Prospects Foundation

03/09/2026

Join the Prospects Foundation for a seasonal tree identification and mythology walk at Brookside!

We'll be taking a lovely, gentle stroll through Brookside to explore the wonderful tree species we have onsite, we'll also learn about the mythology associated with each species, and how to best identify them at this time of year!

Date: Friday 25th September 2026
Time: 10am - 1pm
Location: Meeting at the noticeboard on Stanhill Road, BB5 4PP

Under 18's must be supervised by a responsible guardian. Dogs on leads are welcome on the walk.

Contact [email protected] to find out more or confirm your place

Hyndburn Borough Council

01/09/2026

Today the Hyndburn's Woodlands Volunteers were back at Whinney Hill woodland to start the first of many sessions at the Butterfly Glade!

We are planning to create small Hazel Hurdle fences which run around the perimeter of the glade, to add a nice visual barrier for site users, and for a feature which will provide habitat for invertebrates!

Due to time of year, and limitations on supplies, today we used a mix of Hazel stakes and Willow for the actual weaving part of the structure.

We started by collecting fresh Willow whips which were growing out of recently felled/fallen Willows, then we crafted stakes from old Hazel lengths, and then we got to weaving!

It was a fun session and we're very happy with how it turned out, and we're excited to build on it more and more!

If you are interested in attending, please email [email protected] for more information

As always, thank you to our volunteers and to our funders for making it all possible County Council Hyndburn Borough Council

27/08/2026

We had a fab time at the weekend on our walk along the Hyndburn Greenway!

Starting at Church & Ossy Railway station, we walked along the historic railways looking at the amazing wildlife that now grows there.

We had some help from Community Rail Lancashire who gave us some background on the amazing art work you can see at the station, as well as a quick tour of the Accrington Eco Station! We learned about the solar panels, rainwater harvesters and the community garden that makes it one of the most eco-friendly stations in the UK!

We then walked along Woodnook Vale LNR, where our Hyndburn's Woodland's officer Brandon shared his vast woodland knowledge.

Lastly, we finished at Haworth Art Gallery and Artist Studios where Print, paint and pixel held an ink printing workshop!

Our next walk will be on Friday 11th September at Jackhouse Nature Reserve! Join us for an evening bat walk (7:15-9:00pm) with our local batman: Roger Cunliffe! Contact [email protected] for more information.

Hyndburn Borough Council Postcode Lottery UK

27/08/2026

Here's what's on in September 2026 at the Prospects Foundation -

Date: Friday 11th Sept Time: 7:15pm - 9:00pm Location: Meet at main entrance to Jackhouse Nature Reserve at the end of Pot House Lane. Limited parking at the reserve, please park on Broadfield/Fielding Lane.

27/08/2026

🌿 A Special Time at the Coach House

It was wonderful to welcome Stan Woodhouse, his family, The Mayor, and The Friends of Jackhouse to the Coach House today — a celebration of the fantastic work happening up at Jackhouse Nature Reserve, and a chance to recognise Stan’s contribution to the Jackhouse Nature Reserve in the 1980’s

There’s a lovely display in the event room all about the history of Jackhouse Nature Reserve and the work ongoing today. It will be up for the next couple of weeks, so please do pop in and have a look when the cafe is open.

A huge thank you to The Friends of Jackhouse and Prospects Foundation for everything they do to care for the reserve — your dedication keeps this beautiful space thriving for wildlife and for our community.

💚 Community, heritage, and green spaces — all celebrated together today.

The official photos will follow ....

26/08/2026

Yesterday, Helen and Robert teamed up to host a Bug Hunt around the new Bullough Community Woodland! 🐞🪲🦋

We explored some of the newest areas of the site and discovered an amazing variety of insects and other bugs.

Most exciting, the pond, dug out only last October, was already home to dragonfly larvae, backswimmers (greater water boatmen) and water beetles!

We used a mixture of sweep netting through the grass, gentle tree shaking onto a collecting sheet, and pond dipping to see what we could find.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, it was a brilliant morning of exploring and discovering! 🌿🐝

26/08/2026

Yesterday the Hyndburn's Woodlands Volunteers were joined by corporate volunteers from EE/BT!

After a tool health and safety talk, and a site breakdown, volunteers were asked if any of them fancied learning how to scythe! We had a few very interested volunteers! The others were provided with litter pickers and set about clearing the Livingstone Road entrance from litter!

The scything volunteers were given careful instruction on how to setup and safely operate a scythe, afterwards, they scythed the Livingstone Road entrance to the site, clearing back overgrown nettles which impeded visitor access.

Afterwards, we gently worked on the paths, clearing back encroaching brambles and overhanging branches using hand tools.

Then, we broke for Lunch at the top of Whinney Hill, at our Butterfly Glade, where we have recently had work done on the benches to make them more comfortable!

After lunch, we headed back down to manage Rose Spirea, a garden escapee that was becoming invasive and spreading its way into the woodland. The volunteers worked extremely hard and managed to get every last one! This patch will be treated later to prevent re-emergence.

Thank you to our regular Hyndburn's Woodlands Volunteers and our volunteers from EE/BT for helping to keep our woodlands safe, tidy, and invasive species free!

As always, thank you to our funders for making it all possible County Council Hyndburn Borough Council

25/08/2026

We're going to be on the radio! (and we just were!)

On Friday morning during the Graham Liver show, (should be between 8:30 and 9:30,) they will be talking about our Make a Difference nomination for the Environment Award on BBC Radio Lancashire!

If you miss it, you'll be able to catch up on the BBC Sounds app.

The winners will be announced on Saturday 12th September, wish us luck!

24/08/2026

TOMORROW: FREE Bug Hunt at Bullough Park! 🐛🐞🪲🦋

Looking for something fun to keep the kids busy during the last stretch of the summer holidays? Come along and discover the amazing bugs living around Bullough Park! 🔎

We’ll have sweep nets for the grass, pond-dipping nets and plenty of bug pots so we can safely observe all the fascinating creatures we find.

🗓️ Tuesday 25th August 2026
⏰ 10am–12 noon
📍 Meet at Bullough Park Car Park
👟 What to wear: Suitable outdoor clothing and sturdy shoes

♿ Accessibility: We’ll be walking through long grass and the ground may be uneven. There is a flight of steps, but we can avoid these if needed.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Suitable for all ages. Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.

21/08/2026

Just a couple days away from our Hyndburn Greenway walk!

Starting at Church & Oswaldtwistle Railway Station, we will be walking along the old railway lines, exploring the diverse green space that now takes their place! No need to book, just show up.

🗓️ Sunday 23rd August
🕒 10:00am - 12:00pm
📍 Church and Ossy Railway Station. Market St, Church, Accrington BB5 0DP

Ending at Haworth Art Gallery and Artist Studios, where there will be light snacks and refreshments. The cafe will be open or you can bring a packed lunch to enjoy in Haworth Park!

At 1pm-3pm in Haworth Art Gallery and Artist Studios there will then be a FREE crafting event lead by Print, paint and pixel! We'll be making nature-themed bookmarks using foliage and flowers collected on the walk as well as with stamps. The event is drop-in but you can let us know you're coming by emailing Robert.

Hyndburn Borough Council