Ranger Events – April/May 2025

Tuesday, 29 April – A Feast of Flowers

A morning stroll along the Biddulph Valley Way and through Dane-in-Shaw Pasture Site of Special Scientific Interest looking for spring wildflowers and chatting about some of their uses and folklore.

Booking and payment in advance essential. Adults £7.50, children 16 or under go free.

Time: 10.00am to 1.00pm
Meeting point: Henshall Hall Drive (park on road just before canal), Congleton, CW12 3TA (SJ876622)
Leader: Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Carolyn Sherratt
Information: 01477 534115
(Children must be accompanied by an adult / Moderate walking grade / 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 A Feast of Flowers

Wednesday, 30 April – Birdwatching – Understanding Spring Birds with Nature Stuff II – 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 – April 30th, May 7th.

2 hour sessions on Wednesday mornings 10.00am – 12.00pm noon

Full Course fee (2 sessions) – £30. 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

First Session April 30th: Teggsnose Reservoir car park, Holehouse Lane, Langley, SK11 0NB (SJ945718).

Time: 10.00am to 12.00pm
Leaders: Nature Stuff – environmental educators
Information: 07870804413
(Bring binoculars if you have them / Moderate walking grade / 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 Spring Birds II – Wednesdays

May 2025 Events

Friday, 2 May – Community woodland management

Astbury Mere Country Park is 16ha of open space on the outskirts of Congleton. In 2024 it was awarded ‘Community Woodland of the Year’ by the Royal Forestry Society.

But what qualities make this popular recreational site so special? Join the Countryside Rangers, and Forester Luke Myatt for a guided walk around the park to see how we actively manage the park’s trees whilst providing opportunities for public enjoyment and engagement with the landscape

Booking and payment in advance essential. Adults £7.50, children 16 or under go free.

Time: 6.30pm to 8.00pm
Meeting point: Car park, Astbury Mere Country Park, Sandy Lane, Congleton, CW12 4FR
Leaders: Cheshire East Council Countryside Rangers and Forester Luke Myatt
Information: 01477 534115(Car parking charge / Easy walking grade / Healthy walk – Event / 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)

Book tickets for Community Woodland Management

Tuesday, 6 May – 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 first Tuesday morning of the month.

Time: 10:00am to 11:00am
Meeting point: Astbury Mere Country Park, Sandy Lane, Congleton, CW12 4FR (SJ846627)
Leaders: 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)

Wednesday, 7 May – Bracken Bashing at Tegg’s Nose

A hands-on volunteering opportunity to help Ranger Martin maintain / improve the heathland habitat on the slopes of Tegg’s Nose Country Park.

We’ll be selectively ‘bashing’ areas of bracken with wooden stales to stop it from shading out the heather and bilberry.

Booking in advance is essential. Suitable for anyone over the age of 12.

Please note that the work site is on a steep slope which is only accessible by walking from the top of the park. This activity is physically challenging but there will be plenty of opportunities for breaks.

Time: 10.00am to 2.00pm
Meeting point: Tegg’s Nose Country Park Visitor Centre, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
Leader: Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Martin James
Information: 01625 374833
(Bring a packed lunch / Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Healthy walk – Event / Places limited – please book in advance / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments / Strenuous walking grade / Wildlife walk – Event)

Book tickets for Bracken Bashing at Tegg’s Nose

Friday, 9 May – Batty about Bats

Join South Lancashire Bat Group and Bollin Valley Partnership Ranger Naomi on a majestic bat walk as the sun starts to fade and dusk draws in.

This is the perfect opportunity to learn more about bats in their natural environment. You will learn the importance of bats and you may even get to see and hear them. Learn how to identify different species of bat using bat detectors.

Booking and payment in advance is essential. Adults £7.50, children 16 or under go free. Please bring a torch.

Time: 8.45pm to 10:00pm
Meeting point: Parish Hall Car Park, The Carrs, Cliff Road, Wilmslow, SK9 4AA (SJ847816)
Leaders: South Lancashire Bat Group and Bollin Valley Partnership Ranger Naomi Skimming
Information: 01625 374790
(Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Easy walking grade / 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 Batty about Bats

Saturday, 10 May – Mottram St. Andrew Walk

Booking and payment in advance essential. Adults £7.50, children 16 or under go free.

Time: 9:30am to 1:00pm
Meeting point: Moss Lane, Mottram St. Andrew, SK10 4QZ (SJ874785)
Leaders: Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Ed Pilkington
Information: 01625 374800
(Bring binoculars if you have them / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Healthy walk – Event / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Moderate walking grade / Please leave your dog at home / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / There is a charge for this event)

Book tickets for Mottram St. Andrew Walk

Wednesday, 14 May – Bracken Bashing Again at Tegg’s Nose

A hands-on volunteering opportunity to help Ranger Martin maintain / improve the heathland habitat on the slopes of Tegg’s Nose Country Park.

We’ll be selectively ‘bashing’ areas of bracken with wooden stales to stop it from shading out the heather and bilberry.

Booking in advance is essential. Suitable for anyone over the age of 12.

Please note that the work site is on a steep slope which is only accessible by walking from the top of the park. This activity is physically challenging but there will be plenty of opportunities for breaks.

Time: 10.00am to 2.00pm
Meeting point: Tegg’s Nose Country Park Visitor Centre, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
Leader: Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Martin James
Information: 01625 374833
(Bring a packed lunch / Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Healthy walk – Event / Places limited – please book in advance / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments / Strenuous walking grade / Wildlife walk – Event)

Book tickets for Bracken Bashing Again at Tegg’s Nose

Wednesday, 14 May – Introduction to Climbing at Windgather Rocks – One

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 £20.

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 Rocks – One

Wednesday, 21 May – Birds, butterflies and wildflowers of Higher Poynton

A leisurely walk around Jacksons’ Brickworks Local Nature Reserve and the Middlewood Way.

We will listen and look for the area’s resident birds as well as early spring migrants including chiffchaff, willow warbler and blackcap.

We will also be on the lookout for spring butterflies including orange tip and brimstone, while enjoying the wildflowers along the way. This is a slow-paced walk of 1.6km (1 mile).

Booking and payment in advance is essential. Adults £7.50, children 16 or under go free.

Time: 9.00am to 11.00am
Meeting point: Jacksons’ Brickworks Car Park, Pool House Road, Higher Poynton, SK12 1TY (SJ945844)
Leaders: Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Pete Dowse
Information: 01625 383700
(Bring binoculars if you have them / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Easy walking grade / Healthy walk – Event / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Partial accessibility – level or ramped access / 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 Birds, butterflies and wildflowers of Higher Poynton

Thursday, 22 May – Plein Air Painting Workshop: Sky, Clouds and Aerial Perspective Workshop

Join us for fun Plein Air painting workshops in 2025 at Tegg’s Nose Country Park. In each workshop, experienced professional painters, Christopher Clements and Kieran Ingram, will help you capture a different aspect of landscape painting.

Workshop Price £85, reserve your place with a £25 deposit on Eventbrite, the remainder will be invoiced before the course.

In May’s workshop we’ll focus on painting the sky and distance. The sky is key to landscape painting, it provides a dramatic backdrop for the whole picture and is often one of the first considerations.

You’ll look at types of clouds and their structure, what they’re doing and how they recede into the distance. Combine this with colour shifts as things get further away, and you’ll create great atmosphere and depth in your work.

We’ll cover:

• types and behaviour of clouds
• warm and cool colour
• aerial perspective and atmosphere

All the Plein Air workshops we’re running this summer are based on the Tonalist approach which focuses on interpretation of the light & dark tones of the landscape, while simplifying the colours. The approach will help you to make sense of what you see. You’ll be able to organise it into a well-structured painting, evoking the simple beauty of your environment.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned painter, these workshops are perfect for anyone looking to improve their Plein Air painting skills. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get out of the studio and unleash your creativity in the great outdoors.

You can book for one or all of the workshops, to fit your schedule.

Plein Air Painting, Sky, Clouds and Aerial Perspective Workshop Agenda

10:00 -12:30 Painting Exercises

You’ll spend the morning looking at different types of clouds, how they behave and how to paint them. We’ll also look at how contrast and colour changes between the sky above you and the horizon.

12:30 – 13:30 Lunch

13:30 – 15:30 Long Plein Air Painting Study

In the afternoon you’ll put the skills you’ve learned into practice to produce a Plein Air study of the sky and horizon.

Time: 10.00am to 3.00pm
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 and Aerial Perspective Workshop

Sunday, 25 May – Tegg’s Nose Rocks – Geology Walk

Join Geologist Kate Riddington and Tegg’s Nose Country Park Ranger Martin James to explore the geological history of the park and wider Cheshire Plain.

We will walk the ‘Tegg’s Nose Rocks!’ trail and help you to spot evidence of recent Ice Ages or ripples from a river flowing some 325 million years ago! It’s easy walking, with lots of interesting geology to explore.

Suitable for accompanied children over the age of 7. Booking and payment in advance is essential. Adults £7.50, children 16 or under, go free.

Time: 10.00am to 12.30pm
Meeting point: Tegg’s Nose Country Park Visitor Centre, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
Leaders: Geologist Kate Riddington and Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Martin James
Information: 01625 374833
(Car parking charge / Easy walking grade / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Partnership event / Places limited – please book in advance / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments / There is a charge for this event)

Book tickets for Tegg’s Nose Rocks – Geology Walk

Monday, 26 May to Friday, 30 May – Moorland Adventure May Half-Term Kids Activity Club

A great way to experience some varied exciting activities in the countryside with local experts Moorland Adventure! Based at Tegg’s Nose Country Park, each day focuses on different activities and it will give you a taste of adventure!

Suitable for anyone between the ages of 8 and 16. Booking and payment in advance is essential. All day 2 and 4 participants must be “Water confident”.

Day 1 – Monday 26th May – Archery and Orienteering at Tegg’s Nose
Day 2 – Tuesday 27th May – Canoeing, Kayaking and Paddleboarding at Rudyard Lake
Day 3 – Wednesday 28th May – Climb and Abseil at Tegg’s Nose
Day 4 – Thursday 29th May – Canoeing, Kayaking and Paddleboarding at Rudyard Lake
Day 5 – Friday 30th May – Bushcraft and Tree Climbing at Tegg’s Nose

Cost £38.50 per day.

Activities run from 9.00am to 4.00pm but to allow for maximum flexibility, you can drop off your child from 8.30am and collect at any time between 4.00pm and 5.00pm.

Book your places before the 12th of May for a 15% discount – use coupon code may15-2025 when booking your tickets.

Please bring a packed lunch and drinks with you each day.

Days 1, 3 and 5 Meeting point: Tegg’s Nose Country Park Visitor Centre, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
Day 2 and 4 Meeting point: Rudyard Lake, Rudyard, ST13 8RN (SJ950580)

Time: 8.30am to 5.00pm
Meeting point: Tegg’s Nose Country Park Visitor Centre, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
Leaders: Moorland Adventure 
Information: 01625 573615
(Bring a packed lunch / Car parking charge / Partnership event / Places limited – please book in advance / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / There is a charge for this event)

Book tickets for Moorland Adventure May Half-Term Kids Activity Club

Tuesday, 27 May – 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 £20 per person. Minimum of 4 attendees required for this event to take place.

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