Forestry Commission Update
07 January 2007 Category: Sutton Manor Woodland, St.Helens
At present there is work to improve and secure the entrances on Jubits Lane and work around the old loading bay [or as the children delightfully call it - the "Echo Wall"]. Bulbs and other flowers have and are being planted by school children to add colour and scent to some of the paths. I'm hoping that a couple of damaged seats can be replaced soon, so that young and old alike can sit and rest whilst admiring the views [or reflecting on life!]. Unfortunately the ground is like concrete so replacement is not quite as easy as it first appears!! You'll also see some of the rabbit fencing being removed soon, now that the trees are established.
Duncan mentions that he's aware of two instances of former colliery workers ashes being scattered at the site, one by the shafts and the other at the top.
As someone who very regularly sits on the benches staring at the Winter Hill TV transmitters and the chimneys at Fiddlers Ferry, it's good to know that repairs to damaged benches will soon take place. Plus I have always wondered what all that fencing was for. Now we know it's to keep away rabbits while the saplings are growing. The bulb planting is very welcome and it's great to have the kids involved.
With the recent news of the Manor site being selected for the C4 Big Art Project this is all very promising for the future of the site.