£81,000 childrens’ woodland adventure

Around £81,000 is being used to help Oldham’s children make dens, climb trees and have adventures.

The money will match funding from the Children’s Play Programme, which won a Big Lottery grant of £648,910 in December.

The scheme will bring new-style play facilities to Daisy Nook and Tandle Hill Country Parks, parts of the Medlock valley near Leesbrook, Crompton Moor, Bankfield Clough and the Irk valley.

The £81,000 will come from the council’s Lottery Leverage Budget, a sum of money put on one side as a last resort when no other sources of money or support are available.

A report from the assistant director for communities, Bruce Penhale, points out: “Currently there is little provision for play facilities in the borough and this project will encourage children and young people make greater use of the sites available.

“In addition, the project will offer a wider variety of natural play experiences, for example den building, tree climbing, adventure playground facilities and water activities.

The equipment will fit in with the natural environment and will be made of sustainable materials.

Countryside Rangers will source natural materials and environmentally friendly products.