The Park Committee has met to discuss the work they would like to see done in the winter months to improve the park and follow up on the progress made last year when we concentrated on opening up the lower end of the park in preparation for the re-opening of the lower gates in April.
There are two specific sites in the lower end on which we need to concentrate our efforts:

1) The rock face of the old cascade just past the castle site has been cleared of ivy to reveal the original Victorian arch and channel for the water. The vegetation at the base has been treated with systemic weedkiller and needs to be cleared and dug over in preparation for planting with iris, ferns and ceanothus for which we have obtained a grant of £750 from Kirklees Environment Unit. This project must be completed by 31 May 2009

2) The Pond at the base of the cliffs beyond the old cascade needs clearing out and the Yorkshire Garden Trust has granted us £500 towards the cost of the work. We have an outside contractor organised to do the heavy work but we will need volunteers to help with clearing vegetation. This project must be completed by 31 March 2009.

In addition two small ‘gardens’ on the Castle Site need to be weeded and planted. Huddersfield Rotary has donated £100 towards plants for this site. We also intend to introduce several native specimens as under planting in areas which were cleared last year. Whilst it may appear that we are concentrating on the lower end of the Park we have agreed with Kirklees Forestry
Department that several of the sycamore saplings can be taken out by the side of the main promenade to open up the wonderful views of the Holme Valley and Lockwood Viaduct. They have agreed a programme of crown lifting and felling where they think it necessary and our chainsaw team will also be continuing the progress they made last year in cutting back on Rhododendron Ponticum and laurels in the formal part to open up views around the Park and encourage people to walk in safety.

Kirklees cannot do all the work because of budgetary considerations so if we want to restore the Park to its former glory we must be prepared to do some of the work ourselves and we need your help. We have set aside the following dates for work in the park and, if you can come along, you will be assured of a warm welcome, warm work and hot coffee! Please bring gloves and wellies. We can provide some tools but if you can bring a garden fork and spade it will be a big help.

We meet at the main entrance and look forward to seeing you 10am to 12.30pm on the following dates:

2008                                                    2009
                                                            Saturday 10 January
Saturday 11 October                           Sunday 25 January
Sunday 26 October                              Saturday 14 February
Saturday 15 November                        Sunday 22 February
Sunday 30 November                          Saturday 14 March
Saturday 13 December                        Sunday 29 March

If you can work during the week we could be organising working parties so please ring us or email if this is more suitable.