Heywood group create willow tunnel in Queen’s Park

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Photo: Laura Wild

Group members and park staff: Jonathan Watkin-Love, Danny McChrystal-Plimmer, Debbie Drew, Nicki Ainsley, Peter Stark and Jo Fullman

A group of people from Heywood have put their conservation skills to the test by creating a living willow tunnel in Queen’s Park.

The group have focused their activity around the Serpentine Lake, clearing invasive species, reinstating the footpath and building a fence from pruned branches. The willow tunnel has been built by the group over the pathway to encourage wildlife and enhance the area.

Participant Craig Nolan, 41, from Heywood, said: “It’s been a great way to improve my skills and knowledge and working with a good team has helped me enjoy the experience – we’ve all worked really hard.”

The group have taken part in the John Muir Award scheme - an environmental award scheme focused on wild places. It encourages awareness and responsibility for the natural environment, in a spirit of fun, adventure and exploration

The scheme was organised by Skills 4 U and Queen’s Park Ranger Tom Ratcliffe. It was funded through New Heart for Heywood.

Mr Ratcliffe, said: “It’s been a fantastic few months working with the Skills 4 U gang.
“We’ve covered everything from Woodland management to habitat creation.

“Queen’s Park has benefited and so have I”.

Debs Drew, Skills Broker at Skills 4 U, concluded: “I’m very pleased that there’s a lasting legacy of their hard work and that some of the participants have joined up with the Friends of Queens Park group.”