Branching Out Into Artwork
Visitors who go down to Nan Nook Wood in Wythenshawe Park are in for a big surprise, thanks to the work of a group of dedicated residents and some bespoke artwork.
Two years ago members of the Wythenshawe Park Watch Group and environmental initiative Red Rose Forest helped to secure £50k of funding to improve Nan Nook Wood.
The wood has long been recognised as an important site for biodiversity and wildlife. But, plagued by mosquitoes, overgrown invasive plants, rubbish from fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour had made it an unattractive and underused community facility.
Working with Manchester City Council and Red Rose Forest, the Wythenshawe Park Watch Group helped to deliver an ambitious programme to transform the area.
Work undertaken so far has included the removal of fly-tipped material, hedge planting to prevent motorcycle access, improvements to paths including the installation of boardwalks, thinning of trees, removal of invasive plants and the installation of several information lecterns.
And, now visitors to the wood will soon see the final touches to the project with the addition of several pieces of public art including a custom-made oak bridge with decorative carvings of birds and insects, a free-standing woodcarving of a fox and a bespoke wooden dipping platform complete with fish and frog sculptures.
Councillor Mike Amesbury, Executive Member for Culture and Leisure at Manchester City Council, said: “Wythenshawe Park is a spectacular natural area which offers year-round leisure and educational opportunities. And now, after all the work on Nan Nook Wood there is another reason to visit and enjoy the local wildlife attracted by the pond.”
The Nan Nook Wood regeneration project has been funded by Greening Greater Manchester and Biffaward, a multi-million pound environment fund managed by the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts (RSWT), which uses landfill tax credits donated by Biffa Waste Services.
Pete Stringer of Red Rose Forest, said: “This project shows the power of communities working together to improve the area they live in. In particular the project to improve the drainage system has created a thriving habitat for plants and has also alleviated the mosquito problem. The wood carvings are an added attraction making the woods are a great place for everyone to enjoy.”