A MASTERPLAN to breathe new life into one of Bury’s favourite parks is being finetuned - and nature lovers are being urged to have their say.

Fresh from Burrs Country Park hosting the Head for the Hills festival earlier this month, thoughts are now turning to how the venue can be upgraded.

The Friends of Burrs Park have already made several improvements to the estate, which can trace its history back to a mill founded by Sir Robert Peel, father of the late Prime Minister.

But now community interest company Proffitts has launched a survey to garner support for several add-ons.

Earlier this year Bury Council announced it was providing £100,000 for a possible glamping site, an overspill car park and overhauling the cottages on-site.

The latest blueprints for the parkland have suggested, depending on external funding, an adventure playground, a rangers base and new showers and WCs.

An investigation is proposed to reopen the old canoe slalom, on the River Irwell and feeder canal, Riverside paths would also be improved.

Another possible move would be to remove a footway on an Irwell bridge to allow two cars to pass, improving traffic flows.

The main events areas, home recently to Bury Agricultural Show, would benefit from better paths, extra seating and wildflower planting.

Interpretation panels are suggested to outline the site’s Roman links, as an early settlement called Castleheads, and the later industrial history associated with Peel’s cotton mill and a similar venture, run by Richard Calrow at Higher Woodhill.

Hilary Marshall from The Friends of Burrs groupl said: "Burrs is a much-loved park and it’s become increasingly popular with more and more visitors enjoying walks, play, fresh air, getting closer to nature and attending outdoor events.

"Over the last couple of years, iour team has already made some significant changes, including upgrading the footpaths, improving the canoe pool and undertaking tree works - but there is still more the group would like to do.

"It’s a hugely exciting time for anyone who knows and loves Burrs Country Park.’’ 

Graham Schoon, from Bury Council, added: The masterplan is a wonderful vision of what Burrs could be.

"It protects the heritage of the site – the steam railway, old mill site and canal – while also embracing new ideas and tackling some practical site issues such as seating and facilities.

"We really would encourage as many people as possible to take a look at the plan and let us know what they think the priorities for the country park should be.

"We’ve consulted with people every step of the way so far, and the response has always been fantastic.’’

People can access the full park survey and give their views on the ideas by going online to www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/BurrsMasterplanSurvey