about the science of climate change
Participants were asked to record what climate acions they were already taking
Particiants taking part in an interactive activity
Our zero waste refills shop was available on the night
Hyndburn’s Nature Reserves February 2025 Newsletter
Tuesday 28th January 2025 – Woodnook Vale LNR
On Tuesday 28th January The Hyndburn’s Woodlands Volunteers were at Woodnook Vale LNR for a different kind of session!
This week, we were joined by Imogen, from Imogen Storey Gardens, who kindly offered her expertise on live Willow structures! Imogen showed myself and volunteers how to correctly weave live Willow into a desired shape so that it grows into a frame.
The Willow structure in question has been on Woodnook Vale for many years but has fallen into disrepair. The aim of the project is to get the Willow Arch back into its ‘domed’ shape that will offer shelter for the two benches present. The arch is located along Woodnook Vale LNR, just below the entrance to Jubilee woodlands. W3W location is baker.removes.mended
Activity funded by Lancashire County Council, Hyndburn Borough Council, and the Windfall Fund.
Oak Sapling Rescue Success! (January 2025)
An exciting week to be an oak sapling!
On Monday 20th, the TreeACTION Project teamed up with Hyndburn's Nature Reserves Project to rescue some small oak saplings at Peel Park & the Coppice LNR.
These little trees are planted accidentally by Jays when they forget the location of their acorn cache! As the heather is a vital habitat, they would eventually have been cut down. We dug up 60 oaks to give them a brighter future elsewhere in Hyndburn.
On Tuesday 21st, the smaller oaks were potted up at our Tree Nursery, allowing them to grow stronger before they’re planted next year.
Lastly, on Wednesday 22nd, 15 of the larger oaks found their new home at Harvey Street in Oswaldtwistle - a beautiful way to complete their journey in just three days!
A huge thank you to our incredible and hard-working volunteers 
Oak Sapling Rescue at the Coppice
A freshly dug up Oak Sapling
A volunteer holding an Oak Sapling
Potting on the Oaks at our new Tree Nursery
Re-planting the larger Oaks at Harvey St
Tuesday 17th December 2024 – Whinney Hill
On Tuesday 17th December the Hyndburn’s Woodlands Volunteers were back at Whinney Hill woodland! This week, we found a new ‘treasure trove’ of fly-tipping that was previously unknown to us.
Throughout the session, we removed bags of old clothes, building waste, settee cushions, fencing mesh, and plenty of garden waste
Overall, we removed well over 20 bags of rubbish and fly-tipping from the site. The area is now looking a lot cleaner but work remains to keep the area tidy.
Thank you to our wonderful volunteers who give their time to help keep Hyndburn’s Woodlands clean from rubbish!
As always, thank you to our funders at Lancashire County Council, Hyndburn Borough Council, and the Windfall Fund for making this all possible.
Tuesday 10th December 2024 – Tree Nursery Allotment
On Tuesday 10th December the Hyndburn’s Woodlands Volunteers lent their hand to the TreeACTION Project’s newest site, the tree nursery allotment!
This site, once it is up and running, will be used to grow native provenance species which can be used around the district of Hyndburn for tree planting sessions! Trees with native provenance means that the seeds used to grow the trees have been collected from within the area they are to be planted at a later date. This ensured that local genetic compositions remain the same and helps preserve an areas biological heritage.
For the session, the woodland volunteers set about clearing the 7 sheds on the site. This was a tremendous effort with an incalculable amount of waste being removed from the buildings.
We are happy to say all the sheds are now clear and usable.
Thank you to our amazing volunteers for helping us get this site up and running, the future residents of Hyndburn will be in your debt for all the wonderful, locally grown trees they will enjoy in the future!
As always, thank you to our funders at Lancashire County Council, Hyndburn Borough Council, and the Windfall Fund for making it all possible
Hyndburn’s Nature Reserves December 2024 Newsletter
Bullough Park Community Plants ‘Family Trees’ for the Future
Saturday 16th November 2024 – Festive Crafts
On Saturday 16th November 2024 we held our ‘Festive Crafts’ event at Accrington Cricket Club! The session was led by the talented Gareth Muir of Crag Moor Bushcraft.
Participants learned safe knife handling skills, proper whittling techniques, and crafted their very own Winter Wonderland display! Participants used whittling knives to make different tree models from a length of hazel wood, once these were crafted they were attached to a wood cookie to make their own display!
Thank you to Accrington Cricket Club for lending us their wonderful space, and thank you to Gareth for lending us his amazing knowledge!
Activity funded by Lancashire County Council, Hyndburn Borough Council, and the Windfall Fund.
Tuesday 12th November 2024 – Huncoat East
On Tuesday 12th November 2024 the Hyndburn’s Woodlands Volunteers were back at Huncoat East woodland continuing with the pathway maintenance started in September.
This involved using spades and shovels to clear back vegetation that had encroached onto the paths. The vegetation covered around 3/4’s of the entire path! We are happy to say the paths have been extended outwards a tremendous amount! Another session will be needed to finish the full path, some 400m.
Thank you to our wonderful volunteers who helped us maintain Hyndburn’s woodlands on a very cold day!
Activity funded by Lancashire County Council, Hyndburn Borough Council, and the Windfall Fund.
Peel Park Pollinator Survey Results 2024
Results overview:
Here are the results (scroll down to see all the photos!):
3.003 – 20240615 – Map-winged Swift
54.008 – 20240625 – Six-spot Burnet
54.009 – 20240708 – Narrow-bordered 5-spot Burnet
66.010 – 2024 03 16 – Drinker (Larval)
69.016 – 20240924 – Elephant Hawk-moth (Larval) on RBWH
70.094 – 20240810 – Small Phoenix Male
70.100 – 20240615 – Green Carpet
70.101 – 2023 03 08 – Mottled Grey
70.218 – 20240706 – Latticed Heath
70.241 – 20240810 – Scalloped Oak
70.245 – 2024 03 16 – March (Resting)
70.252 – 20240706 – Peppered
70.255 – 2024 02 17 – Dotted Border
70.265 – 20240706 – Mottled Beauty
70.277 – 20240615 – Common White Wave
71.025 – 20240930 – Buff-tip (Larval) on Hazel
72.002 – 20240907 – Straw Dot
72.063 – 20240711 – Blackneck
73.012 – 20240810 – Burnished Brass f.aurea
73.015 – 20240602 – Silver Y on Yellow Rattle
73.016 – 20240615 – Beautiful Golden Y
73.022 – 20240907 – Gold Spot
73.113 – 20240924 – Angle Shades
73.169 – 20240810 – Common Rustic agg
73.194 – 2024 02 17 – Chestnut
73.210 – 2024 02 17 – Satellite
73.216 – 20240810 – Dun-bar
73.242 – 2024 03 16 – Clouded Drab
73.244 – 2024 03 17 – Common Quaker
73.245 – 2024 03 17 – Small Quaker
73.291 – 20240809 – Common Wainscot
73.301 – 20240810 – Shoulder-striped Wainscot
73.317 – 20240706 – Heart and Dart
73.333 – 20240615 – Ingrailed Clay
73.334 – 20240615 – Small Square-spot
73.336 – 2024 03 16 – Red Chestnut
73.342 – 20240706 – Large Yellow Underwing
73.343 – 20240907 – Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing
73.345 – 20240810 – Lesser Yellow Underwing
73.348 – 20240810 – Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing
73.352 – 20240615 – Green Arches
73.353 – 20240810 – Dotted Clay
73.357 – 20240907 – Square-spot Rustic
73.358 – 20240810 – Six-striped Rustic
73.365 – 20240907 – Autumnal Rustic
16.001 – 20240810 – Bird-cherry Ermine
41.003 – 20240615 – Large Pale Masoner
49.127 – 20240615 – Thistle Straw
49.154 – 20240615 – Dusky Marble
63.073 – 20240810 – Peppered Grey
07.001 – 20240618 – Yellow-banded Longhorn
07.006 – 20240501 – Green Longhorn
48.001 – 20240722 – Common Nettle Tap
20240730 – Small Skipper
20240625 - Large Skipper
2024 04 16 – Small White
20240505 - Orange-tip
20240722 – Large White
20240516 - Green-veined White
20240903 – Red Admiral
20240903 – Small Copper
20240903 – Peacock
20240814 – Gatekeeper
20240702 – Ringlet
20240625 - Meadow Brown
20240814 – Small Tortoiseshell
20240802 - Holly Blue
20240419 - Common Carder Bumblebee
20240530 - Heath Bumblebee
20240814 – White-tailed Bumblebee
20240411 - Garden Bumblebee
20240326 - Red-tailed Bumblebee
20240322 - Buff-tailed Bumblebee
20240530 - Early Bumblebee
20240411 - Forester's Cuckoo
20240814 - Patchwork Leafcutter Bee
20240421 - Orange-tailed Mining Bee (pair)
20240411 - Lasioglossum sp.
20240324 - Andrena sp.
Tuesday 5th November 2024 – Jubilee Meadow
On Tuesday 5th November the Hyndburn’s Woodlands Volunteers were back at Jubilee woodland to continue with the meadow maintenance that we started the week prior.
Much of the scything had already been carried out, so this session primarily focused on raking off the cuttings to reduce the nutrients present.
Once the last bit of scything was complete, and the raking carried out, volunteers sowed Yellow rattle seeds into the cut meadow. This was done via the ‘heeling’ technique, volunteers small indents into the meadow using the heel of their boots. A small sprinkle of seeds were then placed into the indent, which was then covered over using their heel.
Yellow rattle is a valuable plant for meadow management as the plant parasitizes grasses, reducing their prevalence which in turn benefits other wildflowers. Yellow rattle itself is a wild flower which provides benefits to pollinators.
Activity funded by Lancashire County Council, Hyndburn Borough Council, and the Windfall Fund.
Tuesday 29th October 2024 – Jubilee Meadow
On Tuesday 29th October the Hyndburn’s Woodlands Volunteers were hard at work at Jubilee woodland continuing with the meadow management that has been going on for 3 years.
This involves using scythes to cut as much of the grassy material as low to the ground as possible, the cuttings (arisings) are then raked off the meadow area and removed. This reduces the available nutrients in the following years, which reduces the overall height of grass and allows wildflowers to sprout up.
Thank you to our amazing volunteers who helped us on the day, it was definitely hard work but we managed to get it done!
Activity funded by Lancashire County Council, Hyndburn Borough Council, and the Windfall Fund.
Friday 25th October 2024 – Fairy Door Making
On Friday 25th October The PROSPECTS Foundation held their first ‘Fairy Door Making’ activity at Accrington Cricket Club.
Participants used natural material such as bark, berries, wood chippings and twigs to create their very own fairy doors and fairy houses, with accompanying furniture!
Everyone crafted some spectacular creations that our mystical friends will no doubt love!
Thank you to everyone who attended the session, you all made it a wonderful afternoon. Thank you also to Accrington Cricket Club for lending us their incredible space!
Activity funded by Lancashire County Council, Hyndburn Borough Council, and the Windfall Fund.
Tuesday 22nd October 2024 – Butterfly Glade Maintenance
On Tuesday 22nd October the Hyndburn’s Woodlands Volunteers were back at Whinney Hill woodland carrying out some maintenance work on the butterfly glade located at the top part of the woodland. The glade has a good number of pollinator-benefitting wildflower species, such as cowslip, Marsh mallow, and eyebright.
Maintenance involves using scythes to cut the grassy areas as low as possible, cuttings are then removed to decrease the total available nutrients in that area. Wildflowers prefer nutrient low soil as this reduces grass height which in turn reduces competition for wildflowers to grow.
Once the scything had been completed, volunteers sowed Yellow rattle seeds into the glade by creating a patch of bare soil and then heeling seeds into the soil. Yellow rattle is a species which parasitises grass, and therefore reduces grass prevalence in the area.
Thank you to our amazing volunteers who helped us improve local biodiversity.
Activity funded by Lancashire County Council, Hyndburn Borough Council, and the Windfall Fund.
