Cheshire East ranger events – June 2023

May is flying along and we are heading quickly towards summer!

At a number of our sites in the north of Cheshire East, the Bollin Valley Partnership conservation grazing cattle have returned to help manage our grasslands. This low-level grazing helps us to improve the diversity of these sites and increase the number of wildflowers. The photo above shows a recent addition to the herd at the partnership farm in Styal.

Please do keep your dogs under close control around livestock whenever you are enjoying a walk in the countryside.

This month’s events are a great mix of walks, water sports, painting, climbing, foraging, conservation tasks and even music! We hope to see at some of our events this June. 

Thursday, 1st June – Plein Air Painting Workshop: Sky & Clouds

If you want to get out of the studio and paint outdoors this series of workshops with Christopher Clements and Kieran Ingram will guide you through some of the key things you need to know. Each workshop focuses on a different fundamental of painting the landscape.The sky is key to landscape painting, so in June’s Workshop we’ll be looking at the nature of the sky and clouds. Although the sky provides a dramatic backdrop to the land its effects are much more profound. The quality and quantity of the light falling from the sky affects the colour unity and tonal contrast of the land below.Booking and payment in advance essential. Cost £80. Time: 10.00am to 3.30pm Meeting point: Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP Leaders: Artists Chris Clements and Kieran Ingram Information: Email Northern Realist or visit the Northern Realist website (Bring a packed lunch / Car parking charge / Easy walking grade / Partnership event / Places limited – please book in advance / Please leave your dog at home / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments / There is a charge for this event)

Book tickets for Plein Air Painting Workshop: Sky & Clouds

Tuesday, 6 June – Fancy a Paddle – One

A chance to learn a little bit about canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding on the beautiful Rudyard Lake. The event is delivered by Moorland Adventure. Full instruction equipment and buoyancy aids will be provided.Booking and payment in advance is essential. All participants must be older than 8 years old and be “water confident”. Cost £18 per person.Time: 7:00pm to 9:00pm Meeting point: Rudyard Lake, Rudyard, ST13 8RN (SJ950580) Leaders: Moorland Adventure Information: 01625 573615 (Car parking charge / Partnership event / Places limited – please book in advance / Please leave your dog at home / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / There is a charge for this event)

Book tickets for Fancy a Paddle – One

Wednesday, 7 June – Foraging Workshop and Balsam Bashing – The Carrs, Wilmslow Alongside our regular balsam bashing events we are trialling a partnership with Forager Jim, from Forage Box, who will be running a foraging section of the event for a heavily discounted price. All we ask in return is that you help out by pulling up a little balsam. This workshop is designed to get you as involved as possible – this includes identifying, picking and tasting a range of wild plants that will be found on the day, along with as much Himalayan Balsam removal as you like! Booking and payment in advance is essential. Adults £11, children 18 or under go free. Suitable for anyone over the age of 6. Time: 9.00am to 1.00pm Meeting point: Twinneys Bridge Car Park, Styal Rd, Wilmslow, SK9 4HW (SJ840821) Leaders: Bollin Valley Partnership Ranger Emma and Forage Box Information: 01625 374790 (Children must be accompanied by an adult / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Partnership event / Places limited – please book in advance / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / There is a charge for this event) Book tickets for Foraging Workshop and Balsam Bashing – The Carrs

Thursday, 8 June – Foraging Workshop and Balsam Bashing – Wilmslow Alongside our regular balsam bashing events we are trialling a partnership with Forager Jim, from Forage Box, who will be running a foraging section of the event for a heavily discounted price. All we ask in return is that you help out by pulling up a little balsam. This workshop is designed to get you as involved as possible – this includes identifying, picking and tasting a range of wild plants that will be found on the day, along with as much Himalayan Balsam removal as you like! Booking and payment in advance is essential. Adults £11, children 18 or under go free. Suitable for anyone over the age of 6. Time: 9.00am to 1.00pm Meeting point: Wilmslow Garden Centre, Manchester Road, Wilmslow SK9 2JN Leaders: Bollin Valley Partnership Ranger Emma and Forage Box Information: 01625 374790 (Children must be accompanied by an adult / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Partnership event / Places limited – please book in advance / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / There is a charge for this event) Book tickets for Foraging Workshop and Balsam Bashing – Wilmslow Saturday, 10 June – Ecology Ramble around Wilmslow Following on from two successful ecology walks in 2022, we are lucky enough to have the knowledge and expertise of local ecologist John Handley to guide us around Wilmslow and towards Alderley Edge. This walk will focus on ecology and landscape history, featuring the nationally important native Black Poplar trees, including some recently planted. Booking and payment in advance is essential. Adults £5, children 16 or under go free. Suitable for anyone over the age of 12. Time: 2.00pm to 4.30pm Meeting point: Wilmslow Leisure centre car park (overflow area), Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 1NB (SJ849809) Leaders: Bollin Valley Partnership Ranger Nik Ginn and local ecologist John Handley Information: 01625 374790 (Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Easy walking grade / Partial accessibility – level or ramped access / Partnership event / Places limited – please book in advance / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / There is a charge for this event / Wildlife walk / Event) Book tickets for Ecology Ramble around Wilmslow Sunday, 11 June – Foraging Workshop and Balsam Bash at Macclesfield Riverside Park Alongside our regular balsam bashing events we are trialling a partnership with Forager Jim, from Forage Box, who will be running a foraging section of the event for a heavily discounted price. All we ask in return is that you help out by pulling up a little balsam. This workshop is designed to get you as involved as possible – this includes identifying, picking and tasting a range of wild plants that will be found on the day, along with as much Himalayan Balsam removal as you like! Booking and payment in advance is essential. Adults £11, children 18 or under go free. Time: 9.00am to 1.00pm Meeting point: Riverside Park Ranger Centre, Beechwood Mews, Beech Lane, Macclesfield, SK10 2SL (SJ914745) Leaders: Bollin Valley Partnership Ranger Emma and Forage Box Information: 01625 374790 (Children must be accompanied by an adult / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Partnership event / Places limited – please book in advance / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / There is a charge for this event) Book tickets for Foraging Workshop and Balsam Bash at Macclesfield Riverside Park Monday, 12 June – Meditate with Nature – Bollington – June Experience the benefits of meditating with nature to support your mental and physical health, guided by Amanda, from Let’s Step In. A 30-minute guided meditation in nature around Bollington. There’s no better way to start the day than with Mother Nature herself. You’ll leave connected, energised and empowered for the week ahead. It’s worth getting out of bed for! Booking and payment in advance is essential. Cost £7 (join 6 sessions and get the 7th free). Time: 7.00am to 7.30am Meeting point: Bollington Labyrinth, Middlewood Way, Off Grimshaw Lane, Bollington, SK10 5NY (SJ929774) Leader: Amanda from Let’s Step In Information: Email Amanda from Let’s Step In (Easy walking grade / Healthy walk / Event / Partnership event / Places limited – please book in advance / Please leave your dog at home / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / There is a charge for this event) Book tickets for Meditate with Nature – Bollington Tuesday, 13 June – Birdwatching – Understanding Summer Birds with Nature Stuff (Tuesdays) Suitable for beginners, improvers and those wanting to learn more about bird identification, behaviour and conservation. The course will visit different locations each week. As well as identification tips and field craft the course will cover topics such as bird habitats and adaptations. Sessions will examine the environmental issues facing local bird populations and how wildlife habitat management practice can address them – new topics and issues considered every session! Enjoy getting out into local green spaces and understanding more about our wild birds. 2-hour sessions on the following Tuesday mornings – June 13th, 20th, 27th, July 4th and 11th. 2 hour sessions on Tuesday mornings 10.00am – 12.00pm noon Full Course fee (5 sessions) – £70. Fee to be paid in full at the start of the course. (Please note a minimum number of enrolments are required for the course to run. In the event of course cancellation full refunds will be given). For more information please call Tina Hanak 07870804413 Time: 10.00am to 12.00pm First Session June 13th: Teggsnose Reservoir car park, Holehouse Lane, Langley, SK11 0NB (SJ945718) Leaders: Nature Stuff – environmental educators Information: 07870804413 (Bring binoculars if you have them / Partnership event / Places limited – please book in advance / Please leave your dog at home / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / There is a charge for this event / Wildlife walk – Event) Book tickets for Birdwarching – Understanding Summer Birds (Tuesdays) Wednesday, 14 June – Birdwatching – Understanding Summer Birds with Nature Stuff (Wednesdays) Suitable for beginners, improvers and those wanting to learn more about bird identification, behaviour and conservation. The course will visit different locations each week. As well as identification tips and field craft the course will cover topics such as bird habitats and adaptations. Sessions will examine the environmental issues facing local bird populations and how wildlife habitat management practice can address them – new topics and issues considered every session! Enjoy getting out into local green spaces and understanding more about our wild birds. 2-hour sessions on the following Wednesday mornings – June 14th, 21st, 28th, July 5th and July 12th. 2 hour sessions on Wednesday mornings 10.00am – 12.00pm noon Full Course fee (5 sessions) – £70. Fee to be paid in full at the start of the course. (Please note a minimum number of enrolments are required for the course to run. In the event of course cancellation full refunds will be given). Time: 10.00am to 12.00pm First Session June 14th: Teggsnose Reservoir car park, Holehouse Lane, Langley, SK11 0NB (SJ945718) Leaders: Nature Stuff – environmental educators Information: 07870804413 (Bring binoculars if you have them / Partnership event / Places limited – please book in advance / Please leave your dog at home / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / There is a charge for this event / Wildlife walk – Event) Book tickets for Birdwatching – Understanding Summer Birds (Wednesdays) Wednesday, 14 June – Introduction to Climbing at Windgather Rocks – June A chance to experience the thrills of climbing in this introductory climbing session with Moorland Adventure. Suitable for anyone over the age of 9.  Booking and payment in advance is essential. Cost £18. Time: 7.00pm to 9.00pm Meeting point: Windgather Rocks, Side End Lane, Kettleshulme, SK23 7RF (SJ995777) Leaders: Moorland Adventure Information: 01625 573615 (Healthy walk – Event / Partnership event / Places limited – please book in advance / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / There is a charge for this event) Book tickets for Introduction to Climbing at Windgather – June Wednesday, 14 June – Bollin Valley Countryside Taster Day The Bollin Valley Countryside Taster Day is an outdoor event for all people with disabilities, with lots of activities on offer throughout the day. People can have a go at many types of experiences such as archery, sculpture, crafts, pond dipping and foraging. This year we will also have lots of animals for people to see such as chickens, ponies, sheep and even snakes! The event has limited places so it is essential to book by emailing the Bollin Valley Partnership. Time: 11.0am to 3.00pm Meeting point: Macclesfield Riverside Park, Beechwood Mews, Beech Lane, Macclesfield, SK10 2SL (SJ914745) Leaders: The Bollin Valley Partnership Information and Booking: Email the Bollin Valley Partnership (Bring a packed lunch / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Full accessibility – level or ramped access. Accessible toilets available / Places limited – please book in advance / Please leave your dog at home / There is a charge for this event) Book your places for the Bollin Valley Countryside Taster Day Saturday, 17 June – Macclesfield Bioblitz This is the annual ‘Bioblitz’ at Riverside Park. In partnership with the Mersey Rivers Trust, join experts discovering the birds, wildflowers, minibeasts and water life that can be found within the park. Drop-in activities throughout the day include butterfly walks, pond and river dipping, environmental art and wildlife stands in partnership with Mersey Rivers Trust. Suitable for anyone over the age of 5. Time: 10.00am to 2.00pm Meeting point: Riverside Park Ranger Centre, Beechwood Mews, Beech Lane, Macclesfield, SK10 2SL (SJ914745) Leaders: Bollin Valley Partnership Rangers Emma Houghton, Jim Middlemass and the Mersey Rivers Trust Information: 01625 374790 (Bring a packed lunch / Bring binoculars if you have them / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Easy walking grade / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Partial accessibility – level or ramped access / Partnership event / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Wildlife walk – Event) Saturday, 17 June – KEMS Macclesfield Concert Band at Tegg’s Nose Country Park Join the KEMS Macclesfield Concert Band for a FREE concert at the wonderful Tegg’s Nose County Park – relax and enjoy the stunning views across the valley whilst listening to the band (weather permitting!) Bring something to sit on! Time: 6:00pm to 7:00pm Meeting point: Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733) Leaders: KEMS Macclesfield Concert Band Information: 01625 374833 (Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Full accessibility – level or ramped access. Accessible toilets available / Moderate walking grade / Partnership event / Please leave your dog at home / Please wear suitable boots and clothing) Sunday, 18 June – Balsam Bash One The first in a series of annual Balsam bashing events. Help us to manage the threat of this invasive plant in the Bollin valley and get the ‘bashing bug’! This one is in the Bowdon area with help from Friends of Bowdon Bollin. Please bring thick gardening gloves along and we recommend you wearing long sleeves and trousers. Suitable for anyone over the age of 8. Time: 10.30am to 12.30pm Meeting point: Ashley Mill Bridge, Ashley, Altrincham (SJ767857). Parking available at Ashley Mill Lane WA14 3PY (SJ769854) Leaders: Bollin Valley Partnership Ranger Emma Houghton and Friends of Bowdon Bollin Information: 01625 374790 (Children must be accompanied by an adult / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Partnership event / Please leave your dog at home / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Strenuous walking grade / Wildlife walk – Event) Sunday, 18 June – Balsam Bash Two The second in a series of annual Balsam bashing events. Help us to manage the threat of this invasive plant in the Bollin valley and get the ‘bashing bug’! This one is in the Wilmslow area with help from the Friends of the Carrs. Please bring thick gardening gloves along and we recommend you wearing long sleeves and trousers. Suitable for anyone over the age of 8. Time: 2.00pm to 4.00pm Meeting point: Parish Hall Car Park, The Carrs Park, Cliff Road, Wilmslow, SK9 4AA (SJ847816) Leaders: Bollin Valley Partnership Ranger Emma Houghton and Friends of the Carrs Information: 01625 374790 (Children must be accompanied by an adult / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Partnership event / Please leave your dog at home / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Strenuous walking grade / Wildlife walk – Event) Tuesday, 20 June – Orienteering for All – Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve An evening event held by Manchester and District Orienteering Club. Courses suitable for everyone, beginners and experienced orienteers. Families and groups welcome. Instruction available. Time: 5:30pm to 8:15pm Meeting point: Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, Davenport Lane, Brereton, Congleton, CW12 4SU Leaders: Manchester and District Orienteering Club Information: Email the Manchester and District Orienteering Club, ring 0161 445 0902 or visit the Manchester and District Orienteering Club website (Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Healthy walk – Event / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Partnership event / Please leave your dog at home / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / There is a charge for this event) Pre-register for Orienteering for All – Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Wednesday, 21 June – Midsummer Sunset Walk A strenuous walk to the top of one of Cheshire’s highest peaks on the longest day of the year to hopefully enjoy far reaching views and the sun setting. Booking and payment in advance is essential. Cost £5. Suitable for anyone over the age of 12. Time: 8.30pm to 11.00pm Meeting point: Clough House Car Park, Wildboarclough, SK11 0BD Leader: Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Ed Pilkington Information: 01625 383700 (Bring binoculars if you have them / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Healthy walk – Event / Places limited – please book in advance / Please leave your dog at home / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Strenuous walking grade / There is a charge for this event) Book tickets for Midsummer Sunset Walk Saturday, 24 June – Ramble with the Rangers – Tegg’s Nose Country Park Join East Cheshire Ramblers and the Rangers for a circular 9.8km (6 mile) guided walk, from Tegg’s Nose Country Park, while looking out for signs of wildlife and enjoying the landscape. There will be two refreshment stops during the walk, with an opportunity to purchase refreshments from the Tegg’s Nose Tea Room at the beginning of the walk. Booking in advance is essential. Suitable for anyone over the age of 12. Time: 10.00am to 2.00pm Meeting point: Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)  Leaders: East Cheshire Ramblers and Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Martin James Information: 01625 374833 (Bring a packed lunch / Bring binoculars if you have them / Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Healthy walk – Event / Moderate walking grade / Partnership event / Places limited – please book in advance / Please leave your dog at home / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments / Strenuous walking grade) Book tickets for Ramble with the Rangers – Tegg’s Nose Country Park