Enjoy the forest – but respect it

Visitors heading to Macclesfield Forest are being asked to respect the land, the local community and each other, particularly as we approach the busy Easter weekend.

As with many of the country’s beauty spots, the popularity of Macclesfield Forest has risen significantly during the pandemic and presentatives from landowner United Utilities recently met Macclesfield’s MP, David Rutley, to discuss measures to alleviate some of the challenges that are within their control.

A clear action plan has been drawn up and is part of the focus of the Macclesfield Forest Working Group, which includes the police, Cheshire East Council, and Peak District National Park. The plan seeks to address improving parking during expected busy periods, increasing the security presence and continuing habitat and wildlife protection improvements. In addition, there is an important focus on engaging with different user groups such as mountain bikers and on creating safe permitted zones.  

To find out more about the action plan and the measures being undertaken visit www.unitedutilities.com/about-us/acres-of-nature/Macclesfield-Forest/

Paula Steer from United Utilities said: “We have limited means to restrict visitor numbers, but we appreciate as we head into Easter holidays the community requires certainty that we are doing all we can.  I would like to reassure local residents, that we continue to work closely with local stakeholders and have created a dedicated action plan to improve the experience of visitors to Macclesfield Forest and to minimise the impact on local communities.

“We appreciated David taking the time out to hear about the work we’ve been carrying out with partners over the last 12 months, to trial various new measures within the Forest locality to better understand areas for improvement.”

After the meeting, David said: “We are fortunate to have Macclesfield Forest as a beautiful natural asset on our doorstep. I am grateful to United Utilities for the update on the action plan. It is vital that visitors not only enjoy all that the Forest has to offer, but also show respect to the measures put in place by The Macclesfield Forest Working Group to protect wildlife habitats, park considerately and fully respect the environment – it is a particular priority as we approach Easter.”