The Friends of Borsdane Wood and Rayner Park group met on 10th June to discuss upcoming activities, volunteer support, local events and ongoing work across the wood, park and precinct.

A key topic was volunteer recruitment. Like many community groups, we are always grateful for extra help, and the meeting included a discussion about different ways to encourage more people to get involved. Rayner Park, the precinct and Borsdane Wood all benefit hugely from the time, care and effort given by local volunteers.

The group will also have a stall at the summer event on Salisbury Fields, giving us another chance to speak to local residents, share what we do and hopefully welcome some new supporters.

Plans were also discussed for upcoming Balsam Bash sessions, including a larger volunteer session planned for 25th June. Himalayan balsam is an invasive plant which spreads quickly along waterways and woodland edges, so these sessions are an important part of helping to protect the local environment. The chapel will be open on the day to provide toilet facilities and refreshments, and the group would like to thank everyone helping to make this possible.

Work around the precinct continues too. New planters are now in place and will need painting, filling with compost and planting. The group would like to thank everyone involved in making this happen.

BWRPFG also has a display at St John’s Church as part of the exhibition running on Saturdays in June. This is helping us share more about the group and encourage new volunteers. We have also been given permission to hold an art exhibition at the church on Saturday 4th and Saturday 11th July, from 11am to 3pm. Local artists will be invited to display work, and children will be able to contribute one piece of art for a children’s display area. One artist has also kindly painted and donated a picture of Rayner Park to help raise funds for the group, and we extend our sincere thanks for this generous support.

Wigan in Bloom judging will take place on Tuesday 7th July, with judging at 11am in the wood and 11.45am in Rayner Park. Thank you in advance to everyone helping to keep the area looking its best.

The meeting also included a discussion about the bins in the middle of the wood. Due to limited volunteer numbers, moving heavy bin bags, particularly those containing dog waste, is not the best use of volunteer time. A trial period without the three middle bins being used was discussed, with signs directing visitors to the council bins at either end of the wood instead. There are bins near the tunnel and cemetery gates, and additional bins at the Aspull end of the wood. The group also discussed the idea of asking local school children to design posters encouraging people to take their litter home.

The next history walk is planned for Sunday 12th July, from 1pm to 3pm. More details will be shared nearer the time.

Finally, the group has been granted funding for outdoor education work with local children and families. Plans for this will be developed and shared in due course.

The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 8th July at 6.30pm.

As always, thank you to everyone who supports Friends of Borsdane Wood and Rayner Park. Whether you volunteer regularly, attend occasional sessions, help with events, share our posts or simply enjoy and respect the local area, your support makes a real difference. If you’d like to join us in looking after Borsdane Wood and/or Rayner Park then please do follow this link to get in touch!

Thanks!