Tree planting a great success!

A commemorative woodland, part of Rochdale's 150th celebrations was started by schoolchildren and other dignitaries today on land near Watergrove Reservoir in Wardle. The event was hugely successful and featured dozens of children from St James Primary School, Wardle with United Utilities, the Pennine Edge Forest Team, Senior Council Officers and Councillors including the Mayor Councillor Jean Hornby, the Leader of the Council Alan Taylor and other Councillors Wera Hobhouse and Robin Parker.

Councillor Wera Hobhouse, the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability said, "What a wonderful occasion - the first 150 trees were planted today and the children were a credit to their school. Their enthusiasm knew no bounds and the trees were soon planted. These children were obviously environmentally aware and will come back regularly to see how the woodland is progressing. It was apt that this occasion was to celebrate 150 years of Rochdale - it is right that we acknowledge this by preparing for the future. A good way of doing this is to make sure that we protect and enhance our green lung."

Council Leader - Councillor Alan Taylor said, "United Utilities and the Pennine Edge Forest Team must be congratulated on their efforts. This is a beautiful part of Rochdale and somewhere we should all be proud of. Rochdale really has the best of both worlds and to see so many young people involved shows us that this legacy is set to continue for the next 150 years."