Spodden memorial woodland planting success

The group get ready for planting in Spodden Valley.

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Members of the Spotland Area Forum and Save Spodden Valley planted woodland bulbs trees and a hedgerow on Saturday (5 December).

The planting took place at the start of the "Spod Gorge" beside the river on the open land below Lenny Barn. Countryside Rangers from Healey Dell Nature Reserve were on hand to give advice and help as members of the two community groups planted oak, hazel and alder along the new bridleway/path by Spodden Valley.

Under controversial circumstances, hundreds of trees were destroyed in May 2004 in the neighbouring TBA site in the Spodden Valley.

Speaking to Rochdale Online SSV campaign cordinator Jason Addy said: "The planting was about improving our environment and starting to plant a community woodland. It could be the start of great things for Spodden Valley.

"The community project is very timely as the Forestry Commission has made a national call to double the amount of tree cover in the UK. Rochdale is unfortunately very far behind the national average so our efforts this weekend were even more important."

Teasel wildflowers were also planted, which help to create a diverse habitat for birds, butterflies and bees, as well as reflecting Rochdale's textile heritage.