Giant newt makes its home in Mandale Park

Pupils from Beech House School take a closer look at nature at Mandale Park

A unique environmental art feature is taking shape in Mandale Park, as it cements its reputation as a haven for all manner of wildlife.

The unconventional art feature, made entirely of rubble, is a giant hibernation mound for newts, and has been specially designed to create a home from home for the mini amphibians as well as giving human visitors an unusual feast for their eyes.

The rubble will give the newts and other creatures from nearby ponds all the nooks and crannies they need to hibernate in.

And lavender, rosemary and other seeds have been planted on top, so the sculpture will burst into a riot of purple and blue next summer, as well as providing a great nectar source for bees and butterflies.

The artwork, which is 15 metres long and 1.5 metres tall was the idea of Ian Trickett in the Environmental Management team at Rochdale Borough Council. It was built by an army of energetic young people who are part of the Challenge Network, an organisation which gives 16-17 year-olds the chance to get involved in their local community and learn valuable leadership and communication skills.

They were joined by green volunteers and rangers from the council’s Countryside Service, who helped them shift 50 tonnes of crushed brick to create the mound.

There is a huge range of green volunteer opportunities available for anyone who would like to pick up new skills and meet new people or just enjoy the outdoors, including woodland management and planting. 

Anyone who would like to find out more is asked to contact the environmental management team on the contact details listed on the right.