The project, which is currently in the development stage, is focusing on transforming and restoring the 35-acre Brookside site in Stanhill Village, Oswaldtwistle. In the past, the site has been used for farming, mining, quarrying, and textiles. Perhaps most famously, James Hargreaves created the spinning jenny here in the 1760s which revolutionised the textile industry. 

Following the purchase of the site by Hyndburn Borough Council, the project team are now working on improving biodiversity, habitat recovery, carbon capture and climate recovery across the space.

What’s happening now?

There are lots of big ambitions for Brookside. However, over the first 18 months, the focus will be on gathering information, conducting surveys, and discovering more about the wildlife. This information will feed into an overall improvement masterplan for the site.

Planned activities include;

• Surveying the animals, plants, and fungi
• Testing the water quality in the existing lodges and in Lottice Brook
• Investigating ways to connect the site to existing paths and cycle routes
• Removing invasive species to promote ecosystem health
• Improving signage, fencing, and paths
• Consulting with disability groups to ensure that Brookside will be a space for everyone
• Engaging with the local community, to make sure everyone can have their say on the plans

In particular, Lancashire Wildife Trust will be reviewing the surveys and site assessments that already exist for Brookside, as well as conducting new surveys to assess areas of ecological importance, habitats and wildlife. Our ecological investigations will include birds. mammals, amphibians, higher plants. bryophytes, lichen, invertebrates and bat studies. We’ll also measure the amount of carbon stored in habitats on site, deliver citizen science activities, and produce a habitat management and enhancement plan for the space.

Partners and Funders

Other partners include the PROSPECTS Foundation, Ribble Rivers Trust, Stanhill Village Community Association, and Proffitts CIC .  This 18-month project has been funded by the National Lottery Climate Action Fund and the Windfall Fund.

The team at PROSPECTS offer lots of opportunities to volunteer on the project, and they also share a regular newsletter which lets you know what’s happening on site too. If you’d like to sign up to the newsletter, you can do that here: PROSPECTS NEWSLETTER