Ranger events – September 2023

The countryside sites, around Cheshire East, have been busy with families this past month, due to the school holidays.

It’s been great to see lots of people’s fingers and faces purple with the juice of bilberries and blackberries.

The weather has been unpredictable but the sites have been filled with wildlife for all to enjoy. Unfortunately, some of our Spring / Summer visitors are now leaving for far away shores. The swifts went some weeks ago and the swallows can be seen lining up on telephone wires, in big groups, a sure sign that their migration will begin soon.

As for Autumn, for some folk, it’s their favourite season, as the leaves change colour and start to fall from the trees. The Rangers are already planning their ‘winter works’, the habitat works that will take place when nature is less active.

The Ranger Service, and our event partners, still have some great events to look forward to, as the nights draw in, so take a look at our upcoming listings below. We hope to see at some of our events this September.

Scroll right to the bottom of the email to see all of this month’s events and get your tickets booked ASAP so you don’t miss out!

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

Are you 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, 9 September – Dabble with Dowsing

If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at the ancient art of water divining, now’s your chance.

Local folklore and traditions enthusiast, Bollin Valley Partnership Ranger Euan Murray, will show you the techniques and then let you loose to try it out!

Suitable for adults and accompanied children over 10. Booking and payment in advance is essential. Cost £5, children 16 or under, go free.

Time: 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Meeting point: Junction of Wilmslow Park South and Cow Lane, Wilmslow Park, Wilmslow Park South, Wilmslow SK9 2DH (SJ853813)
Leader: Bollin Valley Partnership Ranger Euan Murray
Information: 01625 374790
(Easy walking grade / Ideal for families and accompanied children / 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)

Sunday, 10 September – Dog Behaviour Clinic with Vic Barlow, the Dogfather

Many owners of otherwise obedient dogs have trouble maintaining behaviour on walks.

Dogs that will come when called in the garden often go deaf when they meet other dogs. Walking quietly to heel is often a problem in a more distracting outdoor environment.

During this short outdoor behaviour class, at Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Vic will demonstrate, in a more natural environment, how to transfer good obedience work into the real world and also essential techniques for dealing with livestock encountered during walks in the countryside.

Following this free session there is the option of a short paid ‘one to one’ training session with Vic (Cost £10 – any funds raised will be donated to Animal Support Volunteers). Please email Vic Barlow to also book a ‘one to one’ session.

Time: 10.00pm to 2.00pm
Meeting point: Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
Leader: Local Dog Trainer Vic Barlow
Information: 01625 374833
(Car parking charge / Easy walking grade / Partnership event / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments)

Tuesday, 12 September – Birdwatching – Understanding Autumn 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 – September 12th and 19th, October 3rd, 10th and 17th.

PLEASE NOTE THERE IS NO SESSION ON TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 26TH.

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).

Wednesday, 13 September – Birdwatching – Understanding Autumn 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 – September 13th and 20th, October 4th, 11th and 18th.

PLEASE NOTE THERE IS NO SESSION ON WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 27TH.

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 September 13th: Tegg’s Nose Country Park Visitor Centre, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
Leaders: Nature Stuff – environmental educators
Information: 07870804413
(Bring binoculars if you have them / 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 / Wildlife walk – Event)

Saturday, 16 September – Orienteering for All – Tegg’s Nose Country Park

A morning event held by Manchester and District Orienteering Club. Courses suitable for everyone, beginners and experienced orienteers.

Families and groups welcome. Instruction available.

There is a charge for this event. Adults £4, Children £2.

Everyone should Pre-register using the MDOC Registration System. This will guarantee a map is available. Limited EOD, subject to map availability.

Please pay by contactless card at Registration on the day. Please arrive in time to pay before your start.

Time: 10:00am to 1:15pm
Meeting point: Tegg’s Nose Country Park Visitor Centre, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
Leaders: Manchester and District Orienteering Club

Saturday, 16 September – River Clean Up

After a great community led river clean up in 2022, we are making it an annual event and hope to attract more people to come and join in.

In partnership with local church groups and Mersey Rivers Trust, we will be concentrating on the river itself, clearing the riverbed of litter such as shopping trolleys, traffic cones and plastic.

Time: 10.00am to 3.00pm
Meeting point: Macclesfield Riverside Park, Beechwood Mews, Macclesfield SK10 2SL
Leaders: Bollin Valley Rangers Jim Middlemass and Emma Houghton
Information: 01625 374790
(Children must be accompanied by an adult / Partnership event / Please wear suitable boots and clothing)

Wednesday, 20 September – Meadow Management at Rossmill

Help the Ranger and volunteers from BEACON to look after the wildflower meadow at Rossmill.

By cutting and removing this years growth we allow flower seeds the space and light to germinate and prevent the grasses from becoming dominant. Due to the nature of the site it is hard to get machinery in to do the work so it is done by hand. We will also be sowing more yellow rattle seeds as this wildflower parasitizes grass roots further helping the flowers compete.

Booking in advance is essential. Please bring gardening gloves and a packed lunch. Suitable for anyone over the age of 10.

Time: 10.00am to 3.00pm
Meeting point: Meet at the site entrance on Rossmill Lane, Hale Barns, WA15 0EU (SJ787849)
Leader: Bollin Valley Partnership Ranger Roger Brereton
Information: 01625 374790
(Bring a packed lunch / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Partnership event / Places limited – please book in advance / Please leave your dog at home / Please wear suitable boots and clothing)

Sunday, 24 September – Outdoor Fitness at Tegg’s Nose Country Park

A 2-hour outdoor fitness session for those wanting something a bit different as part of their fitness regime!

The session will involve a warmup and cool down with running, steps, hill sprints along with a variety of exercises!

The class is not for the faint-hearted but for those wanting a challenge and who like being in the outdoors in a fantastic country park!

Booking and payment in advance is essential. Cost £15. Suitable for anyone over the age of 18.

Time: 9.00am to 11.00am
Meeting point: Tegg’s Nose Country Park Visitor Centre, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP
Leader: 07803 245590 or email Kelly Morley
Information: 07803 245590
(Car parking charge / Healthy walk / Event / 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 / There is a charge for this event)

Tuesday, 26 September – Timbersbrook to Congleton Edge – Gritstone Trail Circular Walk

Join the Ranger for this 8.5 mile (13.7 km) walk starting off following the Gritstone Trail before circling back to Timbersbrook.

We’ll cross farmland, pass through woodlands, follow old railway lines and Congleton Edge and visit a nationally important grassland, enjoying views across Cheshire and Staffordshire on the way. Some short steep climbs and descents.

Booking and payment is essential. Adults £5, children 16 or under go free. Suitable for anyone over the age of 12.

Time: 10.00am to 3.00pm
Meeting point: Timbersbrook Picnic Area, Weathercock Lane, Timbersbrook, Congleton, CW12 3PP (SJ894626)
Leader: Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Carolyn Sherratt
Information: 01477 534115
(Bring a packed lunch / Healthy walk – Event / Moderate walking grade / Places limited – please book in advance / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / There is a charge for this event)

Saturday, 30 September – Chainsaw carving at Macclesfield Forest

Drop in to watch talented chainsaw carver Ranger Ed create a sculpture of a native animal from a piece of timber from the forest.

The carving will remain in situ as part of an on site sculpture trail in the Forest.

Time: 10.30am to 2.30pm
Meeting point: Trentabank Peak District National Park Visitor Centre, Standing Stone Road, Langley, Cheshire, SK11 0NS (SJ962711)
Leader: Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Ed Pilkington
Information: 01625 383700
(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 / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments)

Supporting good governance at Cheshire East Council

Do you have practical experience in financial management or accountancy?

Are high standards of ethical behaviour important to you?

If so, we’re looking for an independent member to sit on our Audit and Governance Committee – helping to support good governance at Cheshire East Council.

Specific training will be provided.

Deadline: Friday 8 September

Find out more and apply here