The Brookside Restoration Project is a groundbreaking initiative that aims to transform an 87-acre industrial site in Stanhill Village, Oswaldtwistle, into a thriving haven for biodiversity, habitat recovery, carbon capture, and climate action. The project, which was inaugurated by Mayor of Hyndburn Cllr Mike Booth, marks a significant step forward in the council’s commitment to addressing climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.
The Brookside site, also known as Bury Meadows, has been an integral part of Stanhill life since the 18th century, with a rich history of farming, mining, quarrying, and textiles production. Most famously, Stanhill is where James Hargreaves invented the Spinning Jenny in the 1760s, kickstarting the industrial revolution of the textiles industry. Today, the site is poised to embark on a new chapter, one that will see it transformed into a vibrant ecosystem that benefits both the local community and the environment.
The project is a collaborative effort between Hyndburn Borough Council, the PROSPECTS Foundation, Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Stanhill Village Community Association, Ribble Rivers Trust, and Proffitts CIC. This diverse partnership brings together experts in environmental conservation, community engagement, and sustainable development, ensuring that the project is well-equipped to tackle the complex challenges it faces.
The project has received generous funding from the National Lottery Climate Action Fund and the Windfall Fund, which will support the next 18 months of development. This funding will enable the project team to undertake a range of activities, including data gathering, surveying, and habitat restoration, as well as engaging with local communities and promoting climate action initiatives.
Alice Pooley, Brookside restoration officer at the PROSPECTS Foundation, is thrilled to be part of this ambitious project. “It’s a bold and exciting project to be part of, and there’s a lot to do over the next year and a half,” she said. “We’ll be working with our partners and volunteers to gather data, undertake surveys, explore ways to improve biodiversity and habitat recovery, improve accessibility, and create a climate action initiative that will help us address climate change on a local scale.”
The project team is committed to engaging with local residents, schools, businesses, and community groups, and is encouraging everyone to get involved. Whether it’s attending workshops, walks, talks, citizen science days, or community activities, there are plenty of ways to contribute to the project’s success.
The Brookside Restoration Project is not just about the environment – it’s about the community too. The project aims to create a sense of pride and ownership among local residents, and to provide a space for people to come together and enjoy the natural beauty of the site. The project team is working closely with local schools to develop educational programs and activities that will help children learn about the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability.
The project is also committed to promoting climate action initiatives and reducing carbon emissions. The site will be transformed into a carbon sink, with native plants and trees being planted to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The project team is also exploring ways to reduce energy consumption and increase renewable energy production on the site.
The Brookside Restoration Project is a beacon of hope for climate action and biodiversity, demonstrating that even the most unlikely of sites can be transformed into a thriving ecosystem. As the project progresses, it will serve as a model for other communities to follow, showing that with determination, collaboration, and a commitment to sustainability, anything is possible.
The project is also expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, creating new job opportunities and stimulating local businesses. The site will be open to the public, providing a new recreational space for residents and visitors to enjoy. The project team is also exploring ways to develop the site as a tourist destination, showcasing the region’s rich industrial heritage and natural beauty.
The Brookside Restoration Project is a testament to the power of collaboration and community engagement. By working together, the project team and local residents can create a thriving ecosystem that benefits both people and the planet. As the project moves forward, it will be exciting to see the transformation of this once-industrial site into a vibrant haven for biodiversity, habitat recovery, carbon capture, and climate action.
The project’s success will depend on the active involvement of local residents, schools, businesses, and community groups. The project team is committed to engaging with the community and ensuring that everyone has a say in the project’s development. Whether it’s through attending workshops, participating in citizen science activities, or simply enjoying the site, there are plenty of ways to get involved and make a difference.
The Brookside Restoration Project is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform a neglected industrial site into a thriving ecosystem that benefits both the local community and the environment. With its commitment to climate action, biodiversity, and community engagement, the project is poised to make a significant impact on the region and serve as a model for other communities to follow.