Opened with great effort, excitement and celebrations in June 2000, the Millennium Green has been a major asset to the Village ever since. Not only is it a place where everyone can enjoy rest, recreation and nature, it has also become an attractive venue for many outdoor events. For more details on the Green’s facilities, fundraising events, development and management (solely by volunteers), please contact Peter McNamee at [email protected].
Facilities
The Green covers an area of 4 acres, including 3 acres of meadowland and the remainder comprised of woodland, access paths and many other features. Notable among these are the following;
- Nature trail around the wildflower meadow
- Kiddies play area
- Skatepark
- Various seats and picnic tables
- 2 BBQ grills
- 2 shelters for the rare occasion when it rains
- Bandstand
There are also plenty of open grassy areas where people can let off steam or have a quiet picnic. In fact, there’s plenty of room for everyone.
Organisation & Development
The Green is managed by a charitable trust, on behalf of Mawdesley Village. The land use and management are strictly controlled by a Trust Deed, invoked by the main sponsor Natural England, to ensure that the land can never be sold or used for any commercial purpose. In effect, the land belongs to the community for ever, as a green space for rest, recreation and the enjoyment of nature.
The Trust comprises both General Trustees and Nominated Trustees. Supporting the Trust is Mawdesley 2000, an enthusiastic events and fundraising group. The Construction and Maintenance Team look after the Green, organise Volunteers Mornings (2nd Saturday in the month) and help with its sympathetic development. All those involved with the Trust are volunteers and take huge pride in their contribution to the Village.
The current cost of keeping the Green safe and attractive is approximately £4,000 a year for maintenance, insurances, repairs, and consumables. This is raised from various fundraising activities including a 50:50 Club, Open Gardens, Music Concert, Bonfire Night, Family Fun Day and other events as well as from individual donations. Depending on the level of demand and fundraising support, the Trust is also keen to accommodate any new facilities that are likely to be sustainable and sympathetic with the aims of the Trust Deed.