Activities for Children

November marks the start of Winter and our sites are full of fungi, such as the waxcaps above, photographed by Ranger Cal recently at Dane-In-Shaw Pasture SSSI.

The Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Service events programme is starting to wind down as the Rangers are busy making their way through their winter works lists across the Cheshire East countryside sites that we manage.

However we’ve still got a few events taking place during November and December!

Take a look at our upcoming listings below. We hope to see at some of our events this November / December.

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!

Our next events newsletter will be winging it’s way to you in February 2024. Hope you enjoy a fantastic winter in the Cheshire East Countryside!

Wednesday, 1 November – Birdwatching – Understanding More About 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 – November 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th.

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 November 1st: 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 Understanding More About Autumn Birds with Nature Stuff – Wednesdays

Tuesday, 7 November – 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, 11 November – Tegg’s Nose : Stargazing Evening – November

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 Saturn 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 Visitor Centre, Tegg’s Nose Country Park, 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)

Sunday, 26 November – Bodge It

Drop in any time between 11am and 3pm to watch Ranger Ed use a traditional pole lathe to turn logs into chair legs and learn how the process works.

Time: 11.00am to 3.00pm
Meeting point: Nelson Pit Visitor Centre, Lyme Road, Higher Poynton, Cheshire SK12 1TH
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 / Historical walk – Event / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments)

Sunday, 3 December – Poynton Park Tree Wander

Come and learn about our native trees and how to identify them on a short walk around Poynton Park. Slow paced walk of around 1.6km (1 mile).

Booking and payment in advance essential. Adults £5, children 16 or under go free.

Time: 10.30am to 12.00pm
Meeting point: Poynton Park Car Park, South Park Drive, Poynton, SK12 1BR
Leaders: Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Pete Dowse
Information: 01625 383700
(Bring binoculars if you have them
Children must be accompanied by an adult / 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)

Tuesday, 5 December – 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 December to Friday, 22 December – Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Elf Hunt

The Elves are on the loose in the park! Can you find them all and collect their names? 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 9th of December and 22nd December.

Time: 9.00am to 4.00pm
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
(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, 9 December to Friday, 22 December – Tegg’s Nose Country Park Elf Hunt

The Elves are on the loose in the park! Can you find them all and collect their names? Pick up a map from the Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre and get searching around the top of the park.

Maps available to collect between 9.00am to 4.00pm between the 9th of December and 22nd December. Please bring a pen / pencil with you.

Time: 9.00am to 4.00pm
Meeting point: Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre, Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
Leaders: Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Service
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 / There is a charge for this event)

Saturday, 9 December – Orienteering for All – Macclesfield Riverside 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: Macclesfield Riverside Park Car Park, Manchester Road, Tytherington, Macclesfield SK10 2SL (SJ914 745)
Leaders: Manchester and District Orienteering Club
Information: Email MDOC, ring 01663 764799 or visit the MDOC website
(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)