Our next talk is by well-known local author and historian, Stephen Oldfield. Mystical Moors discusses the history of part of the Rossendale Valley, including the Ogden, Lower Irwell and Spodden Valleys.
After our committee meeting last night, we are delighted to announce that work will be commencing on the Island Lodge Restoration Project next week. A contractor, J&D Jenkinsons, has been selected and the initial tree works will be starting on 4th March (see note below). The remaining phase 1 work will happen from the end of April through until August 2024.
A map is available on the Proffitts CIC website which has lots of information about the upgrades. This is attached to this message; the larger copy is available here: Island Lodge Map and an information board has now been erected on the viaduct.
These planned ‘Phase 1’ works include improving access to the lodge by upgrading and repairing pathways around the site, and woodland management works including tree thinning and shrub clearance to improve sight lines and open-up the paths for visitors.
Some of the woodland management work will take place during this winter season so as not to disturb the birds and bats. Advice is being taken from the Borough Council Wildlife Officer, Environment Agency, and ecologists.
Major engineering works to repair the lodge dam wall will follow in 2024/25. Additional seating, bins, signage, and interpretation boards displaying historical and wildlife information will also be installed in a later phase.
Christine Taylor of Tottington Civic Society, who has been committed to this project for many years, is very happy to see that work is finally commencing to restore the Lodge to its former glory. Julie Southworth, Chair of Greenmount Village Community, who has coordinated the planning and obtained the funding commitments is delighted and grateful to Bury Council and to Proffitts Investing in Communities who are fully committed to delivering the project.
Note on tree works – it’s best practice works both for woodland management and health and safety. The trees which have been sprayed to come out are those which are dead, diseased, dying (e.g. ash die back) or affecting/overhanging the rights of way. The tree works are being carried out in the appropriate season so there is no impact on nesting birds.
I am pleased to inform you that the footpath from Belvedere Avenue to Nabbs Way has now been reinstated, allowing better access to the Kirklees Valley trails.
Greenmount Village Community was awarded a grant from the recent Let’s Do It Community Fund and Bury Council Rights of Way department have funded the balance. Thanks go to Tim Martin from Martin’s Countryside for carrying out this work.
Sections of this path were impassable due to flooded, muddy areas and overgrown vegetation as well as problems with fly tipping and litter. The path has been completely resurfaced to overcome the mud issues and the vegetation cut back. As this path is now being used on a regular basis these problems should be kept at bay. We have already received a lot of positive feedback about the upgrade.
The first is that there is planned firing on the Holcombe Moor Firing Range this weekend, from 7am until 10:30pm on both Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th (see attached firing schedule). Please observe the red flags and stay off MOD land during this time to assist our armed forces.
Second, the talk organised on 14th February by Tottington and District Horticultural Society, ‘Prescription for Gardening” has been cancelled due to the speaker not being able to make the date. If an alternative speaker can be arranged, we will provide an update.
The next Woodland Management is this coming Friday 2nd February. We will be meeting at Old Kays Park in Greenmount on the corner car park of Hollymount Lane at 10am. The weather doesn’t look to be too much of a problem at the moment.
It will be the usual felling and tidying up of the trees there.
Please see attached the new sign for Greenmount Village Community Garden, next to the church.
This completes the funding from Forever Manchester for new raised beds, decorative stone, and a bench to upgrade this much appreciated area.
These jobs would not happen without our volunteers, thank you to everyone involved.
You will notice the QR code on the sign which will take you to our website https://www.greenmountvillage.org.uk/community_garden/ to keep you informed of volunteer sessions for this outdoor space and learn of its history and development. From April, new volunteers are welcome to help maintain this area and meet other people on Thursday afternoons from 2pm till 4pm, or alternatively, at a time which suits you after prior arrangement. All help is appreciated to keep a pleasant and tidy environment in Greenmount.
As you will be aware, Cuppa and Chat runs every Thursday afternoon at Greenmount Old School and was set up to provide a space for residents to meet and avoid feeling isolated in their homes. Since being set up in March 2021, we have welcomed many residents from Greenmount, Summerseat, Holcombe Brook, Brandlesholme, Tottington and Helmshore. There are between 20 to 30 people each week and often more for special events.
Due to an advert in the last addition of our newsletter ‘Greenmount Voice’ in November, a few extra people joined because of the programme we had on offer. As this newsletter is only 3 or 4 times a year, I think it is a good idea to let you know the programme for the next couple of months. We will be meeting from 1.30 till 3.30pm in February, but back to our usual time of 2pm till 4pm from March onwards.
Cuppa and Chat
1st Feb
Talk by GM Police on Scamming. A subject which I am sure has affected many people and would be useful to us all. Please come along if you can.
8th Feb
Bingo
15th Feb
Performance by the Square Street Singers. Enjoy this local choir who are happy to entertain you.
22nd Feb
Carers Hub – information on services available in Bury
29th Feb
Bingo
7th March
Quiz
14th March
Talk on Bees by Lee Fairhurst, our local Beekeeper
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