WORK has started on two environmental projects being managed by Grosvenor Housing Association providing sites of wildlife interest and recreational areas for local communities.

The green light was given following Grosvenor's success in securing £325,000 worth of funding for the projects, which are part of a larger Pathways initiative.

The two environmental projects - Parr Hall Millennium Green and Thatto Heath Dam - were selected through this process.

Parr Hall Millennium Green is being developed on land formerly occupied by a family branch of Catherine Parr, the last of Henry VIII's wives.

Work just started on the site involves de-silting and widening the derelict Sankey Canal that runs through the green. This will be followed by the creation of footpaths, boardwalks and a large recreational area.

In addition, the site, which is an area of wildlife interest featuring rare species of plants - it is one of only two locations in the UK that is home to the Marsh Pennywort plant - will be sympathetically renovated and landscaped to maintain a natural balance of plants, birds and animals.

Thatto Heath Dam has been neglected for many years and has become an eyesore for the local community. Now, with £135,000 of funding, the pond that constitutes the focal point of the site will be dredged and cleaned and stocked with fish for the enjoyment of local anglers.

Facilities including ramps and wheelchair access, will also be provided to accommodate disabled anglers.

The area around Thatto Heath Dam, which is also a site of wildlife interest, will be extensively landscaped and provided with footpaths, boardwalks and fishing platforms, again, wide enough for wheelchair access. Work will be carried out by the Groundwork Trust.

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