PEOPLE have a chance to explore Trafford’s countryside on a series of autumn walks organised by environmental charity Red Rose Forest in October.

Three walks are planned as part of the Active Trafford Greenspace project which was set up this year to encourage people to explore the borough’s countryside and parks on foot.

And there’s also an opportunity to take part in some practical conservation work at two volunteering days in the borough.

Finally, two events are also planned to celebrate the autumn season including a conker celebration for youngsters at Longford Park and a spooky trees walk round Stretford Cemetery for Halloween. These are both being held as part of Red Rose Forest’s Heritage Trees project.

Two wellbeing walks take place at Longford Park on Thursday, October 1 from 2pm-4pm and in Partington on Monday, October 12 from 10.30am - 11.30am.

The Partington walk starts at Partington Central Surgery and takes in Cross Lane Park and Broadoak Meadow before finishing at Partington Library. The Longford Park walk starts at Old Trafford Wellbeing Centre before heading to Stretford and Longford Park on the tram.

A winter seed gathering walk takes place at Urmston Meadows on Wednesday, October 28 from 10am-12noon. The walk starts at the Riverside Drive entrance and involves gathering acorns which will be planted to grow the heritage trees of the future.

Help is needed at two practical volunteering days aimed at improving paths and restoring wildlife habitats at Firswood Plantation on Firsway in Sale West (Thursday, October 22, 9am - 12.30) and at Priory Gardens in Sale (Tuesday, October 27, 9am-12.30).

For more information on all these events contact Janie at Red Rose Forest on (0161) 872 1660 or email janie@redroseforest.co.uk

Red Rose Forest’s new City of Trees project will be hosting the Conker Celebration event at Longford Park in Stretford on Sunday, October 11. This family fun day takes place in the area near the children’s play area and cafe and includes seed identification, collection and planting. Conker competitions and storytelling sessions are also on offer. There’s no need to book - just turn up.

Then on Tuesday, October 27 join Professor Jiggett and Red Rose Forest for a spooky walk around Stretford Cemetery to learn about its trees. The event is suitable for children aged seven years and over - but all children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking is essential. Call Lucy on (0161) 872 1660 to book your place or email lucy@redroseforest.co.uk.

Funding for the Active Trafford Greenspace project has come from Transport for Greater Manchester and is backed by Trafford Council and Trafford Sport and Physical Activity Partnership.

Future walks will be posted on the Red Rose Forest website. You can also follow @traffcountryside and @walkingtrafford on twitter to keep updated.

Red Rose Forest now manages more than 20 countryside sites across Trafford as part of Trafford Countryside. The partnership with Trafford Council was set up to change the way our local countryside is looked after. Trafford Countryside also includes Trafford Partnership members including the police, public health, Trafford Housing Trust, the Conservation Volunteers and the Environment Agency.