The Friends of Borsdane Wood and Rayner Park met on 14th October to discuss a range of ongoing projects, maintenance issues and ideas for improving both the wood and Rayner Park.

Following the recent meeting in Rayner Park with Adam Pennington from the council, contact has been made with Angela Addis regarding the possibility of the Community Payback team helping to trim the edges of the new path. We are currently awaiting a response.

Adding more colour to Rayner Park

One of the main topics discussed was how we might introduce more colour and seasonal interest to Rayner Park. The group is considering contacting residents of Danes Avenue with a simple survey-style letter, asking for their views on ideas such as planting bulbs, wildflowers and other plants which could provide colour at different times of the year.

The area where new trees were planted in 2024 has also become quite overgrown, and the group would like to see this strimmed and tidied. Green Crew has been contacted and we are awaiting a response. Possible planting ideas discussed included daffodils, narcissi, tulips, rudbeckia, broom and orange blossom, alongside the possibility of obtaining suitable cuttings from local residents.

Litter and dog waste

Our regular Thursday litter-picking continues, but volunteers have unfortunately noticed an increasing number of dog waste bags being left around the wood. On some occasions, dog walkers have even asked volunteers to carry their waste bags for them.

The group agreed that volunteers should not be expected to do this, particularly as sacks containing dog waste quickly become very heavy. We will also contact the council to ask whether enforcement officers might be able to visit the wood and offer advice, potentially accompanied by members of the Friends Group.

Other maintenance issues

Volunteers have again reported debris coming down the slope behind the car wash. Further photographs will be sent to the council so that the issue can be raised again.

There was also positive news regarding Mill Lane, where work on a new car-parking area opposite the cemetery wall was due to begin on 15th October. This is a good example of the Friends Group and the council working together to achieve a practical improvement for the area.

Supporting our community

The Friends Group will be making a donation to St John’s Methodist Church in Hindley as a thank-you for once again allowing us to hold our annual photography exhibition there.

The group also discussed several ideas for the future, including the possibility of improving the former paddling-pool area in Rayner Park. This area is currently very wet and contains a considerable amount of rubble, but there may be potential in the future to open up the tree canopy, clear some of the debris and introduce plants suited to damp conditions.

Another suggestion was the installation of metal interpretation boards within the wood, sharing information about the history of the area. Similar boards can be seen at Low Hall, although the potential cost would need to be considered.

Working with local schools

Sessions with a local school were due to begin on 16th October, and members were shown some of the resources and information that will be shared with pupils. With the school’s permission, we hope to share photographs and updates from these sessions on our website and Facebook page.

The group was also contacted regarding concerns about the possible impact of the Wingates development on local wildlife. An independent action group has since been organised by the resident who initially contacted us.

As always, thank you to everyone who continues to give their time, ideas and support to Borsdane Wood and Rayner Park. There is plenty happening behind the scenes, and we look forward to continuing to work with local residents, community groups and the council to care for and improve these important local spaces.