Author: joolsjack

The first snowdrops of the year along the Trail are now coming into bloom. For full details go to The Snowdrop Trail article which now has a map to accompany it.

Also, to view a snowy picture of Astley Hall go to The Gallery

Recently Friends’ volunteers decided to deal with the topmost branches of a large tree that had fallen over the River Chor near to the wildflower meadow.

The result of two hours work was several neatly stacked log piles and a much improved appearance to this part of the Park. The piles may be left to become homes for small wildlife or assembled, akin to a layered hedge, and form a barrier to discourage access to the river.

In the last few days the Park has had a covering of snow. Visit the Gallery for more winter scene pictures.

Once again, The Astley Village Inn played hosts for our annual post-festive season meal. Around 20 Friends’ members enjoyed a nice meal and a good chat…

Season’s Greetings to all our Members and website viewers. Here’s wishing you all the very best for Christmas and the New Year 2024.

There are hazards in Great Wood for those who stray away from the main paths. There are areas of boggy ground and steep slopes where people can get into difficulties. A temporary, unsightly solution is to use taped cordons. A longer term more appropriate measure is to construct barriers made of natural materials.

Using branches from a recently fallen tree and other timber lengths collected from the nearby woodland, a barrier has recently been constructed by Friends’ volunteers using a method similar to hedge laying.

Chorley’s MP Lindsay Hoyle and Borough Mayor Tommy Gray have formally marked the installation of the six Ramblers’ benches in Great Wood of Astley Park. Funded by the Terry Lewis Legacy in memory of this former Rambler and marking 50 years of the Chorley group, these locally made green oak benches were placed in position by Chorley Council staff a few months ago in liaison with the Friends of Astley Park.