Parents have been warned to watch out for ‘Britain’s most dangerous plant’ after a child in Bolton was left with burns.
The four-year-old ended up in hospital with second-degree burns from coming into contact with Giant Hogweed in Longsight Park.
A photo shows the poor tot’s hand covered in large blisters.
Parents are now being urged to teach their children how to recognise the dangerous plant so they don’t encounter it while playing in parks and woodland.
The sap from the invasive Giant Hogweed can cause photodermatitis or photosensitivity, meaning the skin can’t protect itself from sunlight, leading to blistering, pigmentation and scarring.
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The burns sustained from the contact with Giant Hogweed. Credit: Hardy Mill Primary School
It’s characterised by its thick, bristly stems which often have purple splotches, its enormous height (up to five metres), and large jagged leaves.
A statement from Hardy Mill Primary School said: “One of our children has sadly been in contact with this plant over the half term break and ended up at the hospital with second degree burns.
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“Please look out for this plant in your garden and when out and about with you children. We have been informed that this plant is definitely growing in Longsight Park.
“It would be helpful to show your children what this plant looks like so they can avoid coming into contact with it.”
A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “We haven’t had any reports of Giant Hogweed in Longsight Park and it isn’t somewhere we’ve had it in the past. However we will send an officer to the area to check.
“Our policy is to immediately treat all instances of accessible Giant Hogweed on our land to remove its presence.
“We are also currently carrying out a treatment on council land where Giant Hogweed was reported in the past, in order to limit its spread this year.
“We will continue to remove any accessible Giant Hogweed on council land as soon as it is reported, and would like to encourage the public to report any instances of what they believe to be Giant Hogweed on council land to [email protected] or by calling 01204 336632.”
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons
Bolton
Brilliant Boxing Day walks around Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
It’s Boxing Day, and for a lot of us, the only requirement of the day is to sort out (eat) the leftovers and enjoy one last day of vegetating in front of the telly… walking is not high on the agenda.
But all that over-indulgence from Christmas Day can start to creep up on you – waistbands straining, head a bit foggy, bank balance definitely suffering from the Christmas Eve pub session.
Without wanting to sound like your nan, sometimes a bit of fresh air is exactly what you need to get yourself put back together again.
Not to mention it can help you to build up an appetite again to dive into that cheeseboard for the sixth time this weekend.
Greater Manchester is blessed with beautiful walks in all directions.
We’ve rounded up a handful of beautiful Boxing Day walks to try out.
There aren’t many places in the UK that look so much like a Christmas postcard as Macclesfield Forest, making it one of our favourite winter walking destinations.
Here, huge conifers dominate the landscape like giant Christmas trees – it’s about as close to an alpine wonderland you can get without travelling all the way to actual mountains.
There are a number of walking trails to follow, from a gently green route all the way to a more challenging red route that takes you deeper into the forest.
Greenbooth Reservoir is one of Greater Manchester’s most underrated beauty spots.
If you tackle a full loop of all three reservoirs, you’ll come across a small waterfall, a stunning view of the Manchester skyline from the dam wall, and paths carved into steep hillsides.
It’s all nestled up in the Naden Valley in Rochdale, just above Norden.
Let’s see how awake your quads are, shall we, with an entirely uphill climb from Ramsbottom village to its magnificent Peel Tower.
The walk’s not too tough if you take it at a slow pace, and it’s well worth it for the views. Trust us.
You can go straight up the hill and straight back down again if you’re not wanting to rack up too many miles, or turn it into a circular and stroll across Holcombe Moor instead (beware – it can get windy up here).
There’s a map of the circular route here and some great pubs in the village to relax in afterwards.
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Dovestone Reservoir, Oldham
Dovestone reservoir. Credit: Unsplash @stravekc
Dovestone Reservoir is a beloved gem among many Mancunians – it might be busy on Boxing Day, but thanks to its mostly-wide footpaths and circular route it’s easy enough to have your own space on your walk.
The path around the water is mostly flat and accessible, making it ideal if you’ve still got a few generations’-worth of relatives hanging about.
You can keep going if you’re feeling adventurous, extending your walk to include Greenfield and Yeoman Hey reservoirs, or heading up to Saddleworth moor and the crags above.
You can find more information about Dovestone Reservoirhere.
This is far and away one of the best winter walks you can do locally, especially on a crisp sunny day (which we hope Boxing Day will be).
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The water is surrounded by woodland and meadows, and you chuck in a stroll along the banks of the River Mersey while you’re out here.
The lake itself is actually an artificial one, and was flooded after gravel was dug up to build the M60 in the 1970s.
In summer it’s packed with people doing watersports, but in winter it’s a picturesque little local stroll – and as a bonus, you can even get the tram right to the gate.
Reddish Vale, Stockport
Reddish Vale, Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Right then, if you want maximum bang for your buck (as in soaking in as much fresh air and scenery as you can in as short a time as possible), Reddish Vale is the one.
There’s a really gentle loop that starts from the car park and skirts the edge of the bottom pond, also taking in views of the enormous viaduct that looms overhead.
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And if you’re after something slightly more involved, you can keep exploring – this urban oasis spans 161 hectares with the River Tame running right through it.
Rivington Pike is a real gem in the North West, just across Bolton’s border with Lancashire, with loads to explore.
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There’s a trio of reservoirs at the foot of the hill but most people head upwards, towards the historic tower at the peak, where you can soak in views for miles around.
The Terraced Gardens are well worth exploring too, where you’ll find a hidden Japanese Garden, lakes, waterfalls, bridges, sculptures and caves.
Heaton Park, Manchester
It might not be the most adventurous of Boxing Day walks – Heaton Park is one of Manchester’s most popular and prominent green spaces and one of the largest municipal parks in Europe – but it’s a perfect option for a family-friendly stroll.
The huge park has miles of accessible footpaths which loop around the boating lake, the Grade I-listed Heaton House, and the ‘Temple’, which stands at the highest point in the city of Manchester.
There are also cows and horses wandering about (even when the animal park itself is closed) and the old tramline to check out.
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Hollingworth Lake, Littleborough
Credit: The Manc Group
What’s better than a walk where after you’re done you can stop off for a well-deserved friday night feast, fish and chips.
This is an accessible and flat walk suitable for all and if you’ve worked up an appetite there’s an ice cream truck courtesy of Northern sweet-treat greats Grandpa Greene’s on Lake Bank.
Located just a nine minute drive away from Bury town centre, Burrs Country Park is a great chance to be at one with nature while also making sure you’re not too far from home.
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This lovely stroll is certainly a-MOO-zing with comforting pub grub at The Brown Cow or nearby ice cream parlour Jersey Girls’ – we may have a little ice cream obsession…
Featuring some a vast green space and some of the most intricately landscaped paths and patterns, Peel Park is like stepping into a mini Bridgerton inspired garden, all that’s missing is keys to your own castle (We wish).
Another Salford beauty spot is just a 20 minute walk away but if the conversation is flowing the time will fly by.
Kersal Wetlands is a circular route that offers visitors the chance to see some cute feathered friends, mainly ducks, while burning off some of yesterday’ Christmas treats.
Both these walks are flat making them accessible for all and are ideal for anyone with a pram or people who may struggle with strenuous walks.
A Didsbury gem, Fletcher Moss Park is a 15 minute tram ride away from Manchester city centre and just under 15 minute walk from Didsbury Village tram stop.
This is more than a park, it’s a hidden oasis with well-maintained and lush garden spaces to a fascinating rock garden that’s simply awe-inspiring.
Grab a coffee or hot chocolate from the retro food and beverages truck and take a minute to appreciate this quiet spot before making your return to the usual hustle and bustle.
Millennium Walkway, New Mills
Torrs Millennium Walkway. Credit: Getlostmcr
Ever wanted to ‘hover above a huge gorge’while getting all your steps in? Well this Peak District town has got you covered.
Situated directly next to the River Sett, the impressive 175 yard walkway can be incorporated into various walking trails and routes that surround the area.
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New Mills has it all, whether you’re after a walk that admires some grand architecture in the shape of the impressive railway arches, or the lovely forest trails and greenery, there’s something for every type of walker.
University of Bolton announces ‘historic’ name change despite opposition
Emily Sergeant
The University of Bolton has officially changed its name.
That’s right… after more than a year of deliberation, including opposition from other higher education institutions across the region, claiming it would be a cause of confusion for prospective students, Bolton‘s university has now successfully become the University of Greater Manchester in what has been described as a “historic” move.
The institution was given the go-ahead by the regulator, the Office for Students (OfS), to adopt the new name with immediate effect after submitting the change 17 months ago.
Current and past Students’ Union Presidents of the university, alongside its governors, unanimously supported the name change.
The name change was approved after an independent economic impact assessment report – which was commissioned by the university earlier this year – revealed that the benefit to the local economy would be millions of pounds per year.
With the name change coming ahead of the university’s 200th anniversary next year, this means that, as of 2025, all graduating students will receive degree certificates from the University of Greater Manchester instead.
On top of this, any former graduate dating back to when the institution achieved university status in 2005 can be issued with a replacement certificate featuring the new name, if they request one.
Announcing the name change last week, Professor George E Holmes, who is the President and Vice Chancellor called it a “historic moment” for the university.
“Bolton is an amazing town and it is our base, and it is our home where we intend to stay, it is the home of the University of Greater Manchester, now in Bolton.
“This is an institution that students and staff can be remarkably proud of. The name change is very good news for our students, very good news for the institution, very good news for the town and amazing news for jobs.”
Daisy Jackson -
15th June 2022 
