The Friends of Borsdane Wood and Rayner Park met on 8th July to discuss ongoing environmental work, volunteering, community events and future plans for the wood and park.

The meeting began with a visit from a representative of Wildoria CIC, who spoke to the group about the organisation’s work and its activities in the local area.

Recent work in Borsdane Wood was also discussed. During the latest Balsam Bash sessions, volunteers discovered a large area of Japanese knotweed. This will be reported so that advice can be sought about the most appropriate way to manage it.

The trial removal of the three bins from the middle of the wood has continued. Signs have been placed nearby asking visitors to use the council bins at either end of the wood, and volunteers have reported that litter levels have not been too bad during the trial. Unfortunately, some dog waste bags are still being left beside the old bin stands despite the signs, so the group will ask the council whether the remaining stands can be removed.

The group has formally changed its name to Friends of Borsdane Wood and Rayner Park, bringing it into line with the names used by many other local Friends groups. The website has already been updated, with the Facebook page also being changed.

Following the recent Wigan in Bloom judging visit, the group is interested in learning more about citizen science and how volunteers might become involved in recording and monitoring local wildlife and habitats. Further information and advice will be sought.

The art exhibition at St John’s Methodist Church has been a great success. As well as giving local artists an opportunity to display their work, the exhibition has helped the group meet new people and encouraged further interest in volunteering. The group would like to thank the church for generously allowing the building to be used and has agreed to make a donation as a gesture of appreciation.

Following the success of the art exhibition, the group will ask whether a photography exhibition could be held at the church in the middle of September.

The short film produced for the Wigan in Bloom judges will also be shared on the group’s Facebook page so that local residents can view it.

Volunteers contributed an impressive 115 hours during June. This included time spent supporting the exhibition, taking part in Balsam Bashes and regular work parties, completing administrative work and producing the Wigan in Bloom film. Thank you to everyone who gave their time.

The group is also keen to explore the creation of new wildflower areas, including land near the Mill Race in Borsdane Wood and the area around the newly planted trees in Rayner Park. Advice will be requested from the council, along with information about whether council employees might be able to use their workplace volunteering hours to help clear and prepare the areas.

Low Hall Nature Reserve will be holding a family event on Saturday 5th September. The group discussed supporting the event by providing a free craft activity for children and families.

The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 5th August at 6.30pm in the Tesco Community Room.

The full meeting minutes are attached to this post.

As always, thank you to everyone who supports Friends of Borsdane Wood and Rayner Park. Whether you volunteer at work sessions, help with events, share our updates or simply enjoy and respect the local area, your support makes a genuine difference.

If you would like to join us in looking after Borsdane Wood and/or Rayner Park, please follow the link to get in touch.