Page 17 - Annual Report 2014/15

Silverdale Country Park

The 85 ha Silverdale Country Park in
Staffordshire still forms a central focus
for the local community, just as it did
when it was a working colliery. The
spoil heaps have been transformed
into a haven for wildlife, with pools WINNER
and woodlands to attract a rich variety Community
of species. Whilst most people come Space of
for recreation, many still come here to the Year
work – but not as miners, as volunteers.
The regular Thursday volunteer work party
group, formed in 2012, continues to attract
10 people per week. Built on this success,
regular Friday and weekend groups have
now also been established. This year
the site has also worked in partnership
with Staffordshire County Council and
Stoke-on-Trent City Council to support
six groups of youth offenders. As part of
their rehabilitation they gained practical
experience of woodland management,
such as coppicing and tree thinning.
The site also has a very active Angling
Club. More than 250 people fshed at the
site in 2014/15 and many ex-miners have
formed new friendships through the club.
But it’s not all about people who already use
the park. Our ranger is also keen to learn
from the wider community and holds six
monthly community meetings to discuss
progress on site and ideas for the future.

Greenwick Peninsula

Ecology Park

“The day went wonderfully. We had a lot of fun
working and exploring the grounds and lots of sore
‘wheel barrow muscles’ over the weekend! Joanne
and Emily were perfectly organised and helpful
throughout the entire day and it was really nice to
spend the day in a lovely area with people who
are clearly passionate about caring for the habitat.”
Amy Cecchi, Project Associate Director, CEB.
Corporate Volunteering Day at Greenwich
Peninsula Ecology Park.
of volunteer work generously

MORE THAN given to our sites in 2014/15

A 53% INCREASE

8,000 DAYS ON THE PREVIOUS YEAR

Annual Report / the Land Trust 2015 17