6th January 2026, 7-pm: Wassailing on the Medlock Valley
Join us on 6th January to celebrate and ‘wassail’ our apple trees to wish them a good year of health in 2026! This is an age-old tradition that dates back to pagan times and pre-Christian Britain. (You may be familiar with the Christmas carol, “here we come a wassailing”.) We need a good harvest this year for our cider festival in the autumn. And yes, our own cider will be available for sampling! All welcome.
10-5pm, 22nd November, EarthSonic Event at Manchester Museum
We’ve been invited to contribute to the Earthsonic Live event at the Manchester Museum! We’ll be running a stall from 10 till 5, and our chairman Dave O’Rourke will be speaking at a panel at 12.05, joining other community groups to discuss how to devolve environmental work to empower everyday citizens. This is a high-profile event (special guests: Groove Armada!) and we’re really happy to have been invited – do join us there (free of charge) on 22nd.
6pm Friday 31st October, Halloween Bat Walk
Join us on Halloween for a spooky bat walk with local residents. We will use our bat monitors to hear the bats echolocating near All Souls Church on Every Street. Dave O’Rourke will also be telling real ghost stories – like the Manchester Mummy – to add to the Halloween atmosphere. Family friendly (kids must be accompanied by their parents/guardians). Meet at the Roundhouse on Every Street, and bring wellies or boots.
12 noon Saturday 10th May, River Ecology Workshop
Join ecologists from the University of Manchester for a workshop on life below water in the River Medlock. Led by Dr Cecilia Medupin from Earth Sciences, this event will focus on invertebrates that live underwater in our local river. These species are important bioindicators, i.e. they can tell us a lot about water quality and the pollution that is released regularly by United Utilities, the water company serving the North West. You will also learn about their life cycles and the roles they play in the river ecosystem. All welcome – child and dog friendly!
Meet on Lime Kiln Lane/Pin Mill Brow || What3words: ///season.flies.pool
1pm Sunday 6th April, Local History Walk
Join historians from the University of Manchester for a guided tour of one of Ancoat’s most historic neighbourhoods. Armed with old maps, photographs and metal detectors, we’ll be focusing on the grounds of old Ancoats Hall and the Roundhouse, hoping to unearth old streets, gravestones, monuments and more. Led by Sarah Cundy, a specialist in working class history in Manchester, this is a chance to learn about the hidden stories lying beneath your feet and how residents before us demanded better working conditions, housing and public places. We are also very keen to hear your stories, and there will be time at the end to share these with the community if you wish.
Meet on Ancoats Grove, M4 7DN || What3words: ///create.blitz.speeds
1-4pm Saturday, 1st March, 2025 Allotment Open Day
Meet on Aden Close, M12 6WD
What3words: ///twigs.slams.truck
Come from 1-3 to help us install our new polytunnel with UoM volunteers. Come at 2pm for our Open Day where you can help us start planting for the season and perhaps take a seedling or two home for yourselves. The allotment can be found behind the first row of houses on Aden Close.
12 noon Saturday, 15th February, 2025 Allotment Volunteer Day
Meet on Aden Close, M12 6WD
What3words: ///twigs.slams.truck
Spring is just around the corner and we need some help getting the allotment ready, so join us to plant some early crops and bring your own seeds/ideas for things to cultivate. There are still spare plots, so get involved and you might end up with your own growing space.
Guided Moss Walk
2pm Saturday, 8th February, 2025
Meet on Aden Close, M12 6WD
What3words: ///twigs.slams.truck
Join us for a guided moss walk around the Medlock Valley with the University of Manchester. Learn more about mosses and the ecological roles they play | See them under lens | Meet people who care about your community. All welcome (under 18s must be accompanied by adults). Dog friendly.
FOMV 