We created a 4,000 tree new woodland alongside a programme of activities that encouraged physical exercise, raised awareness about healthy eating and living, and provided opportunities for developing new skills.
Working across the Snipe Clough and Fitton Hill areas of Oldham, the City of Trees team created a new community woodland and three orchards alongside a programme of activity including health walks encouraging physical exercise, and woodland management training.
Community engagement was key, with residents getting involved in the planting days, and establishing a community food growing area at the Hill Top GP Surgery. As part of the orchard planting, local people were also given training on how to care for the trees, growing fruit for future generations.
The project ran from November 2016 until May 2017 resulting in over 600 people being involved, and 4,109 trees being planted including three orchards, totalling 60 fruit trees.
Kevin Wigley, City of Trees, comments; "We’ve been amazed at how well this project has been supported by local people who have come out rain, shine – and snow! – to make a difference to this important green space on their doorstep”.
Some of the volunteer groups that have been involved in the project include University of Manchester (Tree Musketeers), Fitton Hill and Snipe Clough Allotment Society, AMYA Muslim Youth Association, Hilltop Medical Surgery, Village Housing Association and Brew Café.
The project has been supported by Oldham Council, TD Direct Investing, The Stoller Charitable Trust, and the Woodland Trust.
