Work begins on park's new heritage trail

A volunteer led project is getting off the ground in Centre Vale Park, Todmorden after delays due to terrible weather.
Volunteers clearing the view at Chimney FieldVolunteers clearing the view at Chimney Field
Volunteers clearing the view at Chimney Field

A volunteer led project is getting off the ground in Centre Vale Park, Todmorden after delays due to terrible weather.

The Friends of Centre Vale Park’s successful application to the Heritage Lottery Fund is now becoming a reality. The project will create a Heritage Trail in the park to highlight some of the hidden history of the park, as well as its wildlife.

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Read: WATCH: Exotic bird on the loose in Walsden!The contractors have begun work to rebuild and repair some of the old pathways so access around the trail will be improved.

Work has also started to remove the remaining roof of the old coach house so it can be made safe, and to clear the coach yard behind where the Centre Vale Mansion used to stand. The coach yard will be the beginning of the trail.

The Friends of Centre Vale Park have also been at work. The project has attracted a team of volunteers who are clearing undergrowth ready for planting that will improve wetland and woodland habitat around the trail.

Read: Cannabis plant farm worth £30,000 discovered by policeThey will also work to reveal and explain the historic significance of features such as old stone wells and streams, ruined buildings, and forgotten pathways.

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A spokesperson for the Friends said: “The public park we enjoy today would not have existed without the rich Fielden family, but the landscape was so different before Centre Vale House was built. The woods on the hillside behind the formal park are full of stories that we hope to bring to people’s attention.”

In a few weeks’ time the Friends will lead a guided walk around the completed trail. For more information, contact [email protected].

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