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