Woods project brings fresh skills for Wythenshawe's jobseekers

A group of work trainees who worked on a woodlands project in Wythenshawe are now lining themselves up for careers in horticulture.

The six trainees were taken on through the Greater Manchester Future Jobs fund - an initiative aimed mainly at 18-24-year olds who have been unemployed for six months or longer - to restore pathways and walks in Nan Nook Wood, in Wythenshawe Park.

The project, which started in November included building bridges over ditches and creating steps in slopes to connect paths, as well as planting trees and managing plant growth.

In return the trainees have developed horticultural and project management skills.

Nathan Clarke, aged 20, from Northenden had been unemployed after leaving college.

He says: "I now feel a lot more hopeful about getting a job. I've developed skills making bridges and benches for the woods and I know I want to work outside, perhaps as a park keeper. I've also made a lot of horticultural contacts, as well as making friends from different parts of Wythenshawe."

Fellow trainee Samantha Spencer, aged 21, from Baguley has similar views:

"It's been great hearing how appreciative visitors to the woods have been about our work.

"This is a total change of career for me - I used to be a carer for the elderly.

"I've learned a lot about the science behind the work and the machinery involved in horticulture and it's given me the confidence to think about an alternative career - perhaps as a tree surgeon."

Councillor Sameem Ali, Executive Member for Employment and Skills at Manchester City Council, said: "These young people have thrown themselves into a project which has benefited the whole community. They have demonstrated a fantastic work ethic and thoroughly deserve to go on to gain permanent work."

Councillor Michael Amesbury, the Council's Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, added: "Wythenshawe Park is a spectacular natural area, which offers year-round leisure and educational opportunities. And now, after all the work on Nan Nook Wood there is another reason for families to visit and enjoy the great outdoors."