Supporter Story - Rory's Kingfisher Trail Fundraiser | The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire Manchester and North Merseyside

Rory and his dog Cooper raised £229 walking the Kingfisher Trail from Phillips Park in Bury to Jumbles Reservoir in Bolton to support the Lancashire Wildlife Trust.

Dream Duo

We are so proud of our very own staff members for taking on their own fundraising challenges. In September, our Greater Manchester Recovery Manager, Rory, became our latest fantastic fundraiser, accompanied by his honorary team member, Cooper, who brought plenty of enthusiasm to the team! Together, they walked the 14 mile Kingfisher Trail from Jumbles Reservoir in Bolton, to Philips Park in Bury. Through their walk, they explored many stunning nature havens filled with an abundance of wildlife- however, this isn't the case for many areas in our region. Rory's motivation for his fundraiser is to help restore and protect these habitats in aid of our Step up for Wildlife appeal.

Rory walking Cooper along a canal surrounded by wildlife — Rory Andrews

When setting off early at Jumbles Reservoir disaster struck within minutes as their walking companion twisted their ankle. Undeterred from the injury, they pressed on. Following the river, they were greeted by sights and sounds of nature transitioning into autumn. Fungi had begun sprouting everywhere, whilst the last of the flowers of summer clung to life. Naturally, they kept their eyes peeled for the elusive kingfisher along the trail.

As they entered the old Longsight golf course, now reclaimed by nature, it was a stark reminder to Rory of how quickly wild landscapes can return, a core part of his role as a Nature Recovery Manager. Rory was delighted to see manicured fairways that have transformed into fields of wild grasses and flowers.

Nob End SSSI as the sunset casts an orange glow above the trees — Nob End - Daniel Parkinson

Taking on the next part of their journey, they pushed on through a series of shifting landscapes, from the openness of Leverhulme Park to the industrial heritage of Darcy Lever gravel pits, now a wildlife haven.

Dragonflies fluttered besides them as they made their way through Moses Gate and up to the SSSI (Site of Specific Scientific Interest) Nob End, a standout section of their walk. This site is a haven for wildflowers and invertebrates, a rare example of an ecological marvel born from industrial waste.

The woodland area of Darcy Lever gravel pits bathed in sunshine

Alan Bromiley

A swan swimming on a lake at Moses Gate Country Park

Mike Jowles

Image shows a footpath leading over a wooden bridge through a green woodland.

Photo by Tristan Poyser

A kingfisher. Photo by Jon Hawkins

Edging closer to the finish line

Walking past what Rory and Cooper believe to be the most scenic part of the trail alongside the canal at Clifton Country Park, they first-hand saw how much the local community appreciate the local landscape. The local community appreciate the abundance of birds they can now see including waterfowl, cormorants, and gadwall throughout the year.

Reaching the home stretch, passing beneath the imposing 13 arches at Drinkwater Park, leaving the water course for the last time. From then, they climbed the historic carriage track to the former site of the Philip's family home, continuing on to the community hub at the barn, where they successfully completed their fundraising challenge- unfortunately, no kingfishers seen on the trail this time!

Though the walk took us through many stunning nature havens, filled with wildlife at nearly every turn, this isn't the reality for many areas. Even in this rich landscape, nature faces challenges such as invasive species, litter, and the growing impact of climate change. Nature needs our help now more than ever. Every donation makes a big difference in protecting and restoring these landscapes for future generations.

Rory Andrews - Greater Manchester Recovery Manager
The Lancashire Wildlife Trust

A Massive Thank You!

Rory and Cooper would like to thank everyone for their support and generous donations through their fundraising journey - helping Rory to smash his target and raising £229.

We are incredibly grateful to Rory for stepping up for wildlife and being a pivotal part of our appeal. Rory's fundraising achievements will make a real difference in protecting and restoring our precious landscapes.