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It's not long till Easter and the birds can be heard singing their hearts out and the blackthorn is beginning to burst into flower across all the sites that the Countryside Ranger Service and Bollin Valley Partnership manage.
If you are enjoying the warmer days, keep an eye out on what's out and about in the remaining weeks of March:
- Look out for redwings, fieldfares and bramblings, our winter visitor’s, departing North to their breeding grounds. Open fields and hedgerows are a good place to see them.
- Late March sees the arrival of sand martins and chiffchaffs that breed and spend the summer here. Listen for song thrush, blackbird and drumming great spotted woodpeckers advertising their territories.
- Willow catkins open and attract the brimstone butterfly. The blackthorns white flowers open on bare branches.
- Look out for brown hares boxing and chasing each other in nearby fields (Hare photo above by Alan Brown, regular visitor to Tegg's Nose Country Park).
- Wild flowers such as wood anemone and lesser celandine start to open.
Scroll right to the bottom of the email to see all of next month's 14 events and get your tickets booked ASAP so you don't miss out!
April 2025 Events
Tuesday 1 April - Birdwatching – Understanding Spring Birds with Nature Stuff I - 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 - April 1st, 8th and 15th.
2 hour sessions on Tuesday mornings 10.00am - 12.00pm noon
Full Course fee (3 sessions) - £45. 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 1st: Tegg’s Nose Country Park Visitor Centre, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733).
Time: 10.00am to 12.00pm Leader: Nature Stuff – environmental educators Information: 07870804413 (Bring binoculars if you have them / Car parking charge / Moderate 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 / Wildlife walk - Event)
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Tuesday 1 April - 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)
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Wednesday 2 April - Understanding Spring Birds with Nature Stuff I - 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 2nd, 9th and 16th.
2 hour sessions on Wednesday mornings 10.00am - 12.00pm noon
Full Course fee (3 sessions) - £45. 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 2nd: Tegg’s Nose Country Park Visitor Centre, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733).
Time: 10.00am to 12.00pm Leader: Nature Stuff – environmental educators Information: 07870804413 (Bring binoculars if you have them / Car parking charge / Moderate 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 / Wildlife walk - Event)
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Saturday 5 April to Sunday 27 April - Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Easter Hunt
Ranger Mark’s Easter Eggs have been stolen! Can you help him find the wildlife that has taken them and collect their names? Pick up a map from near the visitor centre and get searching around the park.
Please bring a pen / pencil with you. Maps available to collect between 9.00am to 4.00pm between the 5th of April and 27th April.
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)
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Saturday 5 April to Sunday 27 April - Tegg’s Nose Country Park Easter Hunt
Ranger Martin’s Easter Eggs have been stolen! Can you help him find the wildlife that has taken them and collect their names?
Purchase a map from The Nose Coffee inside the Tegg's Nose Visitor Centre, for 50p, and get searching around the top of the park. Once you've completed the trail come back to The Nose Coffee for 50p off your food and / or drink order.
Please bring a pen / pencil with you. Maps available to buy between 9.00am to 4.00pm between the 5th of April and 27th April.
Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm Meeting point: Tegg’s Nose Country Park Visitor Centre, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733) Leaders: Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Service and The Nose Coffee 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)
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Saturday 5 April - Teggs Nose Stargazing
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 through a telescope, and the possibility of seeing planets, 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 Country Park Visitor Centre, 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 / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Partnership event / Places limited - please book in advance / Please leave your dog at home / There is a charge for this event)
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Sunday 6 April - The Birdlife of Astbury Mere
Join local birder Mark Stubbs for an early morning walk around Astbury Mere to see the extensive birdlife that thrives in the park.
Booking and payment in advance essential. Suitable for anyone over the age of 8. Adults £7.50, children 16 or under go free.
Time: 7.00am to 9.00am Meeting: Astbury Mere Country Park car park off Sandy Lane, Congleton CW12 4FR Leader: Local birder, Mark Stubbs Information: 01477 534115 (Bring binoculars if you have them / Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Easy walking grade / Full accessibility - level or ramped access. Accessible toilets available / Healthy walk - Event / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Partnership event / Places limited - please book in advance/ Please wear suitable boots and clothing / There is a charge for this event / Wildlife walk - Event)
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Tuesday, 8 April to Thursday, 10 April - Moorland Adventure Easter Kids Activity Club – Week One
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 8th April – Archery and Orienteering at Tegg’s Nose Day 2 – Wednesday 9th April – Climb and Abseil at Tegg’s Nose Day 3 – Thursday 10th April – 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 24th of March for a 15% discount – use coupon code easter15-2025-w1 when booking your tickets.
Please bring a packed lunch and drinks with you each day.
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 / Healthy walk - Event / Partnership event / Places limited - please book in advance / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / There is a charge for this event)
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Tuesday, 15 April to Thursday, 17 April - Moorland Adventure Easter Kids Activity Club – Week Two
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 15th April – Archery and Orienteering at Tegg’s Nose Day 2 – Wednesday 16th April – Climb and Abseil at Tegg’s Nose Day 3 – Thursday 17th April – 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 31st of March for a 15% discount – use coupon code easter15-2025-w2 when booking your tickets.
Please bring a packed lunch and drinks with you each day.
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 / Healthy walk / Event / Partnership event / Places limited - please book in advance / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / There is a charge for this event)
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Thursday, 24 April - Plein Air Painting Workshop: Composition
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.
Learning to draw and paint the form of your subject is important, but it’s not until it’s arranged into a composition that it becomes a work of art. So the first workshop this summer is all about designing your painting. You’ll look at what’s important and how the overall design knits everything together into a unified piece of work.
You’ll look at ways of arranging line, tone and colour to create balance, harmony in your work.
You’ll also study what to emphasise and what to let go to give your work focus.
We’ll cover:
- design of your painting
- balance and harmony
- visual rhythm
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, Composition Workshop Agenda
10:00 -12:30 Painting Exercises
You’ll spend the morning looking at how to combine line, tone, shape and colour to create interest and balance in your painting.
12:30 - 13:30 Lunch
13:30 - 15:30 Long Plein Air Painting Study
In the afternoon you’ll work on a long Plein Air study based on the principles you’ve learned in the morning.
Time: 10.00am to 3.30pm 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 refreshment / There is a charge for this event)
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Saturday. 26 April - Ramble with the Rangers – Tegg’s Nose Country Park
Join East Cheshire Ramblers and the Rangers for a circular guided walk of approximately 9.8km (6 miles), from Tegg’s Nose Country Park, while looking out for signs of wildlife and enjoying the landscape.
There will be two refreshment stops during the walk.
Booking in advance is essential. Suitable for anyone over the age of 12.
Time: 10.00am to 2.00pm Meeting point: Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733) Leaders: East Cheshire Ramblers and Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Martin James Information: 01625 374833 (Bring a packed lunch / Bring binoculars if you have them / Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Healthy walk - Event / Moderate 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)
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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: 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)
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Tuesday. 29 April - Birdwatching – Understanding Spring Birds with Nature Stuff II - 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 - April 29th, May 6th.
2 hour sessions on Tuesday 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 29th: 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)
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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)
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