Ranger events – October 2023

There’s a chill in the air and woodlands are transitioning from green to autumnal oranges and browns across the Cheshire East countryside sites.

As we approach October, preparations are underway for the conservation grazing cattle, at a number of our sites, to head to their winter under-cover housing.

There are still wildlife sightings to enjoy at this time of year as fungi fruiting bodies pop up and bird migrations continue prior to the colder months.

The Ranger Service, and our event partners, still have some great events coming up, so take a look at our upcoming listings below. We hope to see at some of our events this October.

Tuesday, 3 October – 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)

Wednesday, 11 October – 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)

Saturday, 21 October 2023 to Sunday, 29 October 2023

Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Halloween Trail

Some spooky visitors are visiting the Nature Reserve this half-term! Can you explore the park and find them all? Pick up a map from near the visitor centre and get searching around the park.

Maps available to collect between 9.00am to 4.00pm between the 21st of October and 29th October.

Time: 9.00am to 4.00pm
Meeting point: Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, Davenport Lane, Brereton, Congleton, CW12 4SU (SJ794653)
Leader: Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Service
Information: 01477 534115
(Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Healthy walk – Event / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Moderate walking grade / Partnership event / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments)

Saturday, 21 October 2023 to Sunday, 29 October 2023 – Tegg’s Nose Country Park Halloween Trail

Some spooky visitors are visiting the park this half-term! Can you explore the park and find them all? Buy a map from the Tegg’s Nose Tea Room for 50p and get searching around the top of the park.

Each map purchased entitles you to a 50p discount off one hot drink from Tegg’s Nose Tea Room following completion of the trail.

Please bring a pen / pencil with you and 50p in cash for the map. Maps available to purchase between 9.00am to 5.00pm between the 21st of October and 29th October.

Time: 9.00am to 5.00pm
Meeting point: Tegg’s Nose Tea Room, Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
Leader: Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Service & Tegg’s Nose Tea Room
Information: 01625 374833
(Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Healthy walk – Event / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Moderate walking grade / Partnership event / Please wear suitable boots and clothing /Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments / There is a charge for this event)

Tuesday, 24 October to Thursday, 26 October – Moorland Adventure October 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.

Day 1 – Tuesday, 24 October – Archery, Problem Solving and Orienteering
Day 2 – Wednesday, 25 October – Climbing and Abseiling
Day 3 – Thursday, 26 October – Bushcraft and Tree Climbing

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.

Please bring a packed lunch and drinks with you each day or you can purchase a packed lunch option (including sandwich, drink and snack) from Tegg’s Nose Tea Room. Breakfast and afternoon snacks are also available to purchase from the Tea Room before and after the activity club sessions.

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 / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments / There is a charge for this event)

Sunday, 29 October – Chainsaw carving at Hare Hill Garden

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.

Free entry to National Trust members (bring membership card), National Trust charges at time will apply to non-members.

Time: 11.00am to 3.00pm
Meeting point: Hare Hill Garden, Prestbury Road, Over Alderley, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 4PY
Leaders: 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 / Please leave your dog at home)

Tuesday, 31 October – Birdwatching – Understanding More About 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 – October 31st, November 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th.

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 October 31st: Tegg’s Nose Country Park Visitor Centre, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
Leader: 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)