Agree John, it's a fantastic wild landscape and one I'm still exploring. I've also chipped in a few quid as it's nice to be able to contribute to a great cause that's on the doorstep. Hopefully more locals and users of the moors will support The Woodlands Trust efforts
John Carter said
Wed Mar 4 10:43 AM, 2015
I have stumped up my twopenny worth. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to secure the future of a wonderful wild area within such easy reach of the Manchester conurbation. The alternative prospect of the estate being broken up and sold to a range of different organisations with different agendas doesn't bear thinking about. People are donating to this cause from all over the country so I think it is important for us locals to spread the word so that the sale to the Woodland Trust goes ahead.
Ian McKerchar said
Tue Mar 3 10:20 PM, 2015
For further information on the plans and the opportunity to attend the public meetings, see here
Ian McKerchar said
Tue Mar 3 6:09 PM, 2015
I haven't got the full facts about these plans yet but the area needs protecting and if the Woodland Trust can stump up the cash and are the folk to do it then good on them! As for 'going a bit RSPB', they do make the statement about buying and restoring the landscape, which would rightly mean not covering the area with trees (because its mainly moorland and its largely the moorland which needs restoring), so fair play to them for restraining themselves. That said, a nice bit of upland Oak woodland wouldn't go amiss
Andy Bissitt said
Mon Mar 2 9:52 PM, 2015
O.K. guys (and gals - can you still say that?). I received a request to contribute to the purchase of the Moor from the Woodland Trust this morning. The only strange thing is that it is from the Woodland Trust!! They freely admit that the total area of woodland which will be planted will bring cover to just over double what it is now (less than 10%). Are they going a 'bit RSPB' whereby it is seen as being a bit too inclusive to stick to one area of speciality?
In any case, would I be doing the area a favour by parting with my money (and as they need £2.5m, will others be too)? Please sell it to me those of you who can see the potential.
Simon Warford said
Mon Mar 2 12:21 PM, 2015
Thanks for sharing Steve, at least that's some good news in these dark times, especially if Bolton council will no longer have anything to do with it, can only be good.
Steve Suttill said
Mon Mar 2 9:38 AM, 2015
New protection for Smithills Estate - see BBC news story: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-31682738
In any case, would I be doing the area a favour by parting with my money (and as they need £2.5m, will others be too)? Please sell it to me those of you who can see the potential.