Project Champion: Chris Woolnough

Aim:

To ensure the community can enjoy quality recreational activities and better access to the countryside

Achievements to date:

This project has worked closely with: - the River Colne Project; Kirklees Council both P.R.O.W. and Culture and Leisure and also Colne Valley Area Committee Councillors who have been very supportive.

Since the Very Start of the Friends of Slaithwaite Spa, the group has raised over £100,000 in grants and cash equivalent services and voluntary work.
Visible:

The placement of two streetlights down Newgate (CV88) footpath to remove dark spots.

The instillation of a River Gate. Platform along side of river for viewing, fishing etc.

The renovation of the Avenue footpath 100metres of 2metre wide tarmaced walkway.

The instillation of interpretation boards at two sites for public information

The instillation of two large ornate multicoloured name entrance signs

The laying of riverside footpath 100metres of 1.5metre wide tarmaced walkway.

The instillation of two direction signs in black and white.

Woodland footpath reinstalled 120metres down a steep hillside this footpath has over 60 steps all timbered and filled with crushed sandstone.

100 metres of Safety fence running alongside woodland footpath.

The instillation and renewal of 9 bench seats along with 3 new litter bins.

Painting of railings over river footpath

50 metres of new drystone walling rebuilt

Woodland management work has been undertaken to remove diseased and overcrowded sycamore trees along with removal of overgrown rhododendron (ponticum) thickets

Planting of over 1000 woodland plants and bulbs.

Creation of A Fernery along side of avenue

The holding of a Rant Day “A Grand Day Out” which was a carnival event day with organisations from all over the valley participating. An estimated 3,000 plus people attended.

Planting of Bilberry bushes and heather plants.

Invisible:

Working with local community on a number of projects

Awareness of Slaithwaite Spa Park raised by members so that it grows in public perception

Targets for the next twelve months:

Woodland work will be continued.

The planting of more woodland plants.

The production of large scale accurately drawn maps of: -
Original site and completed work
Work in planning for next 2-3 years
Ambitions for the long term 3-25 years

Continual working with various organisations to further the practical work required to bring the park up to a level that is fit for all members of the community to use and enjoy.

The major challenges of the project to date have been:

The two main challenges for any voluntary group are the constant work required to gain grant funding.

Having volunteers to hand who are prepared to get down and dirty for no reward except a job well done for a unspecified time - the only reward being a thank you and knowledge of a job well done.

The following documents have been produced as a result of this project:

Slaithwaite Spa, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.
Archaeological Desk –Top Assessment and Topographical Survey, July 2006
Report No.1548
Client: Friends of Slaithwaite Spa
ISOQAR ISO 9001:2000
Cert No 125/93
© Archaeological Services WYAS 2006

Slaithwaite Spa Park PAST & PRESENT
A leaflet, Sept 2007