There are a range of free activities to discover on Padiham Greenway which are bringing people closer to nature while improving biodiversity. Get involved in intriguing wildlife walks, tree planting and build butterfly boxes on the newly improved stretch of Network (Route 685) in Lancashire.
Our new project, Wild about Padiham aims to inspire even more people to connect with nature on the Padiham Greenway. Credit: Chris Foster
A boost for people and nature
With spring in the air, it's now easier than ever to feel closer to wildlife on the National Cycle Network.
Our new project, Wild about Padiham aims to inspire even more people to connect with nature on the Padiham Greenway.
The project, funded by Active Travel England, will not only boost people's mental and physical wellbeing by spending time in nature, but will also benefit wildlife in the area.
Free activities on the Greenway
We'll be updating this page with events and activities on the Network.
You can expect:
wildlife walks led by experts who will share their knowledge of plants and wildlife which calls the Network home
conservation activities like wildflower sowing, tree planting and cutting back vegetation
activities specifically for children and young people such as seed ball making, building and painting butterfly boxes, and getting schools involved in the Greenway.
Discover our other events on Eventbrite.
Please note, not all events will be limited by numbers, so you'll be able to just turn up on the day.
Scything taster session (no booking required)
Date: 14th July 2026, 10am to 2pm
Location: on the greenway at the access from Harrow Close.
Join us on the Greenway and have a go at scything and see if volunteering might be for you. We’ll be helping to improve the grassland habitat along the path by scything and raking the grass to reduce nutrients in the soil to help wildflowers grow. No experience required.
What to bring/wear:
Please wear long-sleeved T-shirts, trousers and sturdy footwear and bring a pair of gloves and waterproofs/hat depending on the weather conditions.
Please bring with you any medication you may need as well as lunch refreshments if you plan to stay for the full session.
Other information:
Participants must be 16 or over.
Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Participants should arrive at 10am to be shown how to use the equipment but there’s no expectation to stay for the full session.
The project aims to boost people's mental and physical wellbeing by encouraging spending more time in nature. Credit: Chris Foster
More about Padiham Greenway
The Greenway, which connects Padiham with surrounding villages and links to Burnley city centre, forms a green corridor connecting people to places and also providing a safe passageway for animals to move through.
The route (685) was designed to be a linear park, providing people with a social space with a 'village green' atmosphere.
It runs along the track bed of the old Burnley to Padiham railway providing a safe, attractive route for walkers and cyclists of all abilities.
The path is also home to the River Calder Bridge - which reopened last month (May 2026) after much-needed repair works.
The bridge was previously closed for five years due to safety concerns.
Smooth surfacing has also been laid, boosting the path's accessibility for everyone to walk, wheel and cycle on.
