Friends Of Tawd Valley

Just before the country was placed in lockdown, I managed to sit and have coffee with two Chair Members from Friends of Tawd Valley, Terry and Chris, to see what their upcoming plans were for this beautiful natural area of Skelmersdale…

So, what is Friends of Tawd Valley all about?

FOTV are a community group run by volunteers who are passionate about the nature and wildlife they have on their doorstep. The aim of the group is to promote and improve the usage of the natural asset of Tawd Valley, and to support the health and wellbeing of the community. We promote it for its nature, wildlife, and heritage, and hope to increase levels of appreciation and respect for the area across the community, including an understanding of its historical significance.  We organise the maintenance and improvement activities, and other regular events to improve Tawd Valley and its facilities.

What are your plans for the future of the area?

One of the things we are planning to do is build three large Incredible Edible beds in the valley, which will eventually provide free fruit and vegetables for visitors to pick. This project was made possible thanks to a £2000 funding we received from The Peoples Postcode Lottery.  We are also building a bike park which we hope will be in use in the very near future.  In addition, we have put in a bid for funding to convert a large shipping container, which will positioned on the Tawd Valley allotment site, to serve as a school and community resource for activities in the park.  The unit will contain a small kitchen and toilet facilities, and local schools can take advantage of using this at no charge.  We will keep you all updated on our Facebook page about the progress of all our future projects!

How can people get involved in FOTV?

We are looking for people who value the Tawd Valley and want to help us improve it.  We need people who are interested in both practical or administrative activities, and who can give a few hours on a regular basis to support the group.  To find out more about how to volunteer you can get in touch on Facebook, or via our website.    

W: www.tawd.net

F: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofTawdValley/

The Borough Council has launched an exciting project to develop the Tawd valley which will bring significant environmental and recreational benefits to the Park and surrounding areas.  Extensive consultations have been held with local communities, and their views have helped shape the Masterplan.  The ambitious masterplan includes:

• New cycle paths, wetland habitat areas
• Access and improvement work to footpaths and landscapes
• Upgrading the fishing lake
• Creation of a heritage trail
• New picnic spaces
• Improvements to the amphitheatre to create an informal event space