THE FIRST Woodland Trust Picnic event took place last weekend in Smithills.

The event was in aid of the Smithills Estate project and involved families, blankets and plenty of food.

Raising money for the project has taken on greater significance recently after nearly a third of the estate was lost to the Winter Hill fires.

Not to be put off by the occasional shower, members from various community groups including Bolton At Home and All Souls, as well as members of the public, came to enjoy music woodland activities and relaxing in the great outdoors.

Despite it being the first picnic the Woodland Trust has run, the event was fully book in under a week.

Extra food was provided by the Huddle Up café, Old Bank Cafe and The Kitchen with wild-foraged cordials provided by Discover the Wild.

Music on the day was provided by local bands Our Fold, Nanukes of the North alongside singers James Holt and Ross Buchanan.

Away from the open meadow there were also woodland activities for the whole family to take part in.

For the youngsters there was den building and storytelling whilst the adults could try their hand at photography and mindfulness in the wood.

If you are a member of a group that would like to get involved with the Smithills Estate project, please email vickyentwistle@woodlandtrust.org.uk.