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Hyndburn's Community-Owned Environmental Charity

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Huncoat Trail Walk (Sat 9th Nov)

Posted on Posted in Huncoat Local Panel, News

On Saturday 9th November 2019 a hardy bunch of 8 people completed the 9.20 mile Huncoat Trail in memory of Roy Chetham who passed away earlier this year.  Roy devised the route of the Trail and helped make it popular with walking groups coming from all over the North West to complete it.

As you would expect in early November the weather was dank but the rain held off and it was a thoroughly enjoyable walk that we’d recommend.

The official walk starts from the Stocks but we decided to start from the Peace Garden over the road as it’s also the location of the new memorial stone dedicated to Roy which was created with help from Prospects and the Huncoat Forum.

We set off just after 10.00am and took in the quick loop up to the War Memorial which is just off Burnley Lane.  Here you can take in wide views of the Ribble Valley to the north.

From the War Memorial we dropped back down to the stocks and then headed through to Spout House woodland.  This is a woodland that was originally planted by Prospects in the mid-noughties and was then increased substantially in size by Hyndburn Borough Council a few years ago.  There is a great footpath network throughout the new woodland leading down to the Bluebell Way housing estate.  We passed through the estate to the level crossing on Station Road and then across on to the Pit Top Reserve.  This is a Lancashire County Council reclamation site and is now a woodland with meadows and is excellent for wildlife.  We carried on through the site and out the other end skirting the RSPCA buildings and over to the M65 motorway.

After crossing the footbridge it was then a short walk across fields to Clough Bank canal bridge and down on to the towpath of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

We then headed eastwards for a couple of miles towards Hapton/Burnley, passing Altham Lane before leaving the canal at Shuttleworth.  Then across more fields northwards to a remarkable piece of industrial heritage, the canal, motorway and railway line all together.  It brings home how this area of east Lancashire has been key to industry the past few hundreds years.

Once over the railway line it was then up through Castle Clough Woods.  What a lovely woodland.  The Beech trees were a wonderful golden colour and the views down the steep drop into the Clough were breathtaking.

Again, the path through the woodland was boggy but obviously well used.  We then crossed Mill Lane and through the redundant picnic site and car park and through more woodland and over streams and then up to more fields up to Burnley Road and across into Hameldon Woods.  These are owned by United Utilities and are now in need of some TLC as the paths are scoured and trees are falling over.

Once up through the woods it’s out into the open again and high level pasture (Herst) up to Hameldon Scouts and the quarries.  These are very distinct and the harsh skyline makes them noticeable for miles around.  The views from up here are wonderful and rival many other beauty spots.

After a short lunch break it was on up to the top of the Scouts and we then skirted the summit round to Windy Harbour Farm and then on to the Kings Highway.  Again, a local and ancient route of note.  We then headed across a few fields and through snicks and over stiles to Slate Pits Farm and the A56 underpass.

Once through the underpass this brings you out above the lodges and once more fine views.  A right turn and a couple of hundred yards later we were on the Coppice.  We followed the footpath that runs alongside the A56 and then around the top of the Coppice to the monument where again there are fine views across Accrington.  A few group photos and then we weaved our way down the Coppice past the bowling green car park and through to the Whitaker’s Arms on Burnley Road.

Then it was through the Cemetery to Within Grove and across Bolton Avenue and across fields to Spout House woodland and then up to the Stocks and the Peace Garden.

Overall, it took us 5 hours to walk the 9.20 miles, including a short lunch break and a few short stops to take in views.

It’s got almost everything you could want from a walk; hills, a canal, a railway crossing, lots of history, wildlife, lovely woodlands and lovely views.

We’ll be doing another walk in Summer 2020 with the Huncoat Forum and the aim is to keep the walk going, maybe reprint the leaflet and also maybe put together a small programme of improvements to the Trail itself make it even better.

Below are a selection of photos from the walk and also a short video clip of the view from Hameldon Scouts. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Funding Secured

Posted on Posted in News, Support Us

Do you shop at your local Co-op? Well if you do please choose us as your LOCAL CAUSE 

Our project has been selected as one of the local causes in the Rishton and Clayton-le-Moors Co-op stores. Support our cause and 1% of what you spend on most Co-op products and services will automatically go to support our environmental work.

If you are a Co-op member sign in via THIS LINK and you will be able to choose our project to receive your donations wherever you are in the country!

Over the next 12 months we will be carrying out environmental projects with local community groups in Rishton and Clayton. Activities will include work on the canal towpath, conservation management in local woodlands, food growing and improving biodiversity in school grounds, Churchyards and other areas of green space and encouraging people to become members of the two PROSPECTS Panels in the area. If you are interested in getting involved then please get in touch!

 

 

National Tree Week 23rd November – 1st December 2019

Posted on Posted in News, Support Us

National Tree Week (23rd November to 1st December 2019) is the UK’s largest annual tree celebration, marking the start of the winter tree planting season and is a great chance for communities to do something positive for their local treescape. This is how you can get involved

We are putting on 3 activities during Tree Week this year:

Saturday 23rd November – Rothwell Heights Forest School tree planting

Wednesday 27th November  – winter tree ID walk around Whinney Hill

Saturday 30th November – Plantation woodland ancient trees

See the What’s On calendar for more details of these events

Click on the link for more information on The Tree Council and National Tree Week

     

Bernard Scully

Posted on Posted in Church Local Panel, News

It is with sadness that we report that Bernard passed away on 15th October 2019 aged 72.  As anyone who knew Bernard will know, he was one of the driving forces behind the Church Prospects Panel for many many years.  Without Bernard and the rest of the Church Panel there would be no Donkey Back Picnic Site, Gatty Park Community Growing Space or Prospects Tools Store (now at Oakhill Park).

As well as supporting the Church Panel for many years, Bernard then went on to set up the Hyndburn Heritage Museum which is now in Accrington Arndale Centre.

Bernard and his vine at Gatty Park (Sep 2007)

 

 

Wrap Up Lancashire

Posted on Posted in News, Support Us

WRAP UP LANCASHIRE IS BACK!

For the 2nd year running Rotarians in Lancashire are collecting your old, unwanted coats and giving them to charities that support the homeless, refugees, children living in poverty and people fleeing domestic violence (to name a few) and our very own Windfall Fund has supported the project.

Any size, style, colour of men’s, women’s and children’s coats will be greatly appreciated. All donations will then be sorted and delivered to our nominated charity partners, for distribution to those in need just in time for winter.

Help keep vulnerable people warm this winter by donating a coat this Winter!

Go to www.wrapuplancashire.co.uk to find a collection point near you

Ink Toner and Cartridge Recycling Scheme

Posted on Posted in News, Support Us

We have started an ink toner and cartridge recycling scheme. Please drop off your empty toner and ink cartridges in our collection box at the PROSPECTS Environment Centre in Accrington and we will ensure they are processed and recycled in the UK according to all current environmental waste regulations.

The cartridges will be recorded and sorted according to brand and re-usability. Re-usable cartridges will be re-manufactured and re-used. Non-reusable cartridges will be broken down and separated into raw materials such as plastic, metals and toner then re-used in other industries.

So what are you waiting for – drop off your used ink toners and cartridges now – if not disposed of in this way one cartridge can take 1,000 years to decompose

Canal Volunteers a Huge Success

Posted on Posted in Canal Towpath, News

The partnership between the Canal and River Trust and The PROSPECTS Foundation is proving a huge success.

Barbara Sharples, Activity Organiser at PROSPECTS explained, “In just three months the Volunteer Workparty has made a real difference.  We have cleared an overgrown bed near the Canal Café at Rishton and planted it with cottage herbaceous plants to attract butterflies and bees, uncovered a set of steps and the picnic area at Tottleworth Bridge entrance, cleaned up cobbled areas and exposed towpath edges, cleared a lot of vegetation to improve the towpath for walkers and cyclists in Clayton-le-Moors where we also removed a huge amount of ivy from a boundary wall.  The PROSPECTS Foundation is pleased to be working alongside the Canal and River Trust during our 21st Anniversary year.”

“We meet at 10am on the first and third Wednesday of every month and people turn up and stay for as long as they can.  We aim to finish around 2pm and have a 20 minute lunch break.  Towpath works is ideal if you want to volunteer on your local canal, but need the flexibility to fit that volunteering around a busy lifestyle.

“There are many benefits to volunteering alongside water and the canal.  You get to meet and speak to new people, you become more active and take regular exercise, have some time to enjoy the moment and the environment around you, it enhances your self-esteem and encourages social interaction and a more active life and participation in social and community life makes people happier.”

Gary Wilkinson, Volunteer Team Leader for the Canal and River Trust, added ”Tasks vary at each location and can include hedge-planting, weeding gardens, litter-clearance from land and water or repairing towpaths.

“In August we will be improved the towpath entrances and mooring at Bridge No 114B at the junction of Chequers and Whalley Road in Clayton-le-Moors so we will be painting bollards, restoring the triangular information board and inserting publicity information at future events.  At each location the tasks depend on what’s most needed in that area.

“On arrival we run through what’s to be done that day and volunteers select the task that appeals most to them. We try to make sure the task is suited to an individual’s ability and remain on hand throughout the session to provide help, advice and the all-important tea and biscuits.”

Volunteers should let Barbara or Gary know if they are attending in advance, so they can look out for them and let them know of any last-minute changes.  Volunteers should wear suitable outdoor clothing they don’t mind getting mucky or snagged.  Sturdy shoes are a must.  If they are volunteering from 10-2 they should take a packed lunch but a hot drink ior water are provided.  Wear waterproof clothing or sunscreen — depending on the weather.  You do not need any tools as all tools and equipment are provided for the tasks to be undertaken on the day.

People wishing to volunteer can contact Gary Wilkinson via mobile 07483 341 954 or email gary.wilkinson@canalrivertrust.org.uk

 

Towpath Partnership

Posted on Posted in Raising Environmental Awareness

Would you like to meet new people, enjoy some healthy exercise in the great outdoors and make a difference to your local canal?  Volunteering on the Leeds Liverpool Canal in Hyndburn could be just the thing you’re looking for.

On 1st May a new Towpath Team for Hyndburn was launched.  The launchtook place alongside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Rishton Bridge No 108A, Hermitage Street, Rishton opposite the Canal Café.  The launch format was the first ‘Hyndburn  Work party’ session.

Barbara Sharples, Activity Organiser at PROSPECTS explained, “There are Towpath Taskforce Volunteer Teams for Blackburn, Burnley, Nelson and Colne so we felt Hyndburn was missing out.    Several of the PROSPECTS Panels, including Rishton, Clayton-le-Moors and Church PROSPECTS Panels, have done a lot of work on sections of the canal over the years.  The PROSPECTS Foundation is pleased to be working alongside the Canal and River Trust to start up a Hyndburn team of volunteers during our 21st Anniversary year.

“The canal enters Hyndburn at Whitebirk, where the retail park occupies the site of Blackburn’s former power station.  It leaves Hyndburn near Altham Barn Bridge No 118 so we have a large area to cover and plenty to do.  Initially we will be working on urban sections and key entrances to the canal towpath where work is most needed but eventually, we hope to include some of the more rural sections.”

Towpath Taskforce is ideal if you want to volunteer on your local canal, but need the flexibility to fit that volunteering around a busy lifestyle. This way you can go along whenever you’re free, whether that’s once a month or more regularly.

Gary Wilkinson, Volunteer Team Leader for the Canal and River Trust added, ”Tasks vary on a regular basis and can include lock-painting, hedge-planting, weeding gardens, litter-clearance from land and water, repairing towpaths and more – depending on what’s most needed in that area.

“On arrival volunteers will be greeted by myself and I will run through what’s to be done that day, assign tasks and demonstrate the safe use of any equipment. I will help to make sure the task is suited to an individual’s ability and be on hand throughout the session to provide help, advice and the all-important tea and biscuits.

“Volunteers should let us know they are coming in advance, so we can look out for them and let them know of any last-minute changes.  They should wear suitable outdoor clothing they don’t mind getting mucky or snagged.  Sturdy shoes are a must.  For full day sessions they should bring a packed lunch and we will provide a hot drink but they may also want to bring their own.  Wear waterproof clothing or sunscreen — depending on the weather.  They do not need to bring any tools as all tools and equipment are provided for the tasks to be undertaken on the day.”

Our 21st anniversary event was a huge success!!

Posted on Posted in News, Uncategorized
More than 12 different activities were on offer in Accrington Town Square on Saturday 7th September demonstrating everything environmental.
Visitors were able to discover live invertebrates, make a smoothie using pedal power, learn about butterflies and how to attract the to their gardens, make bug hotels, take a virtual cruise down the canal, try out adapted bikes and much more.
The sun was shining and there was live entertainment too which drew in the crowds!
Lots of people found out about PROSPECTS and the volunteering opportunities we can offer - watch out for our next event and come and join the fun!'

Rishton Festival 2019

Posted on Posted in News, Rishton Local Panel

On Saturday 6th July the Panel, in conjunction with the Foundation, ran a stall at the annual Rishton Festival.  We were blessed with wonderful weather which meant a bumper turnout to the event.  On our stall we attracted lots of children who wanted to decorate the hazel cookies that Woody Hyndburn had donated to us.  We gave out lots of local walk leaflets as well as talking to people about the work of the Rishton Panel.

 

 

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