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Prospects

Hyndburn's Community-Owned Environmental Charity

NEWS

24 Hour Bioblitz at Peel Park!

Posted on Posted in Biodiversity, News, Outdoor Learning, Peel Park Pollinators at Peel Park and the Coppice LNR, Pleck Meadow, Raising Environmental Awareness

At the end of April, PROSPECTS participated in the worldwide City Nature Challenge weekend by running a 24-Hour Bioblitz at Peel Park and the Coppice! Run over 2 days, the event aimed to record as many species on iNaturalist as possible, with a series of walks and sessions open to the public throughout the event. The species recorded on iNaturalist will assist their citizen science project to map the spread of different species across the world, and how this changes over time in response to climate change. Sessions included a bat walk, moth trap, early morning bird walk, woodland ID walk, pollinator and wildflower walk, and pond ID sessions. In total, we recorded over 153 species! Some of the most impressive species were Daubenton’s bat and the Emperor moth.

During the freshwater session, we also surveyed Pleck Brook as part of the national WaterBlitz, which was happening on the same weekend! Both nitrogen and phosphate levels were very low, which means that the stream is an excellent quality habitat!

Thanks to everyone who took part in the recording!

Staff and Volunteers Gather to Create Vision for Brookside

Posted on Posted in Brookside, News, Oswaldtwistle Local Panel

Every good master plan needs a vision, and we turned to our volunteers for their vision for Brookside!

All six project partners worked together with the Brookside volunteers to workshop a vision. After an intense brainstorming session, participants voted on their favourite, before synergising the top ideas to create a working statement:

"A living model of nature recovery, community wellbeing, and a resilient future"

What do you think?

A big thank you to our funders for making this possible!

This work is possible due to funding from the Windfall Fund, the National Lottery Climate Action Fund,  and Hyndburn Borough Council.

Amphibian Update Pleck Meadow 2025

Posted on Posted in Hyndburn's Nature Reserves

Following the success of last years frogs, toads, and newts at Pleck Meadow’s Wetlands, we are excited again this year to see amphibian activity in the ponds.

PROSPECTS and volunteers are working hard to manage the ponds by reducing invasive weeds, preventing the establishment of Himalayan Balsam, removing litter, increasing wildflower species, and preventing overflows during severe weather.

How you can help amphibians at Pleck Meadow:

  1. Do not let dogs in any ponds as they can trample the spawn/tadpoles and also leech pesticides into the water from flea/tick treatments.
  2. Do not walk or wade in the ponds.
  3. Report non-native species.
  4. Do not litter.

Thank you for treating the wildlife ponds with respect.

Two Brookside Volunteers Sucessfully Pass LANTRA Awards

Posted on Posted in Brookside, News, Oswaldtwistle Local Panel

Two Brookside Volunteers Pass LANTRA Award

A round of applause for Brookside volunteers Graeme and Gordon, who both passed their LANTRA Strimmers and Brushcutters assessments last week. Now qualified, they will be able to put their skills to use at Brookside this summer!

A big thank you to our funders for making this possible!

This work is possible due to funding from the Windfall Fund, the National Lottery Climate Action Fund,  and Hyndburn Borough Council.

Tuesday 8th April 2025 – Woodnook Vale LNR

Posted on Posted in Hyndburn's Woodlands - Phase 2, Hyndburns Woodlands, News

On Tuesday 8th April 2025 the Hyndburn’s Woodlands were at Woodnook Vale LNR carrying out a litter pick and fly-tipping removal session!

In total, we removed 33 large bin bags of rubbish from the site, a record for the project! We also collected a large amount of fly-tipping in the form of a pram, chair, various bits of wood, and much more!

Thank you to everyone who attended our session and helped us keep Hyndburn’s Woodlands clean, your effort is very much appreciated!

As always, thank you to our funders at Lancashire County Council, Hyndburn Borough Council, and the Windfall Fund!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Brookside Restoration Spring Newsletter is Out!

Posted on Posted in Brookside, News, Oswaldtwistle Local Panel

Brookside Restoration Spring Newsletter is Out!

The latest edition of the quarterly Brookside Restoration is out! This issue crowns our latest star of the season, gives an exciting round-up of all that has happened over Winter, and gives you a first look at the plans for Spring 2025. If you didn't get a copy by email, you can sign up HERE.

Keep an eye out for these species at Brookside!
Congratulations Graeme!
Our newest dead hedge, hand built byt the Thursday Gang!

A big thank you to our funders for making this possible!

This work is possible due to funding from the Windfall Fund, the National Lottery Climate Action Fund,  and Hyndburn Borough Council.

Tuesday 3rd April – Whinney Hill

Posted on Posted in Biodiversity, Hyndburn's Woodlands - Phase 2, Hyndburns Woodlands, News, Whinney Hill

On Thursday 3rd April 2025 the Hyndburn’s Woodlands Volunteers took part in the ‘Great British Spring Clean’ event, a nationwide event which promotes cleaning up Great Britain!

We had a very successful day at Whinney Hill, collecting around 15 bags of rubbish, a rubble-sack filled with miscellaneous bottles, and a van bumper!

This session, we joined by staff from CurrentCare Limited, a local business in Accrington!

Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers who give their time to help us keep Hyndburn’s Woodlands clean!

As always, thank you to our funders at Lancashire County Council, Hyndburn Borough Council, and the Windfall Fund for making it all possible!

 

 

Tuesday 1st April 2025 – Jubilee Meadow

Posted on Posted in Biodiversity, Hyndburn's Woodlands - Phase 2, Hyndburns Woodlands, News

The Hyndburn’s Woodlands were back at Jubilee Meadow on Tuesday 1st April! We were continuing with the meadow maintenance that has been ongoing for 3 years.

In previous years, we have hand scythed the meadow. This time round, we hired a contractor who used a tractor to give the meadow a really good mow! This will hopefully take the grass down to a level that helps promote wildflower seed growth!

We have sown seeds in previous years, last year we put down a lot of Yellow-Rattle seeds. This year, we have gone for a ‘Bee and Butterfly mix’ that will hopefully take and produce a sea of colour for passer-by’s and nature to enjoy!

Thank you to everyone who came along and helped enhance biodiversity in Hyndburn!

As always, thank you to our funders at Lancashire County Council, Hyndburn Borough Council, and the Windfall Fund for making it all possible!

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday 15th March – Woodnook Vale LNR

Posted on Posted in Biodiversity, Hyndburn's Woodlands - Phase 2, Hyndburns Woodlands, News

On Saturday 15th March 2025 the Hyndburn’s Woodlands Project teamed up with the Hyndburn’s Nature Reserves Project to deliver a ‘dawn chorus’ bird walk at Woodnook Vale LNR, with the session being led by Dave Bickerton of the Lancashire and Cheshire Fauna Society!

The walk started at 7:00 (much later than a proper dawn chorus walk would normally be held) and took participants through Hollins Woods, Jubilee Woodland, and Woodnook Vale LNR.

Throughout the walk, Dave shared his bountiful knowledge with the group, identifying birds by sight and by call, teaching participants about each species habits, and, sometimes, giving us perfect imitations of their calls (when they wouldn’t play ball!)

The walk was immensely successful, with 35 species being recorded throughout! Some notable finds include Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Chiff Chaff, Nuthatch, and Greenfinch.

Thank you to everybody who attended our walk and made it such a wonderful event! Thank you also to Dave Bickerton for sharing his wonderful knowledge with us!

As always, thank you to our funders at Lancashire County Council, Hyndburn Borough Council, and the Windfall Fund for making it all possible

 

 

 

 

 

Brookside’s Thursday Gang Unearth Hidden Paths and Farm Foundations Under 20 Years of Turf

Posted on Posted in Brookside, News

Brookside's Thursday Gang Unearth Hidden Paths and Bury Meadow Farm Foundations

The Brookside volunteer group (colloquially known as the Thursday Gang in Ossy) have been hard at work restoring the old paths around the site. These were installed in the early 2000s but have since degraded until they were almost hidden. Armed only with spades and rakes, the gang have completely transformed the access around the Eastern Lodge. What's more, they have unearthed a 14m x 14m hard standing on the Southern end of the site - which was the site of the original Bury Meadow farm.

The gang have plenty of ideas for the hard standing, and we look forward to hosting a wide range of events here in Summer. Well done team!

Finally complete! A whopping 14m by 14m
Mature roots were no match for the volunteers' determination
Can you believe this was hiding under the grass?!

A big thank you to our funders for making this possible!

This work is possible due to funding from the Windfall Fund, the National Lottery Climate Action Fund,  and Hyndburn Borough Council.

Tuesday 11th March 2025 – Woodnook Vale

Posted on Posted in Biodiversity, Hyndburn's Woodlands - Phase 2, Hyndburns Woodlands, News

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

Posted on Posted in Community TreeACTION, News

Over 300 Trees Planted at Knuzden Recreation Ground

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.

 

Tuesday 25th February 2025 – Bat Box Making

Posted on Posted in Biodiversity, Hyndburn's Woodlands - Phase 2, Hyndburns Woodlands, News

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

 

 

 

 

Free Wildflower Seeds for EcoFest 2025!

Posted on Posted in Uncategorized

To get ready for EcoFest 2025 in Accrington Town Centre on Saturday 14th June 2025, PROSPECTS will be handing out free wildflower seeds.

We will be handing them out at events and in our shop at 54 Broadway, BB5 1EW.

Be sure to keep updated on our events by checking our calendar or signing up to our e-newsletter.

The seeds are a mixture of 26 annual and perennial wildflowers. The annual flowers ensure you get some colour the first year and act as ‘nursery’ plants, shielding the perennial plants whilst they establish their roots and get ready to bloom the following year. Perennial plants can live for many years and will continue to flower yearly. Annual plants will die after one year and will only appear next year if they can get their seeds on to bare ground, so you may not see them again after the first year.

To sow them, you can sprinkle them on to any patch of bareground, e.g., in a pot/planter or on your lawn. Lightly tread the seeds in so that they are covered by soil. The seeds can cover an area of 0.5m2 but you can spread them as far as you like. To give your mini wildflower meadow the best chance, choose an area of low nutrient soil. Then once the growing season is over, cut the vegetation and remove it from the area. We do this on a bigger scale at Pleck Meadow.

This is also the case for our wildflower bombs that we make at crafting sessions.

The wildflower seed mixture is Boston Seeds’ Bees and Butterfly Seed Mix. See below for the full contents:

  • Common Agrimony (Perennial)
  • Borage (Perennial)
  • Wild Clary (Perennial)
  • Red Clover (Perennial)
  • White Clover (Perennial)
  • Corn Cockle (Annual)
  • Cornflower (Annual)
  • Ox-eye Daisy (Perennial)
  • Wild Foxglove (Biennial)
  • Common Knapweed (Perennial)
  • Greater Knapweed (Perennial)
  • Purple Loosestrife (Perennial)
  • Wild Marjoram (Perennial)
  • Meadow Cranesbil (Perennial)
  • Musk Mallow (Perennial)
  • Common Poppy (Annual)
  • Ragged Robin (Perennial)
  • Sainfoin (Perennial)
  • Field Scabious (Perennial)
  • Small Scabious (Perennial)
  • Teasel (Biennial)
  • Bird’s-foot Trefoil (Perennial)
  • Kidney Vetch (Perennial)
  • Viper’s Bugloss  (Biennial)
  • Yarrow (Perennial)
  • Yellow Rattle (Annual)

Tuesday 11th February 2025 – Whinney Hill

Posted on Posted in Biodiversity, Hyndburn's Woodlands - Phase 2, Hyndburns Woodlands, News, 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!

Posted on Posted in Brookside, Low Carbon Community Buildings, News, Oswaldtwistle Local Panel

Citizens Gather For Climate Workshop

Concerned citizens from across East Lancashire gathered in Oswaldtwistle last Thursday evening for a workshop all about climate change and how the local community can take action. Councillor Mike Booth, Mayor of Hyndburn, attended the event.

The evening began with a talk about the science behind climate change, before moving into several interactive activities, all of which highlighted the power of small-scale changes to reduce carbon emissions. From swapping imported goods for local produce, to starting climate conversations, to reducing our air miles, we can all do our bit in the fight against climate change. 

It’s easy to feel powerless against such a colossal problem, but climate action starts at the local scale.  By bringing people together, PROSPECTS hope to break down barriers and encourage small, everyday changes that, when combined, make a tremendous impact.

In a more hopeful tone, we highlighted several inspiring success stories where proactive citizens have already started making a difference. From bike libraries to community energy groups, it is clear that there is a strong desire for climate action across Lancashire.

As the effects of rising global temperatures become more evident, the urgency for climate action intensifies. Currently, the world is on track to experience a 3°C rise in temperatures above pre-industrial levels, which will have far-reaching consequences for humanity.

Looking ahead, we plan to host additional Climate Action events throughout Hyndburn. Details of these future events can be found on the PROSPECTS Foundation website.

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

A big thank you to our funders for making this possible!

This work is possible due to funding from the Windfall Fund, the National Lottery Climate Action Fund,  and Hyndburn Borough Council.

2024 happenings at Miller Fold Allotment

Posted on Posted in Outdoor Learning

In the last garden session of the year in December, our volunteers at Miller Fold Allotment pruned our grape vine which had happily sprawled across half the polytunnel during the growing season. Grape vines are best pruned around the winter solstice as their sap starts to rise early in the spring and thinning them out means there’s more grapes to enjoy the year after!  This marked a ‘putting to bed’ of the garden after a busy year of planting, growing and harvesting and clearing at Miller Fold Community Allotment over the past year.

Last January the garden was looking slightly dog-eared and unkept but since then the community gardeners have worked hard to create a productive, functioning hub for local food growing and events. We’ve cleaned, cleared and planted the polytunnel, cleared paths, repaired the water butts, installed hedgehog and toad houses, painted the noticeboard, pruned currant bushes, made a new sign for the garden, and started remodelling the bird feeder. In the past year we have grown broad beans, lettuce, peas, rocket, sprouts, cabbage, runner beans, carrots, radishes, dill, parsley, tomatoes, chard, spinach and coriander, and harvested apples, blueberries, plums, strawberries, redcurrants, blackcurrants, raspberries. We’ve also run sessions making bird feeders, apple juice using local apples, and willow weaving!

Projects for the new year include creating a willow sculpture, revamping our bug hotel, pruning the apple trees and prepping the beds ready for another full-on year. We’re in the garden almost every Tuesday morning from 10am till 1pm. Feel free to join us for a session, or pop in and say hello on your way past. We’re a friendly bunch and always happy to have a chat over a brew and a biscuit.

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