The largest English site we've ever acquired is now being restored to its full glory thanks to your donations.
Damaged by centuries of exploitation by man, Smithills is a landscape on the edge. But thanks to incredible funding success, the process of restoration can begin. All in all, we now have 1,700 acres of open countryside, streams and woodland in our care.
And it's all thanks to generous public donations, a grant from Biffa Award (part of the Landfill Communities Fund), and crucial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Viridor Credits.
Credit: Susan & Allan Parker / Alamy Stock Photo
The last piece of land we purchased here includes Barrow Bridge, a woodland area of steep cloughs and streams. Its trees are part of important ancient woodland, a vibrant habitat for wildlife. Hidden within are several historical features, such as the 63 Miners’ Steps which local miners used to climb to work up on the moorland in the nineteenth century.
Credit: John MacPherson / WTML
In 1896, more than 30 years before the famous Kinder Scout mass trespass, 10,000 people took to the moors of Smithills, demanding their right to access. We're conserving and improving this, encouraging more people to explore the beautiful place on Bolton's doorstep.
Credit: Dennis Johnson / WTML
Twite, brown hare, little owl and adder - all species once found on the Estate but that are now missing in action. By planting trees and re-wetting dried out blanket bog, we'll give these animals a helping hand to return.
Credit: Joel Goodman / WTML
In the summer of 2018, the top of the Smithills Estate became engulfed by the Winter Hill fire, causing serious damage and destroying newly planted trees. Our generous supporters came to our aid, donating to help us restore what was lost.
Now that all of Smithills is in our hands, we can begin a five year project of restoration and development. Our plans to revitalise the landscape include:
We can't do any of this without you. By donating to our Smithills fund, you'll make it possible for our work to continue.
Whatever you choose to give, donating online is secure, quick and cost effective, so more money goes directly towards supporting our work at Smithills Estate.
