Due to the current situation around the coronavirus outbreak, we have decided to cancel the Friday and Saturday Team Tawd sessions from today until further notice.  Thanks for your understanding

Over the last few months, three consultation meetings have been held to discuss the designs for the new mountain bike (MTB) track being installed in Tawd Valley Park,

There was a great turnout for all three meetings of the public consultation meetings including over 40 attendees at the initial meeting.  People were keen to give feedback and were brilliant when it came to altering the design of the track to suit the needs of the local mountain biking community.

There is a core group of locally based riders who are committed to the success of the project and they have expressed an interest in running events, courses and ‘dig days’ at the facility once it’s up and running.

With a final design in place, the MTB track can now go through the planning application process. Provided the project achieves planning permission, groundwork will begin early June and will take approximately 4 weeks to complete.

For more information, contact Hannah Murphy:

email:  Hannah.murphy@Westlancs.gov.uk
phone:  01695 622794 or 07970953977

West Lancs Borough Council is working with Architrail and Sport England to design and install a new mountain bike facility in Tawd Valley Park and consultations on the design are to be held early in the New Year.

Design ideas will be led by local MTB riders, residents and other interested parties who can discuss their ideal track with Architrail during three public consultation meetings:

1. 14th Jan 2020 – Initial discussions with Architrail to discuss scope of area
   7pm and view initial design proposal
2. 28th Jan 2020 – First draft design based on meeting 1 will be presented
   7pm by Architrail for feedback
3. 11th Feb 2020 – Second design based on meeting 2 will be presented by
   7pm Architrail for feedback

All meetings to be held at Lathom High School (WN8 6JN)

The final design will be circulated to all those who wish to join the MTB track mailing list.

Groundwork for the project will begin Spring 2020.

For more info on the MTB track project, contact Hannah Murphy on 01695 622794 or email Hannah.murphy@westlancs.gov.uk

Download the flyer here.

Friends of Tawd Valley are inviting local residents to join their tree planting event on Saturday 30th November in Tawd Valley Park, to coincide with the Woodland Trust’s Tree Charter Day, an annual celebration of woods, trees and people.

The Friends are hoping the people of Skelmersdale will help plant 900 saplings as part of the The Woodland Trust campaign ‘The Big Climate Fightback’ which aims to get a million people pledging to plant trees.

Terry Lake, Chair of the Friends of Tawd Valley says: ‘With support from the Countryside Rangers and Friends of Tawd Valley volunteers we are aiming to plant a 150 metre hedgeline alongside the path leaving Mill Lane to the fishing pond. Once established this hedge will be a very beneficial wildlife habitat sheltering and feeding a host of creatures and of course absorbing carbon.  To plant a bare root sapling we are requesting a minimum donation of £1.00 per sapling. All proceeds will support the purchase of the trees and the ongoing work of The Friends of Tawd Valley.’

To join the tree planting, meet on site on Saturday 30th November from 10am to 2.30pm – just above the Mill Lane underpass, on Glenburn Road .

All necessary equipment will be supplied and there will be hot drinks and refreshments available at a cost, and supplied by the
Junk Food Cafe. Warm clothing and boots or wellies are advised.

There is no vehicular access to the site so please enjoy a short walk from the Town Centre car parks with access to Mill Lane bridge (over the Tawd) from Inglewhite, Inskip or Irwell. From the bridge it is a short uphill walk to the planting site. Alternatively
park on Mill Lane/Thornbury and approach via the underpass.

For further information or advice e-mail tawdvalleyfriends.soc@gmail.com