County Gathering at Birkenhead Park

Since taking on the role as volunteer group coordinator for the Merseyside North area, it has taken me the last few months to acknowledge and reflect on the aspects of the role, organise some initial events, recognise the dynamic of the group and try to meet as many of you as possible during these times.  I have gathered some ideas and made new contacts that I hope will aid us in the development of an annual plan for 2016.

Part of the Slide Presentation - Sustrans County Gathering
Birkenhead Park Nov 2015

In the Merseyside North area we are honoured to have the start/finish point of the Trans Pennine Trail.  I would like to take this opportunity to invite you all to visit our area.  The Trans Pennine Trail forms an important link in our cycle and walking network of Merseyside North and it would be good to have as much feedback, suggestions and ideas as possible for the development of future plans for the Trail, our local NCN and volunteer group. The Merseyside North area offers open countryside and safe cycling/walking (and in places horse riding) routes in combination with villages and towns that provide rest and refreshment. 

Initial plans and ideas for 2016 centre around the Cheshire Lines section of the Trans Pennine Trail but aim to extend beyond to reach out to the communities of our area and continue to the full extent of the Trans Pennine Trail and National Cycle Network.  General activities for 2016 will hopefully include a regular ride around and a regular maintenance activity.  I want to also incorporate my own professional background of photography and introduce a series of 'Photography Rambles' taking in some of the open landscapes, coastal paths and interesting locations of our area.

Part of the Slide Presentation - Sustrans County Gathering
Birkenhead Park Nov 2015

We appreciate all our friends and volunteers but we are also in need of building our volunteer numbers.  In order to facilitate this and raise the profile of the amazing resource which is the Trans Pennine Trail, I hope to introduce some more focused projects.  Sustrans are land owners of a small area in the Sefton Meadows area of Meseyside North which is part of the TPT Cheshire Lines.  Discussions have been had with the idea of possibly creating a wildflower meadow developing a sanctuary for the preservation of the bee and butterfly population.
I also hope this may become a turning or rest point with seating (or even perhaps sculpture!) forming a leisurely ride from Southport and Ainsdale for cyclist and walkers.  Discussions have also been had with the local Scout groups and we hope to increase their usage of, and support for the Trail.  It's very much a 'Watch this space' at the moment!

Attending the recent county gathering of Sustrans Volunteers at Birkenhead Park, I was able to present and discuss our area plans.  I feel these are exciting times for Merseyside North and I believe we have great resources that can benefit people in a multi-level way such as health, fitness, sustainable transport links and helping the environment where we live.  As always all these ideas will need maintenance, support and funding...any further ideas, suggestions or contacts are always welcome.  To keep up with the developments in our area please keep visiting www.merseysidenorth.uk and don't forget to give us a 'Like' if you are on Facebook www.facebook.com/merseysidenorth