Groundwork Greater Manchester is inviting the local community to the Medlock Valley Spring Festival for a day filled with fun, creativity, and nature for all ages.

The Spring Festival is free to attend and will take place at Lees Brook Nature Park (Wellyhole Street, Oldham OL4 3FL) during the school Easter holidays on Thursday 10th April, from 10am to 3pm.

The festival also celebrates the £1.2m Medlock Valley Restoration Project – a huge initiative being led by environmental charity Groundwork Greater Manchester to restore woodland, protect habitats, and halt species decline across 30 hectares of canal network, riverbank, grassland, woodland, and wetland along the Medlock Valley in Greater Manchester.

Event Highlights:
Sustainable Crafts: Engage in eco-friendly crafts and learn new skills.
Nature Trails: Explore the beauty of Lees Brook Nature Park with self-led nature trails.
Art Competition: Local schools are invited to participate in an art competition, showcasing the talent of young artists.
Scavenger Hunt: Join in the excitement of a scavenger hunt around the park.
Chainsaw Art Demonstration: Watch a skilled chainsaw artist carve a heron statue, which will be installed in the park after the event.
Refreshments and Stalls: Enjoy a variety of refreshments, including a coffee van, ice cream van, and pizza van. Local stalls will feature handmade crafts, chutneys, books, and a refill station for eco-friendly products.

Activities Throughout the Day:
Toasting marshmallows on a fire pit
Pond dipping and invertebrate trays
Nature-themed crafts
Wildflower planting

This event is free to access, with parking available nearby.

Lou Smith, Project Manager for the Medlock Valley Restoration Project at Groundwork Greater Manchester, said: “The Medlock Valley Spring Festival is a fantastic opportunity for the local families to come together and enjoy a day of community, creativity, and nature in this beautiful environment. We hope this event will connect more people with nature and the benefits it brings to people’s wellbeing and community connectivity.

“We have lots of fun activities planned, from sustainable crafts and nature trails to an art competition and chainsaw art demonstration. It’s a great way for people of all ages to connect with nature, learn new skills, and see firsthand the positive impact of our restoration efforts. We look forward to welcoming everyone.”

The Medlock Valley Restoration Project has received funding from DEFRA’s Species Survival Grant and is being delivered by Groundwork Greater Manchester, alongside its team of delivery partners, including TCV, the Canal & River Trust, City of Trees, and Mersey Rivers Trust.