MID CHESHIRE WILDLIFE GROUP

Your Local Group of the Cheshire Wildlife Trust

NEWSLETTER AUTUMN 2008

From the Chairman

Jacki Hulse led a very interesting and enjoyable walk in July for over thirty members and friends from Acton Bridge down to Dutton Locks and across the River Weaver to visit the Trust’s newest reserve at Dutton Park Farm. Our Chairman David Norman and several Trustees were able to join us on the walk. We learnt a lot about both the local wildlife and human activity and were able to continue chatting over a glass of wine afterwards. Thanks Jacki!

We plan to continue this mix of wildlife events and social activities in the Group as you can see from our planned Autumn Events, so if you have any good ideas for Group events please let me know

Best Wishes, Peter Young

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS

Anyone joining the Cheshire Wildlife Trust and living in Mid Cheshire, is automatically a member of the Mid Cheshire Group. The group provides a programme of outdoor events, monthly winter working parties, a lecture meeting often held jointly with another local environmental group, and spring plant sales. Ideas for other activities are welcomed by the committee.

Other local news:

This year the spring birdsong walks had to manage without the leadership of David Norman or Joan Fairhurst, although both managed to join us for the late April walk. No crossbills this year but lots of warblers to delight us with their song. As usual the early morning walk was a particular highlight with 16 early risers meeting at 5.30 am at Barnsbridge Gates. Nuthatches and great spotted woodpeckers were seen feeding their young in adjacent trees. A spotted flycatcher was observed, quite a rare sight these days. After a sausage sandwich breakfast we went on to Eddisbury Hill and Old Pale in glorious sunshine and saw migrating yellow wagtails, young ravens, skylarks and heard many warblers. We didn't finish till 11.30. Thanks to everyone who contributed their expertise and/or enthusiasm to these walks.

Thanks also to Peter and Caroline for their hospitality after the Dutton Park Farm walk. What was to have been a drink of wine in the garden turned into an invasion of their house when the balmy summer evening envisaged did not materialise.

Working Parties on the first Sunday of each month

A number of the Trust’s Reserves in our area need ongoing work. This usually involves the removal of more aggressive plants which if left would dominate and change the habitat. Volunteers are provided with tools and supervised. We can promise good company and good exercise.

As the venues have not yet been fixed please contact Harold Fielding 01606 882529, h.fielding@tiscali.co.uk for further information.