April 2009

LOCAL WOODLAND NOW BETTER THAN EVER THANKS TO VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers have transformed a community woodland a stone’s throw from Frodsham town centre into a wildlife haven and are now encouraging all to visit the site.

Green fingered enthusiasts from the ‘Trees and their environs’ group, made up of local residents and Frodsham Parish Councillors, have over the past two years undertaken a series of improvements at Marshlands Community Woodland, located just a few minutes walk from the town centre at the end of Greenfield Lane, off Frodsham High Street.

The volunteers have planted a range of willow and other trees, installed new signage, created 60 metres of new gravel surfaced footpath and cleared and upgraded existing footpaths.

Now the group want to show off the fruits of their labour and to encourage people along to the woodland to enjoy this local beauty spot.

Cllr Graham Bondi (pictured) said: “We’re delighted with how Marshlands has gone from strength to strength, and would recommend people come along for a relaxing walk to explore the woodland for themselves.”

As well as encouraging visitors, over the next couple of months the volunteers also hope to produce a new leaflet showing the highlights, pathways and history of the site.

The project to improve Marshlands Community Woodlands has received £4000 funding from local chemical manufacturer INEOS ChlorVinyls through the Landfill Communities Fund. Additional support has been provided by Frodsham Town Council as part of creating The Mersey Forest, the growing network of woodlands and green spaces across Cheshire and Merseyside.

Janet Ward from INEOS ChlorVinyls said: “We are delighted to support this local community woodland which is so accessible from Frodsham town centre. The group has worked hard to create a haven for both wildlife and people.”

The ‘Trees and their environs’ group hold around six task days at Marshlands each year, and also work on a number of other sites around Frodsham, including the Memorial Field and Manley Road Copse. Newcomers are welcome to find out more and join in by calling the Town Council on 01928 735150.

ENDS

For further information please contact the INEOS ChlorVinyls Press Office:

Janet Ward
Telephone: + 44 (0) 1928 515227
Email: janet.ward@ineos.com