Groundwork
in the Northwest

A series of community events are being organised for Moston Brook throughout the coming year and young event coordinators from the surrounding area are being invited to plan and lead these events.

Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale is looking for volunteers aged 16-25 to attend weekly meetings where they will plan monthly events for the whole community. They will also have the opportunity to learn about conservation, woodland management and the biodiversity of the area.

Sophie Heywood, Volunteer Coordinator at Groundwork said, “We are looking for a group of enthusiastic individuals who want to get involved in their local area. They can bring their own skills to the project and develop a variety of new skills and experiences.”

Ryan Smith aged 20 from Oldham has previously volunteered with Groundwork. He added: "Working on Groundwork conservation projects was great fun. I met new friends and picked up lots of new skills - definitely worthwhile!"

Moston Brook is a green space corridor that links New Moston & Failsworth. Visionary plans have been developed and funding is being sought to transform the area into a vibrant community woodland.

Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale, with funding from United Utilities and national volunteering charity ‘v’, are delivering a project in partnership with Oldham Council and Manchester City Council to improve the area of Moston Brook and encourage more people to use it.

The meetings will be held on a weeknight, and events are expected to take place every month on a weekend. This could be something to get involved in for young people at college, in work, or currently out of work, who are looking for a bit of something extra to get involved in, looking to meet new people or spice up their CV. Events expected to take place include orienteering, an arts event and moth and mammal watching, but the young people that get involved will be able to have their say in the planning of each event.

Suzanne Walton, Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale’s Education Manager said, “This project provides an opportunity to engage local young people in influencing and decision making by linking the young people’s Working Group to the Moston Brook Steering Group. It’s a real chance to have your say about the local nature site and what takes place there.”

If you are aged 16-25 and interested in being an event coordinator or keen to get involved in monthly events on Moston Brook, please contact Sophie Heywood on 0161 624 1444 or email sophie.heywood@groundwork.org.uk