This green recovery project helped to boost wildlife and wellbeing at Peel Park and the Coppice Local Nature Reserve.
The Prospects Foundation worked on this project to help improve people’s wellbeing and manage the wildlife habitat at Peel Park and the Coppice Local Nature Reserve in Accrington.
Gemma McMullan and Robert Gabryszak both acted as Local Nature Reserve Project Officers during the course of the project and co-ordinated a series of woodland, heathland and grassland management activities to improve biodiversity and tackle invasive species. A new wetland habitat was created by the Ribble Rivers Trust which will help provide natural flood management and new wildlife habitats. Hyndburn Borough Council also installed new footpaths and a bridge at the site to improve accessibility.
Grassland management included the restoration of Pleck Meadow which was acquired by Hyndburn Borough Council.
The project co-ordinated a series of health walks which got people out and about in nature and improved their wellbeing. It also assisted with the set-up and operation of a micro tree nursery in Oswaldtwistle where over 1000 tree seedlings were grown from locally collected tree seeds for use in future woodland creation projects.
The project offered local people some great ways to enjoy the natural spaces right on the doorstep, with activities suitable for all. Volunteers received training to develop their skills and knowledge in conservation management, ecological surveys and species identification.
Get involved!
We will be continuing our weekly volunteer sessions at Peel Park and the Coppice Local Nature Reserve, every Monday from 10am - 1pm as a part of the new Peel Park Pollinators project. Come along and get involved with a range of conservation activities, learn new skills, meet people, keep fit and help wildlife. To find out more email robert.gabryszak@prospectsfoundation.org.uk, telephone 01254 230348 or call into the Prospects Foundation Environment Centre at 54 Broadway, Accrington, BB5 1EW.
As well as the weekly sessions, we are still holding walks, events and training opportunities, please take a look at our events calendar to find out more.
Project partners and funding
The Prospects Foundation received funding for the conservation project which ran until March 2023. The project was run in partnership with the Ribble Rivers Trust and Hyndburn Borough Council as part of the Health & Environmental Action Lancashire (HEAL) programme. The project was funded by the government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund. The fund was delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency.
