The Spinney is small wooded area in the heart of Tattenhall which can be fund when you take the footpath opposite Tattenhall Park Primary School past the Church and over the Millbrook Footbridge.
In the beginning……..
The project started with Tattenhall and District Parish Council commissioning CW&C Total Environment Team to develop a plan to enhance the Spinney and the grassed area next to it in the heart of the village.
In addition the Council commissioned CW&C Total Environment Team to carryout an ecological survey of the site which has informed the scheme which was been developed.
The Spinney Ecological Assessment
Project & Funding….
The Parish Council was lucky enough to have receive £69,640.00 funding from FCC Communities Foundation to fund the project. FCC award grants to community projects from funds donated by FCC Environment through the Landfill Communities Fund.
We obtained this funding due to the support of residents, community groups and business leaders who demonstrated the need to make this a more accessible and attractive open space for the whole community to enjoy.
Works began on the project in September 2021 to deliver the master plan to create a open up this beautiful but underused space to the whole community.
The Plan & Works will included:
- The creation of surface walkways allowing people to easily access the Spinney wooded area.
- Creating areas to sit and enjoy the environment – maybe read a book, have a picnic, chat with friends or just take some time out from a busy day
- Enhancing and conservation of the wildlife habitats in the Spinney.
- Creating a natural pond and pathways on the grassed area.
- Educational and fun interactions for children with bug hotels and other habitat areas to explore
The scheme has created walks for exercise and enjoyment, with or without a dog , where you can make the most of this lovely open space with its areas for quiet contemplation, a picnic, or maybe a brisk jog to blow away the cobwebs!
It will offers volunteering projects for local groups and school/pre-school to really get involved with, learn from and enjoy a beautiful natural space throughout its changing seasons.
It has enhanced and preserved the biodiversity of the area – All of this right in the heart of the village!
Why the project was (is) so important:
- In Tattenhall we are short of accessible green spaces in the centre of the village, the project has made the Spinney and attractive and useable green space.
- We needed to make the most of what we have bring back to live this once neglected area.
- The availability of green space is directly linked to improvement in mental health.
- Wheelchair access has been provided and a seating area so elderly people can enjoy a space in which they can sit and enjoy nature.
- Seating areas will provided the opportunity for people to meet other people contributing to companionship and a sense of belonging.
- Children and families can interact with nature, using the stream for dipping, bug hunting and studying the plants and trees.
- Forest school activities can take place with the Brownies, Guides, Scouts, preschool children and children visiting the Tattenhall Centre.
- The area is very safe as there are no roads nearby.
- This project is part of a larger scheme of improvements and will include opportunities for volunteering.
- The works have improved the biodiversity of the area allowing plants that have been lost in the overgrowth to become re-established as well including the creation of bug hotels etc.
- The improvements have created an attractive area for the community of Tattenhall to visit and have picnics etc without the use of a car or public transport.
- The area has provided a pleasant area for people to take exercise including walking their dogs.
- The area is available for all and will be free of charge.
Events & Images
Since its rebirth The Spinney has become the focus of a number of community events.
Visit our Spinney Gallery to see pictures of events and of the Spinney as it grows and evolves.