The Friends of Borsdane Wood & Rayner Park met on 9 September to discuss forthcoming conservation work, improvements around the park and woodland, and several community projects.

Conservation and maintenance

Lancashire Wildlife Trust has offered to support a monthly work party, with Thursday mornings suggested as the most suitable time for our volunteers. We are also arranging a meeting with the council to discuss work in Rayner Park, including strimming around the area where new trees were planted.

Possible future planting was discussed, with native woodland flowers such as bluebells, cowslips and wood anemones among the suggestions.

Some planned tree felling in Borsdane Wood may be delayed following the discovery of a bees’ nest. The group also understands that the existing bin-bag stanchions in the wood are on the council’s list for removal.

Volunteers collecting litter can no longer leave filled bags beside the cemetery gate bin because the surrounding area has been fenced off. Bags are now being left beside the bin near the top path into Rayner Park for collection. Council workers can still access and empty the bin beyond the tunnel into Borsdane Wood.

Community news

We are pleased to see how healthy the mountain ash trees on South Rayner are looking and the difference they have made to the area. We would also like to thank the local residents who regularly help to keep South Rayner and the Danes Avenue car park tidy. Their efforts are very much appreciated.

Castle Hill School has been contacted about possible outdoor education activities. The group will ensure that all the appropriate arrangements and paperwork are in place before anything goes ahead.

Our next bat walk, taking place on 24 September, is now fully booked.

Facebook group reminder

More than 5,000 people now access our Facebook community, which is wonderful to see. To keep the group focused on local news, nature and the work of the Friends, a notice will be added reminding members that selling is not permitted on the page.

Looking ahead

We have also been approached by a fundraiser from the breast cancer charity Three Wishes in Pink about a possible spring fundraiser involving pink ducks. We will explore whether the impressive duck-racing equipment previously used by the Friends of Pennington Brook could help bring the idea to life.

Our next group meeting will take place on 14 October.

If you would like to volunteer, support our work or find out more about the Friends of Borsdane Wood & Rayner Park, please visit our contact page.