National Trust joins forces with housing association to revive nature trail

The National Trust and housing association, Your Housing Group, have joined forces to revive a nature trail on the outskirts of Partington in Greater Manchester.

Designed and developed in 2007 using ERDF European Union funding, the trail was originally maintained locally but in recent years it had become overgrown and underused.

Now thanks to a £5,000 grant from Our Bright Future through the National Lottery Community Fund, work has begun to bring the neglected green space back to life and make it accessible for local people to enjoy. So far 100 young English Oaks and several hundred other native woodland species suited to the damp woodland conditions have been planted.

Redbrook Trail is adjacent to the Partington estate where Your Housing Group own and manage 1,200 properties.  The 5.8 acre site has 650 metres of pedestrian paths through beautiful stretches of woodland with areas of wildflower and is home to a wide variety of birds and mammals.

The work, which is being undertaken predominately by volunteers including school children and members of the community, has included clearing pathways, restoring signage and information boards and litter picking.

Dave Litherland, head of Partington regeneration for Your Housing Group said: ‘Two years ago we started to look at ways to bring the Redbrook Trail back into use.  It’s fantastic to see the area being transformed with the help of the National Trust’s conservation expertise.

‘Together we are breathing new life into this precious green space enabling it to once again become an area for nature to flourish.  Future generations of local people will now be able to enjoy this wonderful place we are fortunate to have here in Partington.’

Sara Armstrong, local partnerships coordinator for the National Trust’s GAP Project added: ‘The Redbrook Trail is an important resource for the community and by ensuring it is open and accessible, it will have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of residents who live in the area.

Our work on the Redbrook Trail is all about connecting people from all backgrounds with nature on their doorstep, creating accessible experiences for all and a sense of pride in having contributed.

‘We are teaching people new skills, inspiring the younger generation to take action for nature and providing valuable work experiences.  We also would like to be able to offer some natural play resources along the trail.’