Council working with students to help maintain Pendle’s parks

What began as an inquiry from the college seeking permission to utilise the borough's parks for voluntary work, has evolved into a much larger project.

The objective now is for the choices learners to cultivate their own fruit and vegetables and organise fundraising events.

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “It is wonderful that we have been able to help these young people get the skills they need, while at the same time they are helping us to improve our greenspaces.”

There are three groups, each consisting of eight to 10 students. Each group attends weekly sessions lasting for two hours.

Up to now, they have devoted their efforts to Holmefield House in Barrowford, Victoria Park in Nelson and Marsden Park in Nelson.

At Holmefield House, they have transformed dilapidated raised beds into flourishing plots of herbs and vegetables for communal use.

They have cleared a lot of vegetation around the lake in Victoria Park, as well as weeded the area around the tunnel and widened some of the footpaths, along with keeping on top of litter levels.

In Marsden Park, they have made considerable progress in restoring the neglected sensory garden to its former glory.

The next step is for the groups to grow fruit and vegetables, alongside flowers that will be transplanted into the borough’s parks.

There are also plans to create a QR code-based nature trail, hold fundraising events and volunteer as stewards at park events.

Chris McKee, Pendle Borough Council’s Green Spaces Assistant, said: “So far, they have all done a brilliant job. They are a great bunch and have worked really hard. Their dedication and unique ideas never fail to impress me.”

“The intention of this initiative is for students to follow instructions and learn from individuals who are not familiar tutors, thereby gaining practical skills to enhance their employability.

“This project began with the intake of students in September. The expectation is that new students will join each September, ensuring the continuity of the various projects year after year.”

Councillor Zafar Ali, the Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change, added: “This is a fantastic partnership that has been created. Not only will the students learn new skills and build confidence, they will also benefit from the goodness of being in the open air.”