Families are invited to gather at Longford Park in Stretford to celebrate autumn equinox, the point at which day and night are equal length.
This Sunday 20 September will be a celebration of harvest and hard work at the community allotment and big changes at the park under the exciting £6m People, Place and Nature Project transformation.
In the community allotment area, which is open from 1.30pm to 4.40pm, there will be a cafe selling tea, coffee and homemade cakes for donations as well as a plant sale, an opportunity to try crown green bowling and music from Stretford Uke.
There will also be a talk on trees in the park at 2.15pm followed by a walk around to see the different species growing there.
Other activities to get involved with will include foraging for materials and making autumnal masks, a nature walk around the woods, a fire lighting forest school session with Rock Paper Write and children’s activities run by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
The year of work, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, will include revamping the popular Pets’ Corner, gardens and play areas, as well as adding new seating and signage. A centrepiece will be the regeneration of the Long Barn into a sustainable, energy-efficient, community space.
The aim is to create a better park for all ages and abilities to enjoy – with enhanced play, recreational and spots facilities, greater biodiversity and resilience to the impacts of climate change.
Cllr Eve Parker, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Leisure, Arts, Culture and Heritage, said:
“Longford Park is a hugely popular destination for so many local people – thanks in part to vibrant community events like this one. Autumn equinox promises something for everyone and I’d urge as many people as possible to come along.”
Cllr Tom Ross, Leader of Trafford Council, added:
“We’re fortunate to have so many wonderful parks and green spaces across Trafford. Providing and improving green environments, vital for wildlife as well as our residents, ties in with our priorities to address climate change, facilitate healthy and independent lives, and offer children and young people the best start in life.”
The community allotment is run by volunteers and is open to all, with sessions running Mondays from 2pm to 4pm, Wednesdays 10am to 12pm, and Sundays 10am to 12pm.
A previous event at the park is pictured. Photo courtesy of Nicola Arber.