Kids have fun at new Whalley woodland area

Civic dignitaries and special guests gathered on Saturday for the opening ceremony of the Phase II Whalley Moor Woodland area, within the grounds of Calderstones Park.

Plans for the nature reserve were first mooted in 2007 by Whalley councillors Joyce Holgate and Terry Hill. When houses were initially built on Calderstones Park, an area was designated for a children’s play area, however, the project came to a standstill due to funding.

Now, thanks to funding from Ribble Valley Borough Council and the Community Spaces Lottery Grant, the area boasts a children’s play area equipped with a climbing frame, slide and swings – encouraging better interaction and more sociable play.

Meanwhile, the Friends of Whalley Moor Woodland applied for additional funding to extend the footpath area and install wood sculptures and a nature reserve for adults.

Coun. Terry Hill, chairman of Friends of Whalley Moor Woodland said he is delighted with the outcome. “This is a very useful and exciting facility not only for the residents of Calderstones Park, but for the children of Whalley and the surrounding area who can come and enjoy what the woodland area has to offer.

“It has been carefully constructed and is disabled friendly. I would like to thank everyone who helped with the plans and contributed towards its build, especially Debbie Kirkby, who is secretary of the Friends of Whalley Moor Woodland.”