Gateway to a new era for beauty spot

DESIGN for life . . . sculptor Mike Green and his gate for Dovestone

A NEW entrance at a Saddleworth beauty spot aims to enhance the area and curb anti-social behaviour.

Local sculptor Mike Green has been commissioned by the RSPB and United Utilities to design and craft the new gateway to Dovestone as part of plans to improve the area.

He has spent weeks designing the steel gate, which he has welded and forged in his workshop at Woodend Mill, Mossley.

It depicts the wildlife of Dovestone and some of the many pastimes people enjoy in the area, including sailing and walking.

Members of Dovestone Sailing Club have seen their boats vandalised and even stolen by youths and suffered other nuisance behaviour that it’s hoped the gates will stop.

The gate will go at the top end of the car park, where it will be kept unlocked to allow members of the sailing club and people living near the reservoir to go backwards and forwards.

But at weekends and Bank Holidays, there will be staff and volunteers close by to prevent cars going beyond the car park.

The RSPB began officially managing the spot on April 1, taking over from United Utilities, and its £1million plans include a new eco-visitor centre featuring an education space, a small cafe and an information centre.

It also wants to refurbish toilets, car parks and introduce nature activities for the public, including employing information guides.

Mr Green said: “Dovestone is a special place for me, as I’m sure it is for many local people, so I was delighted when the RSPB and United Utilities commissioned me for this work. It allows me to leave a lasting and very personal mark at Dovestone. It’s been a pleasure to be able to work on such an exciting project.”

Dovestone site manager Dave O’Hara said: “Mike’s designs are truly wonderful, capturing the very essence of Dovestone. Wildlife, water and people — the things that make this area so special — have been featured in the gate.

“I’m sure that visitors will be delighted — and perhaps a little intrigued — when they see the gate in place.

“Our plan is that this will reduce congestion and deal with the problem of visitors driving to Dovestone beach and playing loud music from their cars.

“This was one of the issues raised by people who responded to our consultation — and we wanted to act on it as quickly as possible. We think we have found a very attractive solution to this problem.”

Chris Matthews, United Utilities’ head of sustainability, said: “Dovestone reservoir is a wonderful place for wildlife and visitors, as well as playing a vital role in the local water supply system. United Utilities is working in partnership with the RSPB to create an inspiring visitor experience at Dovestone. We are thrilled with the gateway Mike has created and we hope that visitors will enjoy it too.”

Funding for the new gate has been provided by South Pennines LEADER, a community-led approach to rural development funding.

The RSPB is hosting public consultation events at Uppermill Civic Hall on the Dovestone plans on April 21 and 28 between 6.30 and 9.30pm.