Garstang Millennium Green Trust receives funding boost from United Utilities

New brooms, rakes, shovels and other equipment will be utilised by volunteers. Pic: United Utilities.

Garstang Millenium Green Trust has received a welcome boost from United Utilities which will help it keep up maintenance and preservation efforts.

The Trust is made up of volunteers who dedicate their time to maintain the area which borders the River Wyre at Garstang and forms part of the Garstang flood basin, which is used for water storage in flood events.

Throughout the year, the volunteers work hard to keep the area clean and tidy, while also organising fundraisers to help pay for its upkeep.

The team maintains access to the riverbank and regularly plants trees and wildflowers to enhance the area and encourage healthy ecosystems, while removing invasive species. They are also committed to improving natural habitats for its wildlife, such as bats and birds.

Garstang Millenium Green Trustees met with river rangers from the North West’s water company as they handed over the equipment. The donation from United Utilities provided the group with a range of equipment such as safety gloves, spades, shovels and rakes.

Grigor Towns, treasurer of Garstang Millenium Green, said: “We want to say a massive thank you to United Utilities for all their help in providing us with the equipment we needed, we all appreciate it so much.”

Ian Pilling, area engagement lead for Lancashire at United Utilities, added: “It’s crucial we do all we can to protect our waterways and their surrounding areas – we’re really pleased to have been able to support the Trustees of Garstang Millenium Green.

“They’re extremely passionate about what they do and it’s encouraging to see a group of volunteers dedicate their time to better their surroundings. Hopefully, our donation has given them the tools they need to become more efficient, allowing them to maintain and improve the area for all to enjoy.”

The Better Rivers Better North West Community Fund supports community groups whose activities benefit local watercourses and riverside environments; act as catalyst for improved community and environmental wellbeing; reconnect communities to riverside environments; and promote sustainable drainage.

Groups can apply to the fund for up to £2,500 worth of support by emailing [email protected] with details of their request.

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