Local Area Events: North West

This extra day has been organised because the two earlier events (on 27 November and 8 December) have been oversubscribed.

Why it’s worthwhile

Winter Hill is the large peatland moor north of Bolton. Ravaged by a moorland fire in 2018, the burnt peat is now being colonised by rhododendrons. Although attractive to look at, rhododendrons are an invasive species, which outcompete all native plants, so nothing grows underneath, reducing biodiversity. With heavy rain the bare peat underneath washes away, adding to erosion, reducing quality of drinking water and increasing flood risk. We want to keep the peat on the hill where it stores huge amounts of carbon.

What will the work involve?

 We will walk a short distance, about 1km to the work area. Spending around 4 to 5 hours, working as part of a small team, we will remove the smaller rhododendron plants from an area of about one square kilometre on the north eastern slopes of Winter Hill (circa SD674148). Under guidance from United Utilities, the landowner, and Natural England we will dispose of the plants initially by gathering into heaps, for later removal.

Who can come?

This walk is open to BMC members and accompanying friends, over 18.

All participants must book a place in advance. No dogs permitted.

How do I join in?

You must register, stating which day(s) you wish to attend with the event, together with full name, email address, mobile phone number and whether you have your own gardening gloves, secateurs and garden fork, to organiser Steve Charles on stevecharles25@gmail.com ASAP. Numbers are limited. 

You MUST NOT attend if:

● you have any of the recognised key symptoms of Covid-19 (a high temperature / a new, continuous cough / a loss or change of your sense of smell or taste);

● you have been diagnosed with Covid-19 recently or have reason to suspect that you are presently suffering from Covid-19; 

● you are required to self-isolate.

Further information

Please see the attached information sheet.