Extra Boost

Last November, the NHS landowners of Rowlands Dell remarkably supported the Friends of Maghull and Districts (FOMD) green transformation with one of the largest social value grants the north-west has received from this national fund and possibly Maghull’s largest green investment, to provide a myriad of hard landscaping accessibility features to boost wellness (1) and the environment.

However, to our immense surprise and gratitude we are delighted to announce that the NHS Social Value Team based in London has been so pleased with the outcomes that they have unbelievably agreed to provide a further £3200 to complete the new resin bound path to replace the woodchip to enable full access for those with disability or prams and also provided a blue resin fill, to give the appearance of water in the dry waterfall.

Method & Benefits.

The path is supported by a disability handrail, whilst it protects the (TPO tree protection order) trees by being created with a no dig policy to protect the tree roots, utilising a porous material to support drainage to the tree roots. In addition, the path was designed to avoid tree roots and its smooth trip free surface and gradient enables it to comply with the DDA (Disability Discrimination Act).

It has been a complete joy for all our volunteers to see it being used by so many people of every generation and need.  The path provides a journey into different areas of interest that will be enhanced throughout the year. Currently, the daffodils have now faded to be replaced by a stunning carpet display of white (three-cornered leak) and blue bell blossoms and foliage.

The benefits of having access to this type of nature has many evidence-based health outcomes (1) e.g. reducing high blood pressure, boosting the immune system, anti-inflammatory, cleaner oxygenated air, and improved mood. The pheromones released by the trees alongside other factors have for many years been recognised in Japan where they use the term forest bathing (walking in woodland) is actually prescribed.

Thanks.

As a community we would like to convey our immense gratitude to Phil Meadows, Nicola Harwood Moss, Simon Walmsley and Maria Robertson (NHS) and the expertise of Richard England (landscaper) for the installation on 11.4.25.

Recent Volunteer Activity.

The focus this year has been to restore nature which has involved:

  • Planting 50 diverse trees to create a new extra woodland area.
  • Planted thousands of mixed wildlife friendly hedge whips for habitat and food.
  • Planted thousands of bulbs and donated shrubs.
  • Created multiple wildlife friendly heaps for habitat.
  • Installed multiple bug and bird boxes.
  • Creating new grass around the picnic/viewing area.
  • Creating a large bog garden to support wildlife and biodiversity.
  • Creating a neuro diversity awareness/bug friendly archway.
  • Installing discrete eco-educational signage.
  • Rewilding large areas for wildlife and biodiversity.
  • Raising funds for further planting later in the year.
  • A special thank you to local resident James for the 11 potted plants and willow tree, Sylvia for the special 80th birthday oak tree, Westway Medical Centre for the huge hydrangea and two azaleas that we planted between the viewing area and the new path.

Background to Rowlands Dell.

This beautiful haven for wildlife has unbelievably been treated as an open tip for decades, where every inch has revealed a variety of pollutants harmful to wildlife. In our three-stage plan, stage I has resulted in Maghull’s biggest ever 46-week cleanup in which FOMD have removed 266 bin bags of litter and 25 tons of debris. In the two months of Stage II, that was completed in November, with our NHS landowner partners (expertly installed by subcontractors – PR England Landscapers) using a health and wellness grant fund (representing Maghull’s largest green investment) have installed an amazing legacy array of hard landscaping installations to provide accessibility for the whole community (accessible path, viewing/picnic area, sunken garden, bins, 10,000 bulbs and planting at small junction points, bug and bird boxes, and a dry waterfall feature). We are now engaging in stage three to repopulate Rowlands Dell with woodland planting and need your help.

Best Wishes,

FOMD

More information at www.fomd.co.uk including: (1) Events tab for everything about the meeting and (2) Projects tab for the project background.

Contact: admin@fomd.co.uk

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