Caldershaw Green reclaimed for future generations

Dustie Hickey with Rochdale Borough Council ranger Richard Whittle (left) and Matthew Lynwood from Groundwork

Caldershaw Green is home to deer and badgers and Dustie hopes to create several meadows to attract insects, birds and other wildlife.

Dustie Hickey successfully bid for £2,820 from the Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) Our Choice scheme to help make the Green an area where people of all ages can enjoy relaxing and having fun.

Work currently taking place includes restoring pathways and cutting back overgrown grass and trees. Future plans include building new steps and slopes to allow access for all; putting in benches, placing stepping stones over the stream and creating a picnic area.

Dustie also wants to involve local school children by asking them to design wood-carved animals to be placed around the Green.

She hopes that, as work progresses, residents will take increased pride in the area and help tackle anti-social behaviour including dog fouling, fly-tipping, littering and bonfires.

Dustie, who became aware of the Green several years ago when her daughter Elsa, now eight, went to play there, believes it has the potential to be a huge asset to the community.

She said: “People of all ages need places that can help them relax, fire their imagination and provide inspiration in their lives.

“With the support of the neighbourhood, Caldershaw Green could provide residents with something very special right on their doorstep.

“There are also lots of other possible benefits to restoring the site such as offering a place for school children to learn about nature and art students the chance to paint something beautiful.

“We are always keen to hear from anyone who would like to help so I hope as many people as possible will get in touch and show their pride in Caldershaw Green.”

Our Choice puts funding decisions in the hands of neighbourhoods by providing a pot of money to be allocated to projects that attract popular support.