wild side!

Events Guide 

MAY – OCTOBER 2013 

Go on, 

Cheshire Cheshire 

explore 

Cheshire’s 

wild side!

Top 

5wild 

things to 

do in Cheshire 

Enter the dragon’s den at Danes Moss and wait patiently to see if one of the reserve’s 

11 species of dragonflies lands on your clothes 

Head down to Gowy Meadows or Hockenhull Platts and listen out for the distinctive ‘plop’ 

of the water vole diving into the River Gowy 

Take a walk on the wild side at Marbury Reedbed and enter the secretive world of the 

bittern – look out for a kingfisher too 

Make an appointment with the high-tide at Wigg Island visitor centre and watch thousands 

of wading birds and ducks on the Mersey 

Walk amongst the purple carpet of heather at Cleaver Heath, but don’t forget to look 

out for lizards and butterflies 

Symbols to events 

Money 

(charge for event) 

Disabled accessible 

Waterproof clothing/ 

stout footwear 

Cheshire Wildlife Trust works in 

your community and is looking 

after wildlife in your backyard – 

turn up and get involved! 

Children must be 

with an adult 

Bring packed lunch 

Public transport 

nearby 

Chris Packham 

Vice President of the Wildlife Trusts 

Broadcaster, writer and wildlife photographer 

Family friendly 

Bring binoculars/ 

optical equipment 

Meres & Mosses 

Partnership event

get 

hands on 

Fancy getting to know how we look after a nature reserve? Maybe you’d like to learn a 

new skill, or just meet up with people in your community making a difference for nature 

on your doorstep? 

Hands-on volunteering days are regular activities on our nature reserves or other important 

sites for wildlife, and usually involve something physical. This might include; tree planting, 

hedgelaying, ‘bashing’ – removing unwanted non-native species like Himalayan balsam, 

building boardwalks, planting wildflowers, clearing vegetation or coppicing (cutting trees 

in a managed way to encourage re-growth). As long as you’re keen get involved in outdoor 

conservation work (whatever the weather!) we’ve love to welcome you along. 

Something for everyone 

There are hands-on volunteering opportunities happening throughout the year on our 

reserves across the region, from Macclesfield to the Wirral. Contact us today on 

01948 820728 or volunteering@cheshirewt.org.uk and get our volunteer e-news so you 

can keep right up to date. 

WORK PARTIES 

for wildlife! 

JUNE 

6 Wirral Group Thornton Wood P Loughnane 0151 645 8937 

9 North Group Hogswood & Brookheys Covert M McCormick 0161 941 2728 

M Catlow 0161 976 5042 




JULY 

4 Wirral Group Thornton Wood P Loughnane 0151-645-8937 

14 North Group Hogswood & Brookheys Covert M McCormick 0161 941 2728 

M Catlow 0161 976 5042 

AUGUST 

11 North Group Manchester United Reserve, Carrington M McCormick 0161 941 2728 

M Catlow 0161 976 5042 

SEPTEMBER 

8 North Group Birch Farm Ponds, Dunham M McCormick 0161 941 2728 

M Catlow 0161 976 5042 

OCTOBER 

1 3 North Group Black Moss Covert, Dunham M McCormick 0161 941 2728 

M Catlow 0161 976 5042 

GARDEN CLUB (Bickley Hall Farm) 

Sunday 12th May, Sunday 2nd June, Sunday 7th July, 

Sunday 11th August, Sunday 8th September

Wigg 

Island 

Halton & Warrington 

Lymm, Runcorn, Widnes, Warrington 

Tony Parker 

tony.parker01@btinternet.com 

Macclesfield & Congleton 

Macclesfield, Congleton 

Juliette Hill 

juleshill@tiscali.co.uk 

Mid-Cheshire (work parties only) 

Frodsham, Helsby, Kingsley, Northwich, 

Middlewich, Tarporley, Winsford 

North Cheshire 

Trafford 

Liz Blackman 

liz.blackman@hotmail.com 

Visitor 

Centre 

We manage the visitor centre in partnership with Halton Borough Council who also look 

after the neighbouring Wigg Island community park. Wigg Island has a specially designed 

‘green’ building with its own wind turbine and rainwater harvesting systems, making it 

one of the most eco-friendly structures in the region. There’s also toilets, seating areas 

and refreshments – perfect after a day watching wildlife on the Mersey. Look out for our 

programme of events at the Wigg Island centre, or talk to us if you’re interested in hiring the 

centre for a corporate or local event. 

The visitor centre will be open every Friday and Sunday during May 

to September, from 11:30 – 4:30pm. 

Local Groups – Cheshire Wildlife Trust on your doorstep 

We have Local Groups across the region, who hold informal get-togethers, winter talks 

programmes and regular ‘work parties’ where you can get stuck in and help out on the 

nature reserves near you. New members are always welcome, and Local Groups are a great 

way to meet the people who know all about the wildlife in your area. 

LOCAL GROUP CONTACTS 

South Cheshire 

Alsager, Crewe, Nantwich, Sandbach 

Bram Knight 

bramknight@talktalk.net 

Stockport & Tameside (work parties only) 

Eastwood Nature Reserve, Stalybridge 

info@cheshirewt.org.uk 

Wilmslow 

Wilmslow, Knutsford 

Jim McHarry 

janeandjim.Mcharry@btopenworld.com 

Wirral 

Birkenhead, Ellesmere Port, Hoylake, 

Wallasey Linda Higginbottom 

lhiggi1101@aol.com

EVENTS 2013 

MAY 

DATE tbc 7.30pm 

HALTON & WARRINGTON 

GROUP WALK AND AGM 

The Halton and Warrington Group’s AGM 

Venue: Wigg Island Visitor Centre, Mason 

Street, Runcorn WA7 1RR (SJ523833) 

Contact: Tony Parker 01925 726986 or 

email tony.parker01@btinternet.com 

SATURDAY 4TH MAY - 10.00am – 4.00pm 

NATURAL KNOW HOW – 

WATER VOLE WORKSHOP 

Join our course to learn all about the water 

vole – ‘Ratty’ from Wind in the Willows - their 

ecology, and how to survey for them including 

tracks and signs in the field. The day includes 

an outdoor session where we’ll check for these 

elusive mammals, one of our rarest, along a 

nearby river. No experience necessary. 

BOOKING ESSENTIAL 

Venue: Grange Farm, Mickle Trafford, Chester 

CH2 4EB 

Cost: £10 

Contact: Tracey Gibson 01948 820728 or 

email tgibson@cheshirewt.org.uk 

SATURDAY 4TH MAY - 10:00am - 12.30pm 

WIRRAL LOCAL GROUP 

THURSTASTON COMMON WALK 

Enjoy a spring stroll over this 250 acre nature 

reserve, with a rich mix of grassland, heath and 

woodland. Common lizards might be basking 

on the sandy paths, whilst spring migrant birds 

are sure to be in full song. Early butterflies 

might even put in an appearance too. 

Venue: Meet at Royden Park car park at 

10.00am. Finish around 12.30pm at the Tea 

Servery. 

Contact: 0151 342 1395 or 

info@wirralwildlife.co.uk 

SUNDAY 5TH MAY 11:00am - 4:00pm 


NEW FERRY BUTTERFLY PARK 

OPEN DAY 

Come along to the ever-popular first day of 

the new summer season at the nature reserve. 

Family fun includes pond dipping and craft 

activities, whilst mum and dad can indulge at 

the plant and cake sales, and everyone can 

enjoy the barbeque. Weather permitting the 

stars of the day – the butterflies – will make a 

flying visit too. 

Venue: Howell Road, Bebington, Wirral, 

CH62 5BJ 

Contact: 0151 342 1395 or email 


SUNDAY 5TH MAY - 4.30am 


DAWN CHORUS AT CLEAVER 

The early bird catches the worm – and the 

beautiful dawn chorus. This (very) early walk 

at Cleaver Heath, Heswall will find us listening 

for our resident birds and returning migrants, 

like warblers. There should be plenty to interest 

those who can already identify birds by call and 

song as well as those absolute beginners who 

want to make a start. Sorry no dogs. 



info@wirralwildlife.co.uk

EVENTS 2013 

WEDNESDAY 8TH MAY - 7:00pm 

HALTON & WARRINGTON GROUP WALK 

OXMOOR LOCAL NATURE RESERVE 

One of Halton’s Local Nature Reserves, Oxmoor 

has an excellent variety of wildflowers and 

attracts several species of summer visiting 

birds. We will also head to the local heronry 

where the residents should have well-grown 

youngsters at this time, noisily calling from 

the nest. 

Venue: Chancellor Road, Runcorn WA7 1TG 

(SJ556842) 



WEDNESDAY 8TH MAY - 7:00pm - 9:00pm 

NORTH LOCAL GROUP 

SPRING AT SINDERLAND – 

AN EVENING WALK 

Come and explore our local nature reserve and 

see the spring flowers carpeting the woodland 

floor in all their glory, with a chance of hearing 

recently arrived summer migrant birds too. 

Venue: Sinderland Green Wood 

Contact: Liz Blackman. 0161 962 6748 

SATURDAY 11TH MAY - 10.00am – 3.00pm 

SURVEY TRAINING – 

AQUATIC PLANT SURVEY 

A training day for volunteers who would like 

to be able to take on aquatic plant surveys for 

Cheshire Wildlife Trust. 


Venue: Bickley Hall Farm, Malpas 

Cost: FREE 



SATURDAY 11TH MAY - 10:00am 


SPRING WALK IN DIBBINSDALE 

Enjoy a walk through Dibbinsdale Local Nature 

Reserve looking for bluebells and wood 

anemones as well as discovering more about 

the local history of the area. 

No need to book. Meet at Bromborough 

Rake Station. 



SUNDAY 12TH - MAY 10.00am 

GET A MOOOVE ON 

STOCK WATCHERS TRAINING & 

FAMILY FUN DAY 

Could you be the eyes and ears for our 

native-breed Longhorn and Dexter cattle at a 

nature reserve near you? Come and see what’s 

involved in becoming a volunteer stock watcher, 

looking out for our conservation-grazing herds 

across the region. Training will include an 

introduction to the project, a practical guide 

to livestock management and health, and of 

course a chance to meet the stars of the show, 

the Longhorns, up close. Family activities for all 

ages will top off the day too. 


Venue: Paddington Meadows, Warrington 


email tgibson@cheshirewt.org.uk

WEDNESDAY 15TH MAY - 6.45pm 

SOUTH LOCAL GROUP 

EVENING WALK AROUND 

‘THE WOODLANDS’, BATHERTON 

Roger Smith has kindly offered to show us 

his woods, ponds and riverside where he 

has encouraged wildlife. The walk will take 

approximately one and a half hours. This is a 

local farm and therefore particularly of interest 

to us. Light refreshments will follow. 

Venue: The woodlands, Mill Lane, Batherton, 

Nantwich, CW5 7QN 

Cost: Free but donation towards gift will be 

welcome. All welcome. BOOKING ESSENTIAL 

Contact: Jane Knight 01270 623375 or 

email janejane2@talktalk.net 

WEDNESDAY 15TH MAY - 5.00pm – 7.00pm 

GUIDED WALK – SUNSET OVER THE DEE 

A guided walk along the Dee estuary with 

coastal rangers and Cheshire Wildlife Trust 

returning to mediterranean style tapas taster at 

Sheldrakes restaurant. BOOKING ESSENTIAL 

Venue: Wirral 

Cost: £8.00 per person (includes walk and tapas) 

Contact: 0151 342 1556 

FRIDAY 17TH MAY - 8.00pm 

BADGER WATCH AT BICKLEY 

Have you ever seen a badger, the iconic heart 

of the Wildlife Trusts’ logo? Here at Bickley Hall 

Farm we’re lucky enough to have a number of 

setts and a good population of badgers. We’ll 

give you the best chance of encountering these 

nocturnal visitors as they roam along the farm’s 

hedgerows after sunset. *sightings cannot be 

guaranteed BOOKING ESSENTIAL 

Venue: Bickley Hall Farm, Malpas SY14 8EF 

Cost: FREE 



SATURDAY 18TH MAY - tbc 

EASTWOOD, STALYBRIDGE – 

TURNING OVER A NEW LEAF 

Our Eastwood reserve has recently been at 

the hands of a £40,000 revamp with a host 

of new trails, bridges and information boards, 

opening up more of the reserve than ever 

before. Come and join us as we officially open 

the improvements – thanks to dozens of local 

volunteers in the community - followed by 

a guided walk around the reserve to see the 

bluebells, and who knows, maybe a kingfisher 

or dipper too! 

Venue: Eastwood, next to Cheetham Park and 

Stalybridge Celtic Football Club 



TUESDAY 28TH MAY - 7.30pm start 

LOST LAGOON WALK 

A guided walk with ecologist Jeff Clarke around 

the lost lagoon of Wigg Island to observe the 

local bird life and maybe spot a long eared owl! 


Venue: Wigg Island Visitor Centre, Runcorn 

WA7 1PJ 

Cost: FREE 

Contact: Tracey Gibson 01948 820728 or email 

tgibson@cheshirewt.org.uk

EVENTS 2013 

JUNE 

SATURDAY 1ST - JUNE 1.15pm 


VISIT TO BICKLEY HALL FARM 

Conservation Officer Sue Tatman will lead us 

on a walk around the Trust’s 206 acre wildlife- 

friendly farm. Spring flowers are expected to 

be in full bloom, attracting a host of dragonflies 

and butterflies in the field margins, with some 

species often counted in their hundreds. 

Returning migrants like swallows, house martins 

and warblers will be busy nest-building, and the 

farm’s ponds will also be full of life. There’s likely 

to be a chance to see the Trust’s native-breed 

Longhorn cattle too. 

Venue: Meet at the farm at 1.15pm. If you need 

a lift contact Jane Knight. 

Cost: £2.00 each, voluntary contribution to 

CWT 

Booking advised. 

Contact: Jane Knight, 01270 623375 

SUNDAY 9TH JUNE - 11.00am – 4.00pm 

OPEN FARM SUNDAY – 

BICKLEY HALL FARM 

Come and join us as we throw open the gates 

of our headquarters at Bickley Hall Farm for 

Open Farm Sunday! Children’s activities, 

guided walks around the 206 acre estate and 

a tasty BBQ with our own conservation-grazed 

beef and lamb for all the family. There’s no 

better time to see the abundance of wildlife 

including butterflies, dragonflies and summer- 

visiting birds. 


Cost: FREE 



SUNDAY 16TH JUNE - 10.00am – 2.00pm 


FLORA FORAY FOR BEGINNERS 

Learn to identify the woodland, grassland and 

heathland flora of Tegg’s Nose, Macclesfield 

with the help of an experienced ecologist. This 

workshop is aimed at beginners wishing to 

develop their identification skills. 


Venue: Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Macclesfield 

Cost: FREE 



SUNDAY 16TH JUNE - 10.00am – 12.00noon 

HATCHMERE GUIDED WALK 

In the heart of Delamere Forest, our Hatchmere 

nature reserve has a wonderful mosaic of 

woodlands, heath, reedbeds and mirror-calm 

open water. With anything from lizards to reed 

warblers on show and plenty in between, this is 

a great day to get into the heart of the ice-age 

meres and mosses landscape. 


Venue: Hatchmere, near Frodsham 

Cost: FREE 



SATURDAY 22NDJUNE - 2:00pm 


ROCK POOLING ON NEW BRIGHTON 

BEACH 

Meet outside the Floral Pavilion foyer to explore 

the rock pools on the shore as the tide goes 

down. Find and identify the animals that live 

in the pools. Wellington boots or other tough 

footwear needed. 



SATURDAY 22 JUNE - 8.15am 


SILVER STUDS AT PREES HEATH 

The stunning and tiny silver-studded blue 

butterfly remains at just one location in the 

West Midlands, Butterfly Conservation’s Prees 

Heath near Whitchurch. Reserve warden 

Stephen Lewis will lead this early morning 

exploration in order to watch the emergence 

of the rare butterflies. You’ll need to be able 

to bend to ground level to appreciate this 

spectacle in miniature, and don’t forget your 

camera. 

Venue: The track opposite the Steel Heath 

turning off the A49, about a mile south of 

the A49/A41 roundabout, near the Raven Inn 

transport cafes/fish & chip restaurant. If you 

prefer, meet at 7.45am at Nantwich Lake in 

order to share lifts. 

Cost: Voluntary contribution to Butterfly 

Conservation. 

BOOKING ADVISED 

Contact: Jane Knight 01270 62 3375 or 

email janejane2@talktalk.net 

TUESDAY 18TH & WEDNESDAY 19TH JUNE - 

9.00am - 6.00pm daily 

THE CHESHIRE SHOW 

Come and say hello and meet us at the 

Cheshire Wildlife Trust marquee in the 

countryside experience area at this year’s show. 

Venue: Cheshire Show, Tabley 



SATURDAY 22ND - TIME TBC 

GUIDED WALK – GOWY BROCKHOLES 

Two guided walks around the Gowy Brockholes 

site as part of our Living Landscape project. A 

guided bird walk in the morning followed by a 

botanical walk in the afternoon. Book onto one 

or both of these walks. 

Venue: Gowy Brockholes (meeting point TBC) 

Cost: FREE 



SUNDAY 23RD JUNE – 10:00am 


GOWY MEADOWS – THE HEART OF A 

LIVING LANDSCAPE 

The largest of the Trust’s reserves, the 165 

hectares at the Gowy sit at the centre of an 

ambitious 8,000ha Living Landscape across 

local river corridors and countryside. The 

reserve is home to a rich variety of wildflowers 

and breeding birds, along with occasional 

otters, water voles and one of the biggest 

selections of aquatic invertebrates anywhere in 

the UK. It can be very wet underfoot. 

Venue: lay-by by Thornton-le-Moors church 

CH2 4JQ (SJ441745) 


email tony.parker01@btinternet.com

EVENTS 2013 

SUNDAY 23RD JUNE – 2:00pm – 5:00pm 

NORTH LOCAL GROUP - VISIT TO 14TH 

CENTURY CHADKIRK CHAPEL 

Near Romily, Stockport. Wildflower meadow, 

garden, tearooms. 

Contact: Margaret McCormick 0161 941 2728 

SATURDAY 29TH JUNE - 10.00am – 3.00pm 


GRASSES ID FOR BEGINNERS 

Learn to identify the different grasses 

of Cheshire. This workshop is suitable 

for beginners wishing to develop their 

identification skills. 


Venue: Brereton Heath 

Cost: FREE 

CONTACT: Tracey Gibson 01948 820728 or 


SUNDAY 30TH JUNE – 12:00noon – 5:00pm 

WILDLIFE DISCOVERY DAY – 

WIGG ISLAND 

Cheshire Wildlife Trust will be celebrating the 

centenary of the British Ecological Society with 

a wildlife discovery day at Wigg Island, with fun 

for all the family including wildlife experts, birds 

of prey, children’s activities and a chance to 

meet our friendly Longhorn cows in close-up. 

Wigg Island is a fully accessible site adjacent to 

the river Mersey with parking, a visitor centre, 

toilets and refreshments. 


WA7 1PU 

Cost: FREE 



JULY 

SATURDAY 6TH JULY - 10am - 3:00pm 

GET THE BUZZ - BEE WORKSHOP 

WIRRAL COUNTRY PARK 

Did you know, the world could survive 

without humans, but we couldn’t survive 

without insects? Bees are one of the minature 

marvels that keep our environment moving, 

particularly as pollinators for our food across 

the world. This indoor and outdoor workshop 

looks at the biology and identification of 

wild bees, concentrating on mining bees but 

also covering bumblebees. Includes a guided 

walk down steps to the shore of the Dee. 

Led by Tony Parker from the Liverpool World 

Museum. 

Venue: Wirral Country Park, Thurstaston 

Cost: £5.00/per person 


Contact: Hilary Ash www.wirralwildlife.co.uk 

0151 327 5923 

SUNDAY 7TH JULY - 11am to 5pm 

OPEN GARDENS, LOWER PEOVER 

WITH PLUMLEY 

Enjoy around 20 of the county’s most stunning 

open gardens in the heart of summer, in aid of 

Cheshire Wildlife Trust and St Oswald’s Church. 

Refreshments are also available all day. 

Venue: Lower Peover with Plumley 

Park and Ride from The Plantation Garden 

Company, Plumley Moor Road. 

Cost: £6 in advance or £8 on the day (includes 

a map of the gardens). 

Tickets from The Plantation Garden Company 

or 01565 722153 or 01565 722597. 

See www.lowerpeover.com for further details

SUNDAY 7TH JULY - 1.30pm – 3.30pm 

GUIDED WALK – 

SWETTENHAM MEADOWS 

Join us to explore this delightful rolling clough 

reserve, which is alive with butterflies and 

dragonflies in the heart of summer. A host of 

new boardwalks and trails have opened up 

previously inaccessible parts of the reserve, 

with rich wildflower meadows that are home to 

orchids in some years. A delightful and relaxed 

way to while-away a summer afternoon! Why 

not head to the Swettenham Arms afterwards 

and enjoy a roast with the Trust’s conservation- 

grazed beef and lamb? 


Venue: Swettenham Meadows 

Cost: FREE 



MONDAY 8TH JULY - 5.00pm 

VOLE’IN ON THE RIVER – 

WATER VOLE WATCH 

We’ll head along the Shropshire Union Canal 

to look for field signs and hopefully see water 

voles as they feed and swim between their 

burrows just a few metres from the towpath. 

The canal has been a successful location for 

watching water voles in recent years, and a 

great place for beginners to learn what to 

look out for before heading back on your own 

expedition. The trails are flat and the trip will 

be at a relaxed pace. We may also see signs of 

otters under the bridges too. 


Venue: Meet at the car park opposite The Star 

pub in Acton Village. 

Cost: FREE 



SUNDAY 14TH JULY - 6.00am (morning) 

WHY A SWALLOW MAKES A SUMMER 

- BIRD RINGING 

How do we know where swallows and cuckoos 

go in winter? This early start is well worth the 

effort to join Professor David Norman and the 

Merseyside Ringing Group to learn more about 

the birds visiting Norton Priory in the summer. 

Watch the established process of applying leg 

rings to birds to monitor where they travel – 

across the world. This is a fantastic opportunity 

to see in close-up this highly-trained research 

technique and some of our tiniest birds being 

delicately handled, telling us more about their 

lifestyles than we can possibly imagine. 


Venue: Norton Priory, Runcorn 

Cost: FREE 

Contact: Norton Priory 01928 569895 

SUNDAY 14TH JULY - 1.30pm – 4.30pm 

GUIDED WALK – 

THE DRAGON’S DEN, DANES MOSS 

Danes Moss is home to around a dozen 

different kinds of dragonfly and damselfly, 

plus even more butterflies and birds. This year 

we’ve been making changes so even more of 

the reserve is available to watch these aerial 

acrobats in action. Mid-summer is probably the 

best time of year to join us as we explore the 

reserve, where dragonfly numbers can be so 

high that they come and land on visitors! Why 

not come and see the real dragon’s den? 


Venue: Danes Moss, nr Gawsworth Macclesfield 

Cost: FREE 



EVENTS 2013 

THURSDAY 18TH – 5.00pm – 8.30pm 

(Auction starts at 7.00pm) 

NATIONAL EXHIBITION OF WILLDIFE 

ART (NEWA) AUCTION 

NEWA will be celebrating their 20th 

anniversary with a prestigious art auction in aid 

of wildlife charities, including Cheshire Wildlife 

Trust. Please register your interest for access 

to the auction at www.newa-uk.com (click on 

Auction). Come and enjoy the beautiful artwork 

of internationally acclaimed wildlife artists. The 

auction marks the start of the annual exhibition 

with wildlife art demonstrations running from 

the 19th July to the 4th August. 

Venue: Gordale Garden Centre, Burton, Wirral 

CH64 8TF 

Cost: Free admission 

Contact: NEWA 07748 533448 

www.newa-uk.com 

SUNDAY 21ST JULY - 10.00am – 4.00pm 

WHALES, DOLPHINS & SEABIRDS 

COURSE – WIGG ISLAND 

Our seas and shores around the UK are more 

alive than you can possibly imagine, from seals 

and sharks and whales to wading birds, and 

don’t forget dolphins and porpoises too. A 

surprising variety of marine life can even be 

seen from the shoreline - if you know what 

to look for. Join the experts from Marine Life 

for the top-tips on the shores of the Mersey 

estuary. We’ll explain how to report your 

sightings for conservation or become a Marine 

Life volunteer too. 



WA7 1PU 

Cost: £30 (£25 for Cheshire Wildlife Trust 

members) 

Contact: Tricia Dendle 

tricia.dendle@marine-life.org.uk 

WEDNESDAY 24TH JULY – 7:00pm 


ON THE RECORD - 

DARESBURY NATURE RESERVE 

The most recently created Local Nature Reserve 

in Halton, we aim to discover some new records 

of local wildlife for the site. Enclosed between 

the canal and the railway line, it contains mature 

poplars and other trees along Keckwick Brook, 

and a large area of newly-planted woodland – 

so anything is possible in the heart of summer! 

Venue: Bridgewater Canal towpath Preston 

Brook village WA4 4BA (SJ567807) 

Contact: Tony Parker 01925 726986, or 


WEDNESDAY 24TH JULY - 7:00pm – 9:00pm 

NORTH LOCAL GROUP WALK 

LIVING HEATHLANDS AT LINDOW 

This rare heathland habitat, a Site of Special 

Scientific Interest (SSSI) was the location for the 

discovery of the 2000 year-old, astonishingly 

preserved ‘Lindow Man’ in 1984. Saltersley Moss, an 

adjacent Trust reserve is also home to butterflies 

like the green hairstreak and water voles are still 

seen occasionally in the bog’s ditches. 

Venue: Lindow Common, Wilmslow. 

Contact: Liz Blackman 0161 962 6748 

SUNDAY 28TH JULY - 9.30am - 4.00pm 

SCYTHING TO SUCCESS 

Learn scything techniques, feel the scythe 

whisper through the grass at the pond-side 

grassland. Special light-weight scythes available. 

This is to maintain the area for springtime 

flowers such as lady’s smock, vital for butterflies 

like the orange-tip. This is a free event. 

Lunch time BBQ, bring along a contribution. 

Venue: New Ferry Butterfly Park, Bebington Wirral 

Contact: Paul Loughnane, 0151-645-8937 or 

email jpl@liv.ac.uk

SUNDAY 28TH JULY - 10.00am – 2.00pm 


MOTHS AND INVERTEBRATES 

They’re often overlooked as we enjoy their 

colourful counterparts the butterflies, but there 

are hundreds more moths to discover than 

you think. Come to Wigg Island and to learn 

all about the different species of moths and 

invertebrates that make Wigg their home. 



WA7 1PU 

Cost: FREE 



Are your kids 

wild 

about nature? 

Wildlife Watch offers safe, secure and above all 

fun ways for young people aged 8-12 to explore 

and discover the natural world; whether it’s 

simply making nestboxes for the backyard, pond- 

dipping at a local nature reserve or learning 

bushcraft skills on a Forest School course. Our 

groups are run by a mix of Wildlife Trust staff 

and accredited volunteers. 

There are currently Wildlife Watch groups 

based at Caldy Valley Nature Park (Chester), 

Marshall’s Arm Nature reserve (Northwich), 

Astbury Mere Country Park (Congleton), Moore 

Nature Reserve (Warrington), Lymefield Visitor 

Centre (Broadbottom) and Tarvin Community 

Centre (Tarvin) 

Call us on 01948 820728 to find out more or 

e-mail Nick on nrowles@cheshirewt.org.uk 

TUESDAY 30TH & WEDNESDAY 31ST JULY - 

10.00am 

GUIDED WALK – HILBRE ISLAND 

These ever-popular visits to the Hilbre Islands 

always fill up fast, as we head out across the 

sands from West Kirby to discover the rock 

pools, seals and seabirds. There’ll be Trust 

staff on hand help you dip deep in the rock 

pools, keep an eye out for the inquisitive grey 

seals and take part in a scavenger hunt too! 

This event is suitable for families with children 

capable of the walk across to the islands, and 

exploring once we’re there. 


Venue: Hilbre Island, Wirral (meet at West Kirby 

slipway). 

Cost: £5 



You don’t have to get this close, but 

why not bring your kids to a wild day 

out with us!

EVENTS 2013 

AUGUST 

SATURDAY 3RD AUGUST 

GET THE BUZZ – BEE WORKSHOP 

Did you know, the world could survive 

without humans, but we couldn’t survive 

without insects? Bees are one of the minature 

marvels that keep our environment moving, 

particularly as pollinators for our food across 

the world. This indoor and outdoor workshop 

looks at the biology and identification of wild 

bees, concentrating on mining bees but also 

covering bumblebees. Includes a guided walk 

down steps to the shore of the Dee. Led by 

Tony Parker from the Liverpool World Museum. 

Venue: Windsor Close Community Centre 

Windsor Close New Ferry, Wirral CH62 5BX. 

Free Parking in Woodhead Street, New Ferry 


Cost: £5/per person 

Contact: Hilary Ash www.wirralwiildlife.co.uk 

0151 327 5923 

5TH – 16TH (Mon-Fri) AUGUST - 

10.00am – 12:00noon, daily 

FOREST SUMMER SCHOOL 

Join Nick and the gang from our team at the 

Trust as we head down to the woods for a week 

of Forest School – which is way more fun than 

real school! A must for budding Ray Mears’ and 

all wildlife explorers, there’ll be fun and games 

in the woods with supervised fire building, 

environmental arts and crafts, den making and 

toasting marshmallows to top off the day. All in 

the purpose-designed outdoor classroom, trails 

and woodland areas at Wigg Island Community 

Park. 


Venue: Wigg Island Community Park, Runcorn 

Cost: FREE 



SUNDAY 11TH AUGUST - 2:00pm - 4:00pm, 

NEW FERRY BUTTERFLY PARK 

FRUIT PICKING WORKSHOP 

Come and see what grows at the park and 

collect some fruit and other edibles. 

Contact: Carol Ramsay, 

cazramsay@hotmail.com 

THURSDAY 15TH AUGUST - 10.00am start 














slipway). 

Cost: £5 



SATURDAY 17TH AUGUST - 11:00am – 4:00pm 


WILD DAY OUT AT WIGG 

An outing to explore Wigg Island, near 

Runcorn, a reclaimed park on former industrial 

land on the banks of the Mersey, now full of 

wildlife. Birds gather on the Mersey saltmarshes 

and the woodlands and meadows are packed 

with dragonflies and butterflies. There is a 

vibrant visitor centre for refreshments and 

information. 

Contact: Marion Raines 0161 256 1546

SUNDAY 18TH AUGUST – 10:00am 


WONDERFUL WIGG ISLAND 

Wigg Island is now a nature oasis on a former 

industrial site on the banks of the river Mersey. 

An accessible mosaic of grasslands, hedgerows, 

woodlands and wetlands, the island attracts 

a host of summer visiting birds, dragonflies, 

butterflies and wildflowers. There are views 

across the Mersey and a visitor centre with 

full facilities including refreshments and wet- 

weather cover! 

Venue: Wigg Island Visitor Centre, Mason 

Street, Runcorn WA7 1RR (SJ523833) 

Contact: Tony Parker 01925 726986, or 


19TH – 23RD (Mon-Fri) AUGUST - 

10.00am – 12:00noon, daily 

FOREST SUMMER SCHOOL 

Join Nick and the gang from our team at the 

Trust as we head down to the woods for a 

week of Forest School – which is way more 

fun than real school! A must for budding Ray 

Mears’ and all wildlife explorers, there’ll be 

fun and games in the woods with supervised 

fire building, environmental arts and crafts, 

den making and toasting marshmallows to 

top off the day. All in the purpose-designed 

outdoor classroom, trails and woodland areas 

at Astbury Mere Country Park. 


Venue: Astbury Mere Country Park, Congleton 

Cost: FREE 



SUNDAY 25TH AUGUST - 12 noon – 5.00pm 

WILDLIFE DISCOVERY DAY 

Head along to the lovely setting of Astbury 

Mere on the outskirts of Congleton to join 

Cheshire Wildlife Trust for a wildlife discovery 

day of fun for all the family – wildlife experts, 

pond dipping, children’s activities and a chance 

to have a go at willow weaving. 

Venue: Astbury Mere, Congleton 



THURSDAY 29TH & FRIDAY 30TH AUGUST - 

10.00am 














slipway). 

Cost: tbc 



EVENTS 2013 

SEPTEMBER 

TUESDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER - 1.15pm 


GUIDED WALK ON HILBRE ISLAND 

Matt Thomas, a popular Wirral Ranger, will lead 

a one hour discovery of the islands off West 

Kirby, accessible only at high tide. The Hilbre 

Group is set to become one of the first Marine 

Conservation Zones (MCZs) in the UK and has 

a rich array of birds, marine life and fascinating 

rock pools. 

There are no shops or fresh water on the island. 

Toilets are available at Dee Lane Slipway and 

on the island if needed. Suitable footwear 

recommended as rocks and barnacles may be 

rough underfoot. 

Venue: Meet at Dee Lane Slipway, West Kirby, 

next to Marine Lake at 1.15pm, or if you prefer, 

Nantwich Lake at 11.30am to share lifts. 

Cost: £2-£3 voluntary contribution to 

conservation of the island. 


Contact: Jane Knight 01270 623375 or 

janejane2@talktalk.net 

SATURDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER - 

11.00am – 3.00pm 

BOG BOUNCING AT WYNBUNBURY MOSS 

In the heart of the Meres & Mosses landscape 

of south Cheshire, join us for a family event at 

Wynbunbury Moss National Nature Reserve. 

There will be children’s activities, guided walks 

around the Moss and you might even be able 

to have a go at ‘bog bouncing’! (weather 

permitting). 

Venue: Wynbunbury Moss, Wynbunbury 

CW5 7NA 



SATURDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER - 

9.00am prompt start 

SMALL MAMMAL SAFARI 

What’s that rustling beneath your feet? Ever 

wondered what small creatures live in the 

hedgerows and keep kestrels and barn owls 

fed all year round? Join us as we go on a small 

mammal safari emptying our live-capture 

Longworth traps – a wonderful opportunity to 

see voles, mice and shrews in close up, when 

most of the time there’ll only be a furry glimpse 

heading into the grass. All mammals are 

released unharmed as soon as they have been 

checked and humanely marked. This is part of 

our on-going study of mammals on the farm to 

check the success of our habitat management. 

BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Sorry no dogs 


Cost: FREE 



SUNDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER - 9.30am -4.00pm 




grassland. Special light-weight scythes 

available. This is to maintain the area for 

springtime flowers such as lady’s smock, vital 

for butterflies like the orange-tip. This is a free 

event. 


Venue: New Ferry Butterfly Park, Bebington 

Wirral 


email jpl@liv.ac.uk

WEDNESDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER – 8:00pm 


BAT WALK – NORTON PRIORY 

The priory is home to several species of our 

secretive nocturnal mammals, the bats. Using 

detectors and local knowledge, we’ll look 

to pick out the different species on this late 

summer walk, through listening to their echo- 

locating calls and chatter. 

Venue: Norton Priory Museum car park, Tudor 

Road, Manor Park, Runcorn (SJ548830) 



FRIDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER - 7.30pm 


‘Bird trapping and ringing at Hilbre Bird 

Observatory’ 

A presentation by John Elliott. 

Venue: Heswall Hall, Heswall 

Cost: £3 



SUNDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER - 10.00am –3.00pm 


TREE INDENTIFICATION 

Do you know your willow from your alder, or 

your beech from your birch? Don’t find yourself 

barking up the wrong tree with this course 

designed to help you learn all the techniques of 

woodland identification as autumn kicks in. 



WA7 1PU 

Cost: FREE 



SATURDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER - 11.00am - 4.00pm 

MERES & MOSSES FESTIVAL 

Come and join us in the heart of the Meres 

and Mosses on the Cholmondeley Estate for 

a festival celebration. Explore the science 

of this special landscape, have a go at pond 

dipping, a fungal foray, make a bird box 

and more. Chat to local wildlife experts 

and discover more about the conservation 

happening on your doorstep. Local crafts and 

refreshments will top off the day. 

Venue: The Cholmondeley Estate 

Contact: Peter Moss, Programme Manager 

01743 284274 

WEDNESDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER- 7:45pm- 

9:30pm 


INDOOR TALK 

Mark Champion will give an illustrated talk on 

Reedbed Conservation at the Wigan Flashes. 

Venue: St Mary Magdalene Church Hall, Moss 

lane, Sale, M33 6GD 

Cost: £2 members. £3 non-members. 

Contact: Liz Blackman 0161 962 6748

EVENTS 2013 

OCTOBER 

SATURDAY 5TH OCTOBER - 10.00am – 2.00pm 

NATURAL KNOW HOW – FUNGI WALK 

This workshop will consist of a guided walk 

around Tegg’s Nose Country Park to seek out 

species of fungi with the opportunity to identify 

fungi in their natural habitat. 


Venue: Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Macclesfield 

Cost: FREE 



FRIDAY 11th OCTOBER - 7.30pm 

WIRRAL LOCAL GROUP AGM & 

QUIZ NIGHT 

Venue: Heswall Hall, Heswall 



SUNDAY 13TH OCTOBER - 9.30am - 4.00pm 




grassland. Special light-weight scythes 

available. This is to maintain the area for 

springtime flowers such as lady’s smock, vital 

for butterflies like the orange-tip. This is a free 

event. 


Venue: New Ferry Butterfly Park, Bebington 

Wirral 


email jpl@liv.ac.uk 

SUNDAY 20TH OCTOBER – 10:00am 


MOORE NATURE RESERVE 

One of Warrington’s best-known and 

popular wildlife sites, the reserve is home 

to a great selection of woodland and water 

birds. Sightings in previous October visits 

have included bittern, sparrowhawk, green 

woodpecker, flocks of winter-visiting fieldfares 

and redwings and plenty of ducks and wading 

birds. 

Venue: Moore Nature Reserve car park, 

Lapwing Lane WA4 6XE (SJ578855) 



WEDNESDAY 23RD OCTOBER - 7:45pm - 9.30pm 


INDOOR TALK – HOW A CORAL REEF 

WORKS 

David Moss will give an illustrated talk on these 

fascinating marine ecosystems, some of the 

most biodiverse habitats on the planet, home 

to a beguiling array of species, and crucial 

indicators of our changing climate. 

Venue: St Mary Magdalene Church Hall, Moss 

lane, Sale, M33 6GD 

Cost: £2 members. £3 non-members. 

Contact: Liz Blackman 0161 962 6748 

All events listed were correct at the time of 

going to print, however individual events 

may be subject to change or cancellation 

without prior notice.

Instructions to your Bank or Building 

Society to pay by Direct Debit 

Service User Number 

6 

3 

8 

6 

0 

4 

Cheshire Wildlife Trust 

Bickley Hall Farm 

Bickley 

Malpas SY14 8EF 

T:01948 820728 

E: info@cheshirewt.org.uk 

Instructions to your Bank or Building Society 

Please pay the Cheshire Wildlife Trust Direct Debits from the account 

detailed in this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct 

Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with the 

Cheshire Wildlife Trust and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my 

bank/building society. 

Name(s) of account holder(s) 

Bank/building society account 

Signature(s) 

Branch sort code 

Date 

Name and full postal address of your bank or building society 

To: The Manager Bank/Building Society 

Reference number 

Address 

Postcode 

Banks and building societies may not accept Direct Debit instructions for some types of account 

The Direct Debit Guarantee 

This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay by Direct Debit. 

If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit Cheshire Wildlife Trust will notify you ten 

working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request Cheshire Wildlife Trust to 

collect payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request. 

If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit by Cheshire Wildlife Trust or your bank or building society you are 

entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society. 

If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when Cheshire Wildlife Trust asks you to. 

You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may 

be required. Please also notify us.

JOIN TODAY Reference 

A family membership includes 2 adults and up to 4 children 

Title: 

Individual 

Address: 

Joint Family 

First name Surname: Date of Birth* 

Post Town: Post Code: 

Daytime telephone number E-mail address 

We will not give your details to any other organisation. The information will be held on our database so 

that we can keep you updated about aspects of our work that may interest you. If you wish to receive 

such information, please tick this box 

I wish to give the monthly sum of: 

/ / 

/ / 

M/F: Childs name: Surname: Date of Birth* 

Monthly Payments Our average monthly donation is £5 

£3 £5 £10 £15 Other 

Annual Payments 

Please treat all gifts from today’s date as Gift Aid. 

Please tick one box 

(office use only) 

Amount: 

Amount: 

/ / 

/ / 

/ / 

/ / 

Optional information* 

£ . 

You can give an annual amount by cheque Direct Debit or phone (Please tick one box) 

Individual 

£29 

Joint 

£35 

Family 

£39 

Surprise us 

£ . 

If you wish, you can pay an annual amount by cheque. 

Please make your cheque payable to: Cheshire Wildlife Trust or phone 01948 820728 to pay by Debit Card 

I confirm I have paid or will pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for the current tax year 

(6 April to 5 April) that is at least equal to the amount of tax that the charity that I donate to will reclaim 

on my gifts for the current tax year. I understand that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not 

qualify. I understand the charity will reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 that I have given. 

Print name ................................................. Signed ............................................... Date ........./........./..........

wild side!

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?