Coun Paul Cox

Cabinet member for environmental services

WHAT a fabulous summer we’ve had this year.

The school holidays are in full flow and if you’re looking for outdoor ideas where to take the family, or for places to have a stroll, ride your bike, or just to get out in the fresh air and connect with nature this summer, then Hyndburn has lots of places for you, right here on your doorstep.

Here in Hyndburn, we’re lucky to have stunning countryside, moorland hills, woodlands, meadows, parks and open spaces, many just minutes away from our urban areas.

The spectacular green spaces of Peel Park & the Coppice and Woodnook Vale in Accrington were recently recognised as the two largest Local Nature Reserves in Lancashire. This status means they are on a par with some of the best landscapes in the country.

With free and open public access to these beautiful landscapes, there are lots of things to do, maybe taking in the view from a hill top path, strolling in woodlands and meadows, watching birds and wildlife and discovering, or rediscovering, the great Hyndburn outdoors.

Achieving Local Nature Reserves status follows many years of improvements and activities by a host of local organisations and groups. We are very fortunate to have such a strong culture of collaboration between many people and organisations with a determination to make this a better place.

Thank you to everyone who has worked together over years to make the largest Local Nature Reserves in Lancashire possible.

We also have eleven lovely parks dotted around the Borough, seven of which boast a Green Flag, the national standard showing that they are well managed and maintained, welcoming, safe for users and have good links with the local community.

We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and the Green Flag Awards celebrates the dedication of staff and volunteers that goes into maintaining them to such a high standard.

Getting a Green Flag is a real team effort and many staff, Friends of groups and community groups have worked long and hard to get them here in Hyndburn and a big thank you to them all.

Looking ahead, the transformation of Oswaldtwistle’s Rhyddings Park continues to not only rejuvenate the park, but also bring six hundred training opportunities and new jobs to the area.

It’s great to see the restoration and transformation of this historic and much loved park, with the new community hub and café set to bring in visitors old and new. It will be an amazing facility for the residents of Oswaldtwistle and the whole of the Borough of Hyndburn once refurbishment works are complete at the end of summer.

I don’t have the space to tell you about all of Hyndburn’s outdoor spaces and there are many more scenic outdoor spots for you to explore.

Check out our website at https://www. hyndburnbc.gov.uk/ on-your-doorstep/ and our Facebook page, and enjoy our beautiful parks and countryside this summer.