Willy Wroe Meadows Update September 2025

Hi folks, just a quick news update regarding William Wroe Meadows (WWM).

Core group members Barbara, Stephen and Paul met with Trafford Council to discuss FGFA’s proposal to establish a closer and more collaborative partnership with Trafford Council concerning the management and future development of William Wroe Meadow (WWM).

FGFA raised concerns regarding delays and unmet commitments related to Council-led initiatives at WWM.

These issues were acknowledged by TC and a willingness to work constructively with FGFA was expressed to address them. TC also committed to improving transparency around the organisations and groups involved in delivering plans for WWM.

To this end quarterly meetings will take place between FGFA and Council officers to discuss site development and operational management.

It was also agreed between FGFA and TC that the ceremony to mark the 'Fields in Trust' award which if you were not aware, protects the site from development for ever, is planned to take place on 21st March 2026.

FGFA provided an update on discussions with Cadent regarding restoration of the orchard area damaged earlier this year.

Plans for replanting approximately 30 fruit trees are at an advanced stage, pending Cadent’s final approval and contractor arrangements.

To finish FGFA expressed concern about the recent traveller encampment on Flixto Field and its impact on WWM, including fly-tipping and public nuisance among other things.

TC outlined the procedural challenges in managing encampments and confirmed that the site when vacated was immediately attended to and cleared, with all issues having now been resolved.

We will keep you regularly updated on progress.

And on another subject

A couple of weeks back a few of us met up with representatives from City of Trees who are working in partnership with Trafford Council to undertake work on the William Wroe Meadows with the help of volunteers. City of Trees work on a variety of sites across Trafford including Urmston Meadows. We discussed a number of areas which could do with attention on the WW Meadows, including removal of Himalyan Balsam, digging out ditches, repairing hedging/ fences, cutting back some bits that are very overgrown. They are going to let us know what days they can pencil in for work on the site. It will of course help enormously if we could get a good number of volunteers out to assist. Basically, more hands would help to get more done! I'll let you know when the days are arranged so that if you can assist you can put them in your diary. Thanks in advance.

Barbara and the team.

Thanks Folks.

Team FGFA