05/05/2026
We’re excited to share that the Rossendale Trust has been featured in a recent episode of The Water Road podcast 🎧
In this episode, presenter Adam Porter explores the history and connection between the Macclesfield Canal and Middlewood Way which is a much-loved local route that follows the old railway line.
We were proud to be part of the podcast, with Adam and Joshua who attend our Oakwood activities grounds maintenance and volunteer group.
On the day, they were helping with essential path work cutting back overgrown vegetation to make the footpath wider, safer, and more accessible for everyone and, as you’ll hear, it’s something our team genuinely enjoy. Especially when the sun is shining!
Our Grounds Maintenance team volunteer across a range of beautiful locations in Cheshire and Derbyshire, including Rudyard Lake, Macclesfield Forest and Alderley Edge, as well as working alongside organisations like the Canal & River Trust and the Peak District National Park. From leaf clearance and pruning to pathwork, gardening, painting and even pond dipping, the group play an active role in caring for these spaces.
Through opportunities like this, we provide meaningful, supported work that helps people build confidence, develop skills, and take real pride in the contribution they make to their local community.
🎙️ Have a listen to the episode and hear the story for yourself!
The latest episode is about Middlewood Way, the footpath and cycleway which runs alongside the Macclesfield Canal. It used to be a railway, and is an example of a canal that’s outlived its railway rival. We hear from Ed Pilkington, one of the Rangers from Cheshire East Council who looks after the path, and some members of the Rossendale Trust who volunteer to help with the upkeep.
Have a listen by clicking here: https://pod.fo/e/40b692
