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Lunt Meadows

Looking forward to a long-term collaboration …

Crosby’s Soroptimists are in partnership with the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside (LWT) in a long-term project at Lunt Meadows.

This is a recent wetland development adjacent to the River Alt. It is a nature reserve ‘with a difference’, as it includes one of the few surviving Mesolithic settlements. This dates from 7,000 years BCE. The nature reserve also doubles as a flood management tool. It was designed to store excess rain and river water, helping to protect homes and businesses in nearby urban areas from flooding.

SI Crosby members view this relationship in the long term. Pre-Covid, members assisted with LWT’s in-person open events and publicity; then attended ‘lockdown’ online talks. All were designed to involve local residents in progress and to spread the word about the project. Involvement has diversified since the pandemic.

For example, Soroptimists took part in LWT’s wildflower seed trial and planted them out at Lunt Meadows. As volunteers, members have ‘enjoyed’ cold-weather walks to find out more about the reserve. We had a great time helping (and learning) at the ‘Bioblitz‘ event.

The club supported the Wildlife Trust in applying for project grants to enhance visitor facilities. The initial project was a compost toilet, ready in 2021 and ‘twinned‘ with a girls’ toilet at a school in Malawi.

SI Crosby is a partner in the current major project – ‘Presenting Mesolithic and Modern Life, showcasing the past, present and future’. This is grant-aided through the National Heritage Lottery Fund. The key element? To build a learning centre on the site. The opening was celebrated in 2025.

Members have volunteers hundreds of hours’ service ‘behind the scenes’ as the project has unfolded. From assisting with staff interviews to wax-painting the woodwork, from chairing the project board to devising nature-based craft activities, Soroptimists have demonstrated their commitment.

As the funded project draws to a close SI Crosby is in discussion with LWT staff on ‘legacy’ planning for the future.

The Learning Centre will enable people to take part in a wide range of educational, social and skills-based activities, triggered by the archaeology and environment. Local children and adults – and groups disadvantaged through age, gender or other factors – will benefit.

Crosby’s Soroptimists have been involved with workshop development including assisting at public events. Topics have included prehistoric crafts and wet-sieving of residue from the site. Members have also been part of the project to digitise archaeological finds.

As the LWT develops its educational opportunities at the reserve, Soroptimists look forward to continuing with this successful partnership.