Cheshire East Ranger Events – March 2024

It may not feel like it, but Spring is round the corner!

The days are getting longer and brighter, and yesterday Ranger Martin heard his first Skylark singing above the fields at Tegg’s Nose Country Park in Macclesfield.

The bird song is definitely becoming more obvious, as we walk around our countryside sites, and as it’s National Nest Box Week it’s a great time to clean out your bird boxes, or put up some more homes for wildlife in your own garden!

Click the link above for some great ideas and tips on how to make your garden friendlier for native wildlife.

It’s also a fantastic time to get out and enjoy the countryside as we transition from Winter to Spring.

Get your tickets booked ASAP so you don’t miss out!

Last Chance to Book

Sunday, 25th February – Hedge-laying for Beginners Again

Hedgelaying is the traditional way to maintain boundary hedges. This hands on event will introduce you to basic hedge laying techniques and the different tools required to complete the job.

Booking and payment in advance essential. Cost £25. Suitable for anyone over the age of 16.

Time: 10:00am to 4:00pm
Meeting point: Stirling Close Conservation Area, Congleton, CW12 4US
Leaders: Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Matthew Axford
Information: 01260 297237
(Bring a packed lunch / 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 Hedgelaying for Beginners Again

Wednesday, 28th February – Battling the Birch

Lindow Common is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which means we have to manage it to maintain its special heathland qualities. Unless we manage the self-seeding trees, the area will quickly revert to woodland and not the endangered lowland heathland we are protecting.

Help the rangers to clear the birch trees from the site and make birch bundles for use on other sites as riverbank protection. All equipment is provided but please bring gloves and wear sturdy boots as the terrain is rough.

Booking in advance is essential. Suitable for anyone over the age of 10.

Time: 10:00am to 3:00pm
Meeting point: Lindow Common Car Park, Racecourse Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5LR (SJ833814)
Leaders: Bollin Valley Partnership Ranger Nik Ginn
Information: 01625 374790
(Bring a packed lunch / 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 leave your dog at home / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Wildlife walk / Event).

Book tickets for Battling the Birch

March 2024 Events

Tuesday, 5th March – Outdoor Fitness Class at Astbury Mere Country Park

Are looking for a fitness class during the week that’s outside and you can bring your child?

Open to everyone even if you are wanting to add extra training to your week or wanting to get fit after having a child in a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere. No matter what fitness level you are the class can be tailored to suit all abilities.

The sessions vary each week depending on numbers and the weather. They can include full body toning, cardio sessions, core work and flexibility.

Suitable for anyone over the age of 18. No booking necessary, just turn up and pay as you go £6 per person.

This event repeats every Tuesday morning of the month.

Time: 10.00am to 11.00am
Meeting point: Astbury Mere Country Park, Sandy Lane, Congleton, CW12 4FR (SJ846627)
Leader: Personal Trainer Kelly Morley
Information: 07803 245590 or email Kelly Morley
(Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Healthy walk – Event / Partnership event / Please leave your dog at home / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments / There is a charge for this event).

Saturday, 16th March – Tegg’s Nose: Stargazing Evening – March

If you’ve ever looked up at the starry night sky and been enthralled by what you’ve seen then join Macclesfield Astronomical Society for an evening of astronomy. There will be talks suitable for all levels of interest, including photos of the sky and astronomical objects, with opportunity to ask questions and (if the weather is clear) to observe the sky with MaccAstro’s guidance and to see celestial objects through their telescopes.

You are welcome to bring your own binoculars or telescopes if you wish. Be prepared for dark outdoor conditions and night temperatures.

Booking and payment in advance is essential. Cost £5.

Observing highlights: If the weather is clear, there may be the opportunity to see The Moon and Jupiter through a telescope, and the possibility of seeing constellations, galaxies, nebulae and star clusters which, along with the talks, will give more understanding about the night sky and how to observe it with your own eyes.

Time: 7:30pm to 10:30pm
Meeting point: Tegg’s Nose Country Park Visitor Centre, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
Leaders: Macclesfield Astronomical Society
Information: 01625 374833
(Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Easy walking grade / Full accessibility – level or ramped access. Accessible toilets available / 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).

SOLD OUT

Sunday, 17th March – Chainsaw carving at Hare Hill, National Trust Gardens

Drop in any time between 11.00am and 3.00pm to watch talented chainsaw carver, Ranger Ed, carve a native creature from a wind-blown tree. Take time to enjoy the gardens and drop back in to see the carving progress.

If you are a National Trust member please remember to bring your card, if you are not a member, current National Trust charges will apply to gain entry to the garden.

Time: 11:00am to 3:00pm
Meeting point: Hare Hill Garden National Trust, Prestbury Road, Over Alderley, SK10 4PY
Leader: Cheshire East Countryside Ranger Ed Pilkington
Information: 01625 383700
(Car parking charge / Easy walking grade / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Partnership event / Please leave your dog at home).

Wednesday, 20th March – Battling the Birch Two

Lindow Common is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which means we have to manage it to maintain its special heathland qualities. Unless we manage the self-seeding trees, the area will quickly revert to woodland and not the endangered lowland heathland we are protecting.

Help the rangers to clear the birch trees from the site and make birch bundles for use on other sites as riverbank protection. All equipment is provided but please bring gloves and wear sturdy boots as the terrain is rough.

Booking in advance is essential. Suitable for anyone over the age of 10.

Time: 10:00am to 3:00pm.
Meeting point: Lindow Common Car Cark, Racecourse Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5LR (SJ833814)
Leader: Bollin Valley Partnership Ranger Nik Ginn
Information: 01625 374790
(Bring a packed lunch / 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 leave your dog at home / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Wildlife walk / Event).

Book tickets for Battling for Birch Two

Saturday, 23rd March to Sunday, 14th April – Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Easter Hunt

Ranger Mark’s Easter Eggs have been stolen! Can you help him find the wildlife that has taken them and collect their names? Pick up a map from near the visitor centre and get searching around the park.

Time: Maps available to collect between 9.00am to 4.00pm between the 23rd of April and 14th April
Meeting point: Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, Davenport Lane, Brereton, Congleton, CW12 4SU (SJ794653)
Leaders: Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Service
Information: 01477 534115
(Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Car parking charge / Healthy Walk – Event).

Saturday, 23rd March to Sunday, 14th April – Tegg’s Nose Country Park Easter Hunt

Ranger Martin’s Easter Eggs have been stolen! Can you help him find the wildlife that has taken them and collect their names? Collect a map from the visitor centre and get searching around the top of the park.

Please bring a pen / pencil with you. Maps available to collect between 9.00am to 4.00pm between the 23rd of March and 14th April.

Time: Maps available to purchase between 9.00am to 4.00pm between the 23rd of March and 14th April
Meeting point: Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
Leaders: Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Service
Information: 01625 374833
(Please wear suitable boots and clothing / There is a charge for this event / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Car parking charge / Healthy Walk – Event / Partnership event).

Saturday, 30th March – Operation Recall at Tegg’s Nose Country Park

Cheshire Police, the RSPCA and Naturewatch Foundation have come together to create Operation Recall.

The initiative aims to raise awareness of livestock worrying and help to prevent future incidents.

Come and visit officer’s from Cheshire Police’s Rural Crime Team and staff from Naturewatch Foundation, at Tegg’s Nose Country Park, to learn about the project and what we can all do to protect livestock, your dog and how we can work together to try and reduce the devastating effects of Livestock Worrying and Attacks.

Find out more about Operation Recall at the Naturewatch Foundation website.

Time: 10.00am to 4.00pm
Meeting point: Tegg’s Nose Country Park Visitor Centre, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
Leaders: Cheshire Police, the RSPCA and the Naturewatch Foundation
Information: Naturewatch Foundation website
(Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Easy walking grade / Full accessibility – level or ramped access. Accessible toilets available / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Partnership event / Please wear suitable boots and clothing).