NEWS – Beechfield Brands Partnership to Protect and Enhance Boarshaw Clough

Bury-based business Beechfield Brands has partnered with Groundwork Greater Manchester to support nature recovery at our nature reserve, Boarshaw Clough in Middleton.

Groundwork has managed the 6-hectare Local Nature Reserve since the early 2000s, working to enhance biodiversity, maintain safe public access and create opportunities for local people to enjoy and connect with nature. Through a combination of practical conservation work and community engagement activities, the charity helps ensure the site remains a healthy and welcoming space for both people and wildlife.

Beechfield Brands, one of the world’s leading suppliers of brandable headwear, bags and accessories, has supported Groundwork initiatives for several years through its participation in the 1% for the Planet scheme. Building on this long-standing relationship, the company has now made a landmark £10,000 commitment to support practical conservation activity at Boarshaw Clough.

The funding will enable Groundwork’s Urban Ranger team to deliver a programme of woodland management and habitat improvement works between now and September 2027, including woodland thinning, selective tree removal, invasive species control and wider habitat enhancement activities.

As part of the partnership, Beechfield Brands employees will also have the opportunity to take part in supervised volunteering sessions at Boarshaw Clough, working alongside Groundwork’s Urban Rangers to deliver improvements on the ground. The initiative reflects the company’s commitment not only to investing in environmental projects, but also to playing an active role in the positive change they create.

Lucy Stowell-Smith, Strategic Lead for Urban Nature at Groundwork Greater Manchester, said:

“We are incredibly grateful to Beechfield Brands for their support. Boarshaw Clough is an important green space for both local people and wildlife, and this investment will help us deliver practical improvements that enhance the woodland’s biodiversity, resilience and accessibility. It’s also fantastic to see businesses getting hands-on through volunteering and becoming part of the positive change they’re helping to create.”

Annie Whittaker, Campaign Manager at Beechfield Brands commented,

“As a business based in Greater Manchester, we’re proud to support a project that’s making a positive difference to the natural environment on our doorstep. Our long-standing relationship with Groundwork Greater Manchester, through our involvement with 1% for the Planet, reflects our belief in supporting practical, meaningful environmental initiatives. What’s particularly exciting about this partnership is the opportunity for our team to get involved first-hand, working alongside Groundwork’s experts to help protect and enhance a valuable local green space for both wildlife and the community. We’re looking forward to seeing the work progress and playing our part in helping Boarshaw Clough thrive for years to come”

Groundwork currently manages five nature sites across Greater Manchester, all of which face similar challenges around funding, maintenance and long-term environmental stewardship. The charity hopes this partnership will inspire other businesses to invest in local nature recovery and help protect the green spaces that communities and wildlife depend upon.

Businesses interested in supporting nature recovery projects across Greater Manchester can find out more by contacting Groundwork at greatermanchester@groundwork.org.uk