RECYCLING LEADS TO NEW SCULPTURE TRAIL

By pushing up recycling rates in the Swinton area they helped raise funds for ten new sculptures at Clifton Country Park.

The mile long trail includes a bear, squirrel, owl, green man and a fairy house all made locally sourced wood.

It’s the latest success for the Recycle and Reward scheme run by Salford City Council where residents vote each month for their favourite local good cause. If recycling rates increase in the area, the favourite receives funding for their project.

Councillor David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety, said: “The Clifton Country Park User Group Forum with support from the Ranger team came up with the idea of the sculpture trail and put it forward to the Recycle and Reward scheme.

“They spent an anxious month hoping residents in the area would increase recycling and we were all delighted when they did. Not only did it secure the funding for this fantastic trail which really enhances the country park but it keeps more waste from going to landfill which wastes money and is bad for the environment.”

The sculptures were made by Cheshire based chain saw artist Mike Burgess and installed by Salford City Council workers and Salford Volunteer Rangers.

Clifton Country Park, which lies beside the River Irwell, has acres of open woodland and meadows, lakeside walks and is home to the remains of the Wet Earth Colliery, established in 1740 and one of the first deep mines to be sunk in the area.

It has 24 hour pedestrian access and a visitor centre which is open Monday, Thursday, Friday and weekends.

The Recycle and Reward scheme is open to residents across Salford and is funded with government money www.salford.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling/recycle-and-reward/