The Huncoat Community Forum was set up to improve the quality of life for the people of Huncoat and to improve the environment in and around Huncoat.
Membership is open to individual residents of Huncoat and to all churches, societies, associations and other organisations based or working in Huncoat. We always welcome new members and new green ideas!
The Forum became a PROSPECTS Panel in October 2002 and since then has carried out a number of projects, such as landscaping at Whitewell Road, the establishment of an Outdoor Classroom at Huncoat School, the development of the Peace Garden and the creation of the Huncoat Trail. These projects have helped to make a difference to the local community.
In 2006, the Panel were involved with creating a new native plantation next to Spout House Woodland, an existing mature wooded area.
In 2012 the Forum organised a Green Spaces Survey concentrating on the use made by the public of the playing fields, Spout House Woodland and adjacent countryside to inform future decision-making and development.
Forum Projects
In 2018 there was a consultation for 'Huncoat 'Garden Village'.
Spout House Woodland - The Huncoat Community Forum provides support for this mature woodland and its young plantations. The Panel is also fostering greater community awareness and involvement in the woodland.
Huncoat Peace Garden - This project was brought to fruition in Spring 2011 and is now jointly maintained by the Community and Hyndburn Borough Council. The project created additional seating, a new pathway, decorative stone work and planters. The Huncoat Peace Garden is now complete and mature with members regularly tending to the plants and shrubs to keep the facility in prime condition.
Hands on Huncoat Railway Station - Hands on Huncoat Railway Station is a project organised to rejuvenate the platforms of Huncoat Train Station and improve the amenity for passengers as well as to create a good impression of the village. Organised by Barbara Russell, husband John and friends Bill Kitching and Nigel Berry, the group have already made a noticeable difference at the station but improvements and maintenance are ongoing.
Huncoat Trail - a 9.2-mile route around Huncoat taking in local features including Spout House Clough, Clough Brook, the Leeds and Liverpool canal towpath, Hapton Castle Clough, Hameldon Woods, Hameldon Scouts, the Kings Highway, the Coppice, Peel Park, Hillock Vale and the original village centre of Towngate. The Trail begins by the village stocks in Highergate Road but can be split into two separate walks each of 5 miles one being relatively flat and the other more hilly. The trail was devised by Roy Chetham.
Huncoat in Bloom - The Huncoat Community Form administers the grant funds for this project and it is one of the main priorities for work by volunteers who carry out weeding, pruning and planting for future seasons. Its foremost sponsor in recent years has been Senator International a local office furniture manufacturer. Forum members supported the 'Blooming Lovely' project by the Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum. This was to plant thousands of crocus bulbs to provide early Spring colour. Members dug and planted many of those in Huncoat by hand.
Village Stocks - The Huncoat Community Forum administered the grant funds for this project and keeps a watch on the fabric and appearance of the village stocks together with the grassy area carrying out a weed and clean up when necessary.
The Hollows Children's Playground - The Huncoat Community Forum worked with Hyndburn Borough Council to provide a modern and attractive play facility in the heart of Within Grove. The playground was funded by Big Lottery Community Spaces funding and was opened by the Mayor of Hyndburn in April 2011.
