Countryside volunteers make a difference to local nature spots

Volunteers laying new steps at Summit Nature Site

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Six volunteers have put their outdoor skills to the test by transforming a number of nature sites across Rochdale.

The volunteers completed activities at Summit Nature Site near Littleborough, Mandale Park, Broadfield Park and Boarshaw Clough Nature Site in Middleton. These included improvements to footpath networks, replacing steps and boardwalk, creating wildflower areas and installing new benches.

The volunteers completed the work as part of the 12-week Practical Countryside Skills course run by Groundwork. The course equips learners with a range of skills in outdoor conservation – skills they get to practice and put to good use on improvements to local green spaces.

David Howarth, one of the volunteers, said: “It was good to be in a working environment once more and being able to make an environmental difference.”

Throughout the course each team member worked towards a level one certificate in Practical Countryside Skills and received support with their CV and next steps.

Matthew Lynwood, course leader from Groundwork, said: “The latest team have been fantastic. They have made such a difference to a variety of sites and individually they have each got lots out of the course. They have been a privilege to work with.”