Woodland Maintenance @ Lower Alston, Ribchester

Join us on Wednesday 26th August to help manage and maintain a woodland!

Event Description: In 2023 we planted over 1100 trees at a site in Ribchester and now the time has come to help give the trees the best possible chance of turning into a fantastic new woodland. The main task of the event will be to replace broken guards but we will be also checking on tree survival, straightening stakes and doing a little weeding.

We will be meeting on the farm track past church lane //shaky.offerings.sheep before driving to the parking area further up the track. We will then walk to the woodland where we will give a brief introduction to who we are and purpose of managing the woodland. You will be given a tool box talk and demonstration of the day’s activities which will be carried out under the supervision of RRT staff. Our staff will be working from approx. 10:00am to 2:30pm, however volunteers can stay for as long or short as they like. We will also be stopping for a break and a lunch during the session.

Location: The meeting point is on the farm track past Lower Alston Farm, Riverside, Ribchester, PR3 3XS. We will either park in the field or the yard of the nearby barn. The what3words address of the meeting point is ///shaky.offerings.sheep the grid reference is SD 64369 34693. The woodland is located ///springing.forms.surreal. By typing the what3words address into the what3words website or app, you can get directions to the exact location.

Difficulty:  Access to the woodland is via field and we must cross a barbed wire fence to one of the woodland areas. The ground at the woodland is more uneven and boggier in places with a watercourse running through it. We only expect volunteers to do as much as they can, and if you get tired out or have other commitments you are free to leave early. Therefore, this event is suitable for most people, however because of the access difficulties, it is not recommended for those in wheelchairs/using crutches.

Important Info:  Please wear appropriate clothing for the weather, as well as suitable footwear like walking boots, walking trainers, or wellies. To help reduce the risk of bites, cuts and stings we also require volunteers to wear long sleeved tops and trousers. The task will involve the yse of spray paint which may transfer to clothing. You will also need to bring a packed lunch and water bottle, however we will be providing refreshments for everyone. In the event of extreme weather, the event will be cancelled and you will be notified via email, so long as you have provided this info when booking onto the event.

Facilities: Please note there are no toilets on this site.

Risk Assessment: To be uploaded shortly.