Forty per cent of Britain’s lowland heath has been lost since 1949, and only sixteen per cent of that which existed in 1800 remains. Heathland is rarer than rainforest yet the UK still retains twenty per cent of the world’s total.

Due to concern at the gradual deterioration of the environment of the heath, local residents and regular users of Ashton Heath met in early 2004 to form a steering group to gauge interest in forming an association to promote the planned management of Ashton Heath.

The first task of this group was a litter pick on the Heath in March 2004 to begin the process of improving the habitat. Then, following preparatory work by a steering group and public meetings, the inaugural meeting of the Ashton Heath Residents' Association (AHRA) took place later that month. The constitution of this organisation was formally adopted and Officers elected.

AHRA is an associate group of the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. The initial programme centred on repairing severe damage to areas of woodland and reclaiming heathland from the incursion of oak, birch and willow. During 2005, through a grant from the Ibstock Cory Environmental Trust, the paths were relaid by volunteers and BTCV, and an area of the heathland treated with herbicide and reseeded with heather. By March 2006 the repair work to the main parts of the heath and woodland had been completed, and work now centres on maintenance and improvement.

AHRA continues to carry out regular conservation activities by small groups of volunteers, with advice from Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust and BTCV. Membership of AHRA costs £1.00 per year and new members supporting the protection of the heath are always welcome.

David McKendrick
AiM.i