The Friends of Anderton and Marbury (FoAM) is a group of local residents who have come together to support, influence and play an active role in the future of Northwich Woodlands.  The group was founded in 1999 and has since grown to a membership of around 200.

The responsibility for day to day management of the Woodlands and for maintaining its infrastructure lies with Cheshire West and Chester Council.  FoAM operates as an independent group in partnership with the Council and is a registered charity.  FoAM is set up to achieve ‘the preservation, protection and improvement of Northwich Woodlands for the public benefit as a recreational amenity for exercise and recreation, and to educate the public regarding the natural, historical and cultural value of the area’.

FoAM achieves this by organising walks, talks and events throughout the year, and by developing projects for conservation, improving bio-diversity and improving amenities in the Woodlands.

To support its activities and projects, the group raises funds through membership subscriptions, by direct action and by applying for external funding.

FoAM’s Leaflet explains a bit more about what we do.  The way we operate is governed by our Constitution, which can also be found in the Minutes and Reports category on this website.  To find out more about becoming a member, visit the How to join page.

FoAM is managed by a Committee of Trustees.  Your Committee for 2025/26 was appointed at the AGM held on 19 May 2025.  Any changes approved by Trustees since then are included below and will be notified at the next AGM.

The current Committee membership comprises:

Officers
Alan Redley – Chair (and Grants & Projects)
Steve Penwill – Treasurer
Jo Cameron – Secretary (and Publicity)

Additional Committee Members
Mike Allen
Debbie Antrobus
Howard Fearn
Frances Findlay
Debbie Kelly 
Roy Leigh
Bev Owen – Membership Secretary
Joanne Redley – Newsletter
Brenda Yates

Ex-officio Members (with no voting rights)
Dave James, Countryside Officer, Cheshire West and Chester Council
Mel Bradley, Countryside Oficer, Cheshire West and Chester Council
Carl Smethurst, the Mersey Forest

Examples of projects undertaken by FoAM which benefit visitors:

New Bird Hide at Budworth Mere

Saltscape Interpretation Panel

 

Marbury Lodge