Croxteth Park Volunteers Group's big bash

United Utilities has recognised the hard work of community members at a popular park with support from the Better Rivers funding steam. 

Croxteth Park Volunteer Group, is a small registered charity which meets every week to undertake a range of tasks such as litter picking, making paths more accessible, and cutting down trees.

River Rangers, Ashley Royd and Dan Lynch from United Utilities presented the group with tools and equipment and spent a morning Balsam bashing with the group.

Christine Beyga, Chair of the volunteers said, ‘Balsam is one of those prolific, non-native species  which is extremely invasive. We regularly clear it from the wetland area next to the dipping pond to avoid it flowing down the river. If left it can crowd out the native species which means that the bees don’t pollinate other plants and they can become threatened.

‘We are very, very grateful to United Utilities for the litter pickers, equipment and hand tools which will be hugely helpful in clearing away the sycamore and willow hugely helpful.’

Mark Booth, Merseyside Area Engagement Manager for United Utilities said, ‘It was a pleasure to handover the Better Rivers Fund kit to Christine and the team. They are doing a great job creating a haven for nature at Croxteth Park as well as bringing the community and businesses together to have a pride in their place. This is just the sort of project that the Better Rivers Fund supports and we are keen to encourage other local environment groups to apply.’