A group of eight resident volunteers have received tools from United Utilities to manage the West Derby woodlands which surrounds 129 homes.
The group called Area 9 Parklands Green Team has a history which dates back to the 1970s, when the households were handed a 999-year leasehold of the ancient woodland. It was called ‘Area 9 Parklands’, a name that the community have since decided to keep as they manage and care for the riverside land.
There are several Tree Preservation Orders and conservation restrictions that apply to the land, which have presented financial obstacles for the residents. The upkeep of the land also comes with its own physical challenges.
The group’s objectives include:
The equipment provided by United Utilities through it’s Better Rivers Better North West Community Fund has enabled the Area 9 Parklands Green Team, to clear, clean-up, and maintain the dense and overgrown woodlands.
Before receiving the equipment, the volunteers used their own domestic gardening tools to clear the woodland.
The kit from United Utilities will help the volunteers effectively manage the woodland and brooksides, removing pesky balsams, troublesome sycamores and river willows blocking brooks.
The Better Rivers Better North West Community Fund supports community groups whose activities:
Groups can apply to the fund for up to £2,500 worth of support by emailing Stakeholderrelations@uuplc.co.uk with details of their request.
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