Community Group receives equipment to help clean up River Bollin and Bowdon

Volunteers for Friends of the Bowdon Bollin have received a host of new equipment from United Utilities, to aid their community clean-up efforts.

The Friends of the Bowdon Bollin (FOBB) was formed in 2007, to protect local countryside footpaths in the Bowdon Bollin Valley. From tackling non native invasive species to picking up litter, the volunteer group spends many hours dedicating their time to keeping the North West’s water ways and countryside healthy.

As part of the United Utilities’ Better Rivers Better North West Community Fund the group met with River Rangers from the North West’s water company who provided them with PPE and equipment for removal of non-native invasive species, specifically: Himalayan balsam, giant hogweed and Japanese knotweed. They also took part in some Balsam bashing, a protective measure against invasive species of plants.

On receiving the equipment, Bridget from Friends of the Bowden Bollin said,

“Friends of the Bowdon Bollin would like to thank the Better Rivers, Better North West community fund for supplying us with an injection system to treat Japanese knotweed which is prevalent on the banks of the Bowdon Bollin, as well as additional PPE kit for our volunteers to use. 

“The Friends' volunteer group have been working to reduce non-native invasive species - Himalayan balsam and giant hogweed as well as Japanese knotweed - that have spread on the land beside the river Bollin. These three species crowd out our native plants, reducing diversity and, in the case of Himalayan balsam, cause riverbank erosion which in turn reduces water quality. This donation will support our volunteer group to keep making progress on restoring a better balance of native plants along the Bowdon Bollin.”

Shy Bayly, Area Engagement Lead from United Utilities added, “Friends of the Bowden Bollin is a long established group and it’s important to able to repay their hard work by donating much needed  tools and equipment which will help future proof their efforts.”

The Better Rivers Better North West Community Fund supports community groups whose activities:

• Benefit local watercourses and riverside environments
• Act as catalyst for improved community and environmental wellbeing
• Reconnect communities to riverside environments
• Promote sustainable drainage

Groups can apply to the fund for up to £2,500 worth of support by emailing Stakeholderrelations@uuplc.co.uk with details of their request.