Latest news with #Burscough
BBC News
09-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
WWT Martin Mere Burscough site to be restored thanks to cash boost
A key wetland centre which has degraded due to a lack of money is being restored thanks to a funding Mere Wetland Centre in Burscough, Lancashire, a Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) reserve, aims to use the money to improve the habitat for rare and endangered species, wetland grassland and reedbeds, boost flood resilience and water three-year project is being funded by the CMA CGM Group, maritime, a land, air, and logistics solutions firm, with UK staff also helping do some of the work. John Blessington, of CMA CGM, said it was "incredibly proud" to be funding the revamp of the site which attracts 200,000 visitors a year. Martin Mere which opened to the public in 1975 is a designated SSSI (site of special scientific interest), an SPA (special protection area) and a Ramsar Site (a wetland site designated to be of international importance under the Ramsar Convention).However, it said a lack of funding and deteriorating water quality had degraded the wildlife habitat and significantly reduced its restoration of the 600-acre (2.4 sq km) site will include:lowland wet grassland and reedbed restoration and cutting and removing invasive vegetation and ditch renovationwater quality improvement by installing new pumps, tilting weirs and sluices, andreplacing tracks, installing new benches and signage to create "access for all". Staff at CMA CGM UK, which has its head office in Liverpool, will also be involved in employees have already taken part in scrub clearance and rebuilding partnership with WWT is part of the firm's commitment to support large-scale environmental initiatives that boost biodiversity .Mr Blessington said: "Wetlands are vital to help fight the climate and biodiversity crises."The centre is known to many of our staff who have fond memories of school trips there and they are looking forward to learning more and being part of the site's transformation."Louise Greenwood, reserve manager at WWT Martin Mere, said: "Each year, our wetlands at WWT Martin Mere provide a safe sanctuary for over 100,000 wetland birds and give visitors a chance to see this breathtaking wildlife up close."We're delighted to welcome CMA CGM as a partner to join us on our mission to restore and protect these vital habitats and make sure more people can connect with nature and appreciate its wonders." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
A day that Bury will never forget
Bury FC fans are celebrating a day they will never forget after the Shakers were crowned champions following a knock-out match against Burscough. The 4-0 win will finally see the team promoted back up the football pyramid, after six 'desperate' years trying to recover from a devastating loss in Radcliffe. The club were expelled from the League in 2019 what was the darkest day in the club's 140-year history. Fans were left devastated. But after a two year push for change by supporter-led groups, the Shakers are now 'back where they belong', according to fans. Almost 9,000 supporters crowded into the stadium at Gigg Lane to watch the match. They needed just a point at home to Burscough in order to be crowned North West Counties League Premier Division champions - and came out with four killer goals and a ticket to the next League. READ MORE: Husband's gruesome act of 'pure hatred' after discovering wife's affair READ MORE: 'I couldn't ignore what I found at beauty spot - there are families here' While many fans entered with little more than cautious optimism, the atmosphere quickly turned jubilant after Aiden Walker scored a goal in the 19th minute, and another followed from Tyler James four minutes later. After two more goals in rapid succession during the second half, the crowd knew exactly where the game was headed and promptly started a mosh pit at the barriers. Storming the pitch after the final whistle was still ringing out across the stadium, fans celebrated ecstatically. Supporters of all ages sang, launched flares, chanted and danced together in the players' honours. There were tears and many, many drinks spilt. Speaking after their champions' status was officially confirmed, long-term fan Liam Murphey, 37, said: 'I'm ecstatic. I've been a fan since 1993. I was broken when we were expelled from the league, I was there when we restarted. Today has been full of emotion and it's been bloody brilliant. 'I've not seen a crowd like this for a long time. It's been worth it. Worth all the heartache to come back and see this today, fans united together to watch a team like this playing fantastic football. Get in there.' And long-term fan Rachel Lewis, 56, who attended the game with her son Aled, 29, was almost in tears as she exited the stadium. 'It's really emotional,' she said. 'Everything we've been through these last few years. It's been a long time coming.' Fans shared they were off for drinks or chippy teas in Bury and Manchester to celebrate the victory. 'I'm sure Bury will be buzzing tonight. They deserve a good night out,' Rick Ramsden, 38, said, adding that this was 'just the beginning' and he hoped to see a few more promotions in the coming years. In total, 8,719 fans crowded into the stalls at Bury today - a huge number for the ninth tier of English football. Fans' commitment have kept the club alive. And it's clear there's already a next generation of Bury loyals are also well on the way. It was three-year-old Charlie's first football game with dad, Andy, 33. "It's always been my dream to bring my own little boy to a Bury football match, and here we are!" And Hannah, 24, attended the final with four generations of her family and, 'honorarily' her out-of-town boyfriend. Hannah was 'born into' the Bury FC loyalty. "Dad had me in Shakers' stompers before I could walk," she said. And even Shakers' veterans were out in force today. Roger Lightbown, 79, has been watching Bury games since 1952. His son and carer Graham, 55, 'makes it a priority that he never misses a game' even after all these years. Whether old or young, today's game will be one the Bury FC fans won't be forgetting in a hurry.
