Boarshaw Clough Nature Reserve to be transformed into green pocket park

Boarshaw Clough

More than £15,000 will be awarded to Groundwork to transform the currently over-grown Rochdale Boarshaw Clough Nature Reserve into a pocket of peace and tranquillity for local residents.

Transforming the area into a ‘pocket park’, new paths will be created through the reserve, improving the whole community’s access to nature.

The disused amphitheatre will become a new focal point in the neighbourhood – a space for different community groups to encourage people to spend time outdoors.

Announced on Tuesday 3 March, £1.35m has been pledged by Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick to transform neglected urban spaces into thriving green havens for the whole community to use.

The new parks and green spaces will provide new areas for children to play, outdoor fitness facilities for residents, and places for families and friends to come together, helping encourage community integration and tackling loneliness.

These new grants will fund the third round of pocket parks since the scheme launched in 2016.

Rob Glenn, Business Growth Lead at Groundwork Greater Manchester, added: “Thanks to funding from the Middleton Township Fund we are extremely pleased to be successful in our Pocket Parks application to The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

“The £15,000 grant will allow us to breathe new life into the disused amphitheatre, repair eroded footpaths, remove the sunken fishing pegs and replace sections of damaged boardwalks .

“We hope that Boarshaw Clough will become a focal point in the neighbourhood – a space for different community groups to connect and a place where everyone can spend quality time outdoors connecting with nature.”

Mr Jenrick said: “Pocket parks are used for everything from exercise and gardening to socialising and relaxing. They have huge benefits for our mental and physical health and allow us to take a moment out of our busy lives to connect with nature.

“We are determined to protect our nation’s parks for future generations to enjoy.”