A £250,000 project to upgrade an East Lancashire town’s ‘green lung’ and protect it from motorbike riders is now moving on to its second stage aimed at making it more wildlife friendly.
The initial improvements to the boundary and entrances of Bullough Park in Accrington have now been completed.
The project has now entered its second phase, which will help to increase biodiversity while making the park more accessible to the local community.
A new path has been constructed to link Miller Fold Avenue with the existing park network, improving access into Bullough Park and down into Woodnook Vale.
Two new sets of steps have also been installed to make it easier for visitors to explore the park.
Contractors from the Lancashire Wildlife Trust have been on site with large earth-moving machinery to create a series of small shallow areas of water or ‘wetland scrapes’ and a brand-new pond.
They are designed to attract and support local wildlife, contributing to the park’s biodiversity.
One key aim of the scheme of woodland, wildflower and wetland creation scheme is to help deter anti-social motorbike riders damaging the grass.
Tree planting will begin on December 1 and will culminate in a ‘Forest Fun Day’ on Sunday December 7 from 11am to 3pm.
Alongside the tree planting, there will be ‘winter wonderland’ craft activities, free hot drinks, music and a ‘future forest’ time capsule burial!
There will also be tabletop crafts available for those with limited mobility.
The new trees include a mix of native broadleaf species such as alder, hornbeam, oak, willow, and birch.
Smaller shrubby species will be planted along the woodland edge to provide shelter and food for birds and other wildlife.
Hyndburn Council leader Cllr Munsif Dad said: “Bullough Park is a cherished green space, and these improvements are a fantastic step forward in making it more accessible and abundant in wildlife.
“I’m proud to see our commitment to sustainability and community involvement reflected in this project.”
Helen Earnshaw from the Prospects Foundation, said: “We’re thrilled to be part of this transformative project.
“The community planting day will be a wonderful opportunity for local people to get involved, learn about native trees, and celebrate the positive changes happening in Bullough Park.”
The project paid for by The Forestry Commission, the Lancashire Environment Fund, the Windfall Fund and Hyndburn Council.
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