We haven’t been as active on our website as we would have liked over the past few months and we can only apologise. Here’s a summary of what Friends of Tawd Valley (FoTV) have been up to since our last blog update:
1. Ongoing Volunteer Work & Site Improvements
- Volunteers (“Team Tawd” and partners, including West Lancashire Parks & Countryside Ranger Service) have continued practical conservation work such as managing fallen trees and installing uprights on newly constructed steps in the valley.
- Our monthly volunteers continue to show their support and help throughout the valley. This we truly appreciate and are thankful for.
- Himalayan balsam pulling and river clean-ups continued into the summer after key weir removals on the River Tawd (part of broader habitat improvement efforts).
2. Community Events & Engagement
- The group hosted a Teddy Bears Picnic for families, exploring wildflower meadows and nature with children.
- FoTV’s social media presence grew significantly, surpassing 2,500 followers — helping raise awareness and community involvement.
- Christmas 2025 Ormskirk Clock Tower Rotary Santa Float – Old Skelmersdale and Newburgh routes.
- Kingfisher Club continues to grow and support families in the community with environmental classes and activities.
3. Partnerships & Support
- As mentioned in previous updates, United Utilities donated vital equipment (PPE, waders, cutting tools, boots, wheelbarrows) to support balsam pulling and other conservation tasks. This was enabled through the United Utilities Community Fund and has strengthened FoTV’s volunteer capacity.
- FoTV continue collaborative work with organisations such as the Ribble Rivers Trust, Groundwork Cheshire, Lancashire, Merseyside, and WLBC Ranger Services on river habitat and biodiversity projects.
4. Environmental & Biodiversity Focus
- Volunteers actively monitor and respond to wildlife and environmental issues, including reporting sightings of invasive species and water pollution
- They are planning more wildlife-focused activities as we move into 2026 (e.g., bat and pond surveys).
5. Rewards and Recognition
- The Royal Horticultural Society and North West in Bloom – It’s Your Neighbourhood Award of Outstanding – Level 5
- The Wild Trout Trusts – Trout in the Town accreditation continues.
Thank you for reading our updates. We will continue to make small updates and adjustments to the website, so please do keep checking back.
