Besses councillors campaign to turn Boz Park into protected nature reserve

Thursday, 12 June 2025 08:08

By David Murphy

Councillors Lucy Smith, Noel Bayley and Miriam Rahimov on Boz Park

Local councillors in Besses have launched a community campaign to secure official nature reserve status for Boz Park in Whitefield, aiming to preserve the green space for future generations and boost investment in biodiversity.

Councillors Lucy Smith, Noel Bayley and Miriam Rahimov, all Labour representatives for Besses, are asking residents to support a petition that would give Boz Park protected status as a nature reserve.

The call comes after several years of improvement work and more than £90,000 in funding delivered by the councillors and Hillock and Oakgate Community Association. The investment has transformed the park with new footpaths, benches and the planting of thousands of trees.

Cllr Noel Bayley said a recent biodiversity survey confirmed that Boz Park is fast becoming a haven for local wildlife. “This is about safeguarding a vital part of our community. Boz Park is more than just a park — it’s a sanctuary for local wildlife,” he said.

If granted nature reserve status, the park would benefit from:

New funding and interest from environmental charities
Greater protection from development or degradation
Opportunities for schools and community groups to use the site for learning
Environmental enhancements such as flood defences and a proposed orchard

Councillor Miriam Rahimov, speaking at a recent tree planting event in the park, said: “We’ve seen amazing community involvement over the last few years. Securing nature reserve status will help protect this progress and open doors for more activities, especially for young people.”

Boz Park is located off Tonge Close in Whitefield and has become a focal point for local school visits, volunteer clean-ups and nature walks.

Residents who wish to support the campaign can sign the online petition at: https://forms.office.com/e/sKSaU3dWLy

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Foodies set to flock to Shawclough as The Oxford launches its first ever global food festival

A Rochdale pub best known for its award winning beer garden and standout events is going one step further this weekend with its first ever international food festival, promising a mouth watering lineup of street food, tapas and sweet treats from across the world.
He faced four charges of child sex abuse and then vanished the day court began

One of the seven men convicted for child sex offences in Rochdale has gone on the run after failing to attend court, prompting a nationwide manhunt led by Greater Manchester Police.
Court hears how Rochdale girls were passed around for sex ‘like takeaway orders’

Seven men who subjected two vulnerable girls to years of horrific sexual abuse in Rochdale have been found guilty of 50 offences, following a dedicated Greater Manchester Police investigation into non-recent child sexual exploitation.
From street patrol to high-speed pursuit as GMP deploys new motorbike unit to tackle rogue riders

Greater Manchester Police have officially launched a dedicated Motorbike Unit aimed at clamping down on illegal and anti-social vehicle use across all ten boroughs, including Rochdale.
Festival drivers warned that charging your mates could cost you up to £2,500

Drivers heading to festivals like Parklife this summer are being warned that giving friends a lift could land them with hefty fines, if they ask for more than just petrol money.
Thousands of pupils to enjoy extra time off as schools close early on Oasis show days

More than 2,000 pupils at schools close to Heaton Park are set to enjoy additional time away from the classroom next month due to the Oasis shows.
Celebrating ageing with community spirit at Milnrow cafe event

A special event celebrating positive ageing and tackling ageism brought people together from across Rochdale and Greater Manchester this week.
New poets in residence to bring Rochdale's stories to life during cultural year

Two young writers will help celebrate Rochdale’s identity through poetry after being named poets in residence as part of the borough’s Greater Manchester Town of Culture celebrations.
Investigation launched after prisoner dies at Buckley Hall the day after his birthday

An independent investigation is underway after the death of a 64 year old man at HMP Buckley Hall in Rochdale, just one day after his birthday.
Hollingworth Lake marks 20 years of helping young people onto the water

A milestone in outdoor education was celebrated as schools, sailing staff and community leaders marked 20 years of the OnBoard programme at Hollingworth Lake in Rochdale.
Rain can't dampen spirits as hundreds celebrate Bury Pride 2025

Bury Pride returned in vibrant form on Saturday 7 June, with hundreds of LGBTQI+ people and allies gathering in the town centre to celebrate visibility, inclusion and acceptance, despite grey skies and scattered showers.
Tenth anniversary of Littleborough Food Festival takes place this weekend

Littleborough’s popular Food and Drink Festival returns this Saturday, 14 June, with a full day of food, music and family fun to mark its tenth anniversary. The free event runs from 11am to 4pm across the town centre.