Supporting Friends Groups Across the Medlock Valley
Across the Medlock Valley, four community-based Friends Groups; Friends of Daisy Nook, Friends of Sunnybank Vale, Friends of Clayton Vale, and Friends of Medlock Way, have been making a difference in their local green spaces.
These volunteer-led Friends Groups play a crucial role in maintaining, protecting, and enhancing our local environments, but they often face challenges in delivering large-scale tasks due to limited resources and volunteer capacity.
Our Role
We partnered with these groups to provide targeted support through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) days, specialist knowledge, and hands-on volunteer work. This support has empowered them to overcome barriers and deliver real, lasting improvements in the Medlock Valley.
Key Impacts
Volunteer Mobilisation for Big Tasks
Many groups struggle with finding enough hands for larger projects. Through CSR days, we brought in corporate volunteers to help carry out physically demanding or time-intensive activities.
This support was essential when clearing a site with the Friends of Medlock Way, a step that paved the way for the mural the group has envisioned for their space.
River Clean-ups with Equipment and Expertise
River litter is a persistent issue across the Medlock Valley. Our support included providing waders and safety equipment, as well as engaging United Utilities staff to join clean-up efforts.
For some groups, this was their first experience with in-water litter picking; for others, it allowed them to expand their ongoing work. In all cases, local volunteers provided the extra capacity needed to tackle this major concern more effectively.
Habitat Creation and Skill Building
Working alongside our Green Skills Manager, Kelly, we helped several groups design and implement new wetland habitats. Volunteers assisted in physically shaping these environments, while group members gained valuable knowledge about biodiversity and habitat best practices.
These sessions not only enhanced the sites but also helped group members develop skills to carry on similar work in the future.
Lasting Outcomes
Increased Knowledge – Group members learned about sustainable habitat creation and river ecosystem management.
Empowered Action – With access to tools, volunteers, and expertise, the groups achieved projects they previously couldn’t undertake alone.
Stronger Networks – We helped them connect with partners and supporters, broadening their capacity for future collaborations.
This project has been made possible thanks to funding from the UK Government’s Species Survival Fund.
