The Friends of Maghull & District (FOMD) crowdfunding campaign that was launched in April and completed in October, to improve Bobby’s Wood at Woodend (close to the junction of Northway and Liverpool Road South, Maghull) reached and exceeded its £24,000 target.
Dr Frank Sharp (FOMD Trustee) said “we are enormously grateful for everyone’s incredible support. Last week it enabled us to install the first stage of the improvements and make the area safe from the annual 7.5 million vehicles (20,000 daily) passing through the local junction, with the installation of the knee high 92 m perimeter wooden rail, that will also protect the December planting of a 230m mixed wildlife hedge, that will be researched by a Professor in Ecology to demonstrate the 60% reduction in vehicle pollution”.
Ian Porter (FOMD Trustee, Scout Leader, and Maghull Community Radio Station Manager) said: “depending on the Covid restrictions we hope all the local scout groups and other community volunteers can help with the planting of 1385 hedge whips, but if this is not possible we would be grateful if volunteers could contact Phil Dillon (MTC Community Services Manager) on 010515263705, to register an interest in the hedge planting and planting potentially 8000 free Mersey Forest trees we received in April to be planted in a variety of areas around Maghull”. Supportive Local Sefton Molineux Ward Cllr Marion Atkinson was joined by Cllr Paula Murphy who stated that, “the improvements will make a fantastic difference to the local community and entrance to Maghull, whilst helping to make a beautiful natural safe space for the local children, not least those from the neighbouring Bumbles Nursery”.
Dianne Harvey (FOMD Trustee & member of Lydiate Litter Picker Group Civic Award Winner) added that, “we are absolutely indebted for the fence donations made by John Sisk & Sons (£1600 fence materials), Kier Construction (£2076 for fence installation) and Nationwide Fencing for their discounted materials and installation. Thank you to everyone for making the impossible possible during the pandemic”.
Further updates can be found at www.spacehive.com/woodend and cash donations can still be made for the next project stages at Morrisons, Dover Road – Post Office, The Chippy, and Blue Star. This week we have been overwhelmed and delighted to be chosen by the Co-op to be one of their charity partners over the next 12 months, and although the site is in its infancy further information can be found at https://membership.coop.co.uk/causes/53065
Pictured left to right: Ian Porter (FOMD Trustee), Alec Spencer (MTC Amenities Manager), James Davenport (Volunteer), Dave Owen (Volunteer), Diane Harvey (FOMD Trustee), Marion Atkinson (Sefton Councillor), Paul Murphy (Sefton Councillor), Ivy, Rubin, Harrison and Jess (Bumbles Nursery Children and Teacher)