Lostock & Chew Moor Conservation Group
Newsletter August 2006
Our conservation group was set up in 2001, when it opposed
plans to cut down St. John's Wood in order to build a clubhouse
and car park. Later, we opposed plans to tear up the meadow
adjoining the wood which was also destined to be made into
a car park.
After negotiations with Bolton MBC, we were given a lease
for both areas. Our aim is to maintain and regenerate the
wood and meadow and provide access for the enjoyment of local
residents. One of the first things we did was to put a bench
and waste bin in the meadow with funding received from The
Viridor Community Fund.
Just to update you with our progress:
We had a very good grant from The British Trust for Conservation
Volunteers and with this money; the public paths through and
around the wood were re-surfaced in 2004.
In 2005 the meadow was prepared for planting by our local
farmers Stan & Gerard Terry. The planting and seedling
of the meadow, in order to eventually make a wild flower meadow,
was undertaken by Bolton Conservation Volunteers and ourselves.
We had to undertake the removal of fly tipped pavings and
building rubble from the wood in April 2005.
The very old and overgrown hawthorn hedge bordering the meadow
has been layered and partially re-planted with hawthorn and
holly whips, thanks to Bolton Conservation Volunteers.
The police and Council were informed about a 'den' in the
wood where there was evidence of drug and alcohol consumption.
We dis-assembled the den and cleared the litter.
We did apply for more funding in 2005 to re-surface the public
footpath across the top of the football field, but we were
unsuccessful in our quest. However, we will continue to lobby
Bolton MBC to take on board this work.
When the group was set up we asked you to become members/supporters
by donating £5 per annum and initially raised £500.
We have obtained some funding for major projects from voluntary
organisations, but the wood and meadow require regular financial
input. We have to pay annually, public liability insurance
for the area within our lease, of £240. Plus fees for
cutting the meadow and purchase of seedlings and other costs
for the upkeep of the wood and meadow.
PLEASE WILL YOU SUPPORT US?
Any donations can be made to any committee member. We are
also in need of volunteers for our committee and will welcome
any help that you would be willing to give. If you wish to
make a donation or wish to volunteer please contact us at
conservation@lostockresidentsgroup.org.uk
Wild flowers in the meadow
Westhoughton and Chew Moor Spring 2007 Edition
Newsletter
Green fingered enthusiasts
Links:
Natural
England
The Bat Conservation Trust
The Royal Society for the
Protection of Birds
The Wildlife
Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside
The
Wild Flower Society
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