News & Events
You Matter Saddleworth is shaped by the people, projects and moments that happen in our woodland and community.
Here you can explore recent activities, community projects and upcoming events
Wellness in the Woodland- 26th of June 2026
Our June Wellness in the Woodland session was a wonderful reminder of the difference that a little time in nature can make.
With beautiful weather, a peaceful woodland setting and great company, everyone had the opportunity to slow down, get creative with nature printing, and enjoy an outdoor mindfulness session led by Emma England from Holistic Wellbeing Services.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, to Kim and the Spark Oldham team for their continued support, and to Emma for another fantastic session. We look forward to welcoming even more people to our next Wellness in the Woodland event.
Men’s Meet Up in the Woods - 24th of June 2026
A big thank you to everyone who joined us for this month’s Men’s Meet-Up, delivered in partnership with Spark Oldham.
This was the first time we held the session at the You Matter woodland site, and it was brilliant to try something a little different. We started the evening with nature printing, giving everyone chance to get creative, have a catch-up and enjoy a cold drink, with a brew still making an appearance for the brave few.
Emma England Wellbeing from Holistic Wellbeing Services then led a relaxing outdoor mindfulness session, helping us slow down, settle into the space and take a bit of time for ourselves.
It was lovely to welcome familiar faces as well as a new member to the group. Thank you to everyone who came along and made the time to prioritise their own wellbeing. It is not always easy to put ourselves first, so we really do appreciate everyone who joined us.
See you at the next one.
Volunteers Help Tackle Himalayan Balsam - 20th of June 2026
Our volunteers came together to help us make a great start on clearing Himalayan balsam from the new area of woodland that we have recently taken on.
Although it was clear we had a big task ahead of us, everyone rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in. Every patch of balsam removed this year means less will return next season, giving native plants and wildlife a better chance to thrive.
We're incredibly grateful to everyone who gave up their time, energy and enthusiasm to help, even if it meant battling a few nettles along the way! Days like this show what can be achieved when a community comes together, and we're excited to continue caring for this special woodland with the support of our amazing volunteers.
Sharing Our Work at Billingtons Business Breakfast and on Oldham Community Radio - 18th of June 2026
After speaking at Billingtons Business Breakfast about You Matter and the work we are developing, we were kindly invited to speak with Oldham Community Radio to share more about the project.
The interview gave us the opportunity to talk about You Matter more generally, including how we are using nature, creativity, volunteering and community connection to support mental health and wellbeing. We also spoke about our upcoming Wellness in the Woodland sessions, our Men’s Meet-Up delivered in partnership with Spark Oldham and Holistic Wellbeing Services, and the wider community work taking shape at the You Matter woodland site.
A big thank you to Oldham Community Radio for giving us the opportunity to share what we are doing, and to Ian Taylor and everyone at Billingtons Business Breakfast for being so supportive when we spoke about the project. It was a great chance to spread the word and help more people understand what You Matter is trying to create.
Speaking at Spark Oldham’s volunteer celebration- 9th of June 2026
A positive day at Spark Oldham’s Volunteer Celebration, recognising the people who give their time, energy and care to support communities across Oldham.
It was a chance to share a little about You Matter, our partnership with Spark, and the wider work happening between local groups who are coming together to support people in different ways.
We were also pleased to meet Mark Llewellin DL, the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, and hear more about the many people, groups and organisations he supports across Greater Manchester.
A lovely reminder of the difference volunteers make, and the power of community, partnership and people showing up for others.
Volunteering at You Matter - 6th of June 2026
A huge thank you to our wonderful volunteers who gave their time today to help with some essential site maintenance.
A tree had fallen over the river, so we spent time processing the timber and now have some fresh green wood ready to be used as materials for upcoming projects.
Once the timber was processed and stored, everyone helped to clear Himalayan balsam from both our existing site and the new area across the river that we have recently taken on.
Thank you all so much for your help and support. We genuinely could not do this without you.
Wellness in the Woodland - In Partnership with Spark Oldham and Holistic Wellbeing Services Ltd - 22nd of May 2026
Site Survey on woodland over the river bank (Previously cared for by UCAN) - 16th of May 2026
Wild Passport Leader Training - Wakefield - 12th - 15th of May 2026
Men’s Meet up in Partnership with Spark Oldham - Mindfulness Walk - 6th of May 2026
Local leaders wellbeing support - Spoon Whittling - 1st of May 2026
Easter Event to thank our volunteers, friends and family for all of their support - 4th of April 2026
Second Birthday Event 27th February 2026
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate our second birthday at You Matter.
It meant a great deal to welcome so many people into the woodland to share the morning with us and to reflect on how far things have come over the past two years.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make the event happen. From those who supported the preparations behind the scenes, helped set things up on the day, baked, brewed, carried, built and welcomed people in, to those who continue to stand alongside us as supporters, partners and friends. Events like this are only possible because of the community around us.
It was really special to be able to show local residents, businesses and partners the progress that has been made across the site. Many people have supported You Matter from the very beginning, and being able to walk the pathways together, share stories around the fire and see the changes taking shape felt like an important moment for us all.
The morning also gave us the chance to talk about what comes next. Over the next stage of the journey, we are working towards creating more accessible spaces, expanding opportunities for people to learn skills, connect with nature and spend time in a place where they feel welcome and supported.
Thank you again to everyone who came along and continues to believe in what You Matter is growing into. We are excited for the next chapter and grateful to be building it together with our community.
Our Second Birthday Celebration
