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As we enter September, the Rangers are beginning to plan their upcoming conservation work across the sites we manage. In the coming months, as the days get shorter and the temperatures cooler, both flora and fauna become less active and this allows us to undertake our habitat management works with less disturbance.
This work might include coppicing, felling trees or hedgelaying, to encourage new growth or to restore other habitats. We might also be undertaking infrastructure work such as path works, drainage and fencing.
During these busy periods you will see warning / or closure notices at some of our sites and we ask everyone to please take note and don't ignore any barrier tape or other temporary closure methods. These closures are to protect visitors and our staff so please do take care.
We do still have some great events planned for September, so take a look below and get your places booked ASAP.
What's Out and About in August
Some tips on what to look out for during the remaining weeks of August, from Ranger Pete.
- Look out for the painted lady butterfly; they migrate to Britain from southwest Europe and North Africa. They can be seen feeding on nectar from thistles.
- Dragonflies’ such as the common and black darter can be often seen clinging to reeds around the ponds of the Middlewood Way and Jacksons’ Brickworks. They are recognised by their sturdy bodies and are less restless movers than hawker dragonflies.
- The attractive rowan tree can be seen laden with ripe red berries that will attract blackbirds and thrushes and provide a valuable food source. This tree is also known as the mountain ash and can be easily seen across the slopes of Tegg's Nose Country Park.
- The pinkish-purple flowers of the rosebay willowherb are found alongside the embankments of the Middlewood Way. This plant is the caterpillar food for the elephant hawkmoth.
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Wild angelica is a perennial from the umbellifer family and is found in damp meadows and woods. It is recognised by its purplish stem and white flowers which attract insects such as hoverflies.
Tuesday, 1 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 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th.
2 hour sessions on Tuesday mornings 10.00am - 12.00pm noon
Full Course fee (5 sessions) - £75. 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 September 1st: Tegg's Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
Time: 10am to 12noon
Leaders: 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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Wednesday, 2 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 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th.
2 hour sessions on Wednesday mornings 10.00am - 12.00pm noon
Full Course fee (5 sessions) - £75. 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 September 2nd: Tegg's Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
Time: 10am to 12noon
Leaders: 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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Friday, 4 September - Plein Air Painting Workshop: Composition
Join us for fun Plein Air painting workshops in 2026 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.
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. This workshop 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.
We’ll cover:
- design of your painting
- balance and harmony
- visual rhythm
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.
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.
Booking and payment in advance essential. Workshop Price £85, reserve your place with a £20 deposit on Eventbrite, the remainder will be invoiced before the course.
Time: 10am to 3.30pm
Meeting point: Tegg's Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP
what3words: ///sliding.deny.nutty
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 refreshments / There is a charge for this event)
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Friday, 11 September - Nature Journalling: An Exploration of Your Senses at Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve - September
Join Anna, from Writing with Purpose, for a guided nature journalling walk through Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve. Using simple journalling prompts inspired by the work of John Muir Laws, this gentle walk uses the natural world as a companion for personal reflection, mindful noticing, and journalling for clarity and wellbeing. No writing experience or mindfulness background needed. Pens and paper provided.
Booking and payment in advance is essential. Cost £10 (plus booking fee).
Time: 1pm to 3pm
Meeting point: Visitor Centre, Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve, Davenport Lane, Brereton Heath, Congleton CW12 4SU
what3words: ///skewed.warm.lunching
Leaders: Anna Woolliscroft from Writing with Purpose
Information: Email Anna Woolliscroft or phone 07791 594091
(Bring binoculars if you have them / Easy walking grade / Healthy walk - Event / 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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Sunday, 13 September - Ramble with the Rangers – Lindow Common SSSI
Join East Cheshire Ramblers and the Rangers for a circular guided walk of approximately 8km (5 miles), from Lindow Common SSSI, Wilmslow, while looking out for signs of wildlife and enjoying the landscape.
There will be two refreshment stops, including lunch, during the walk.
Booking and payment in advance is essential. Adults £7.50, children 16 or under go free. Suitable for anyone over the age of 12.
Time: 10am to 2pm
Meeting point: Lindow Common Car Cark, Racecourse Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5LR (SJ833814)
what3words: ///rant.daily.solving
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 / 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 / There is a charge for this event
Wildlife walk - Event)
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Thursday, 24 September - Evening Meditation, Deep Rest and Tea in Nature at Tegg’s Nose - September
Join Amanda, from Lets Step In, for a soothing evening in nature with beautiful views at Tegg's Nose Country Park for meditation and deep rest & tea .
Unwind as the day slows and nature prepares for night with a series of guided nature-based meditation practices ending with deep rest and tea in community. Press the pause button, come into the present moment, connect with nature, and yourself to soothe your nervous system, reset your mind, and nourish your whole self. Setting you up for a restful night’s sleep.
Suitable for beginners and beyond.
For those nervous about meditating, clients regularly share how much more supportive they find it meditating with nature as you have stimuli, through your senses, for your mind to focus on. If you’re new to meditation come along and give it a go, I'll be guiding you throughout.
We’ll gather in the car park and walk together to where we’ll spend the session (less than 5 minute walk). I’ll be sprinkling in learnings about meditation between the practices and helping you with your practice throughout ~ always encouraging you to dose yourself in compassion and no-judgement. Bring a cup to enjoy tea at the end with conversation or continue to sit and take in the views ~ this is space for you to use as you need.
Booking and payment in advance is essential. Cost £15.
Time: 5.45pm to 7.15pm
Meeting point: Tegg’s Nose Country Park Visitor Centre, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
what3words: ///palettes.racing.chop
Leader: Amanda from Let Step In
Information: Email Amanda from Let Step In
(Car parking charge / Easy walking grade / Healthy walk - Event / 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 / There is a charge for this event)
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Friday, 25 September - Nature Journalling: An Exploration of Your Senses at Rode Heath Rise - September
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Join Anna, from Writing with Purpose, for a guided nature journalling walk at Rode Heath Rise. Using simple journalling prompts inspired by the work of John Muir Laws, this gentle walk uses the natural world as a companion for personal reflection, mindful noticing, and journalling for clarity and wellbeing. No writing experience or mindfulness background needed. Pens and paper provided. Optional refreshments at the Broughton Arms after the walk.
Booking and payment in advance is essential. Cost £10 (plus booking fee).
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Meeting point: The Broughton Arms, Sandbach Road, Rode Heath, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 3RU
what3words: ///sublet.chainsaw.tangible
Leaders: Anna Woolliscroft from Writing with Purpose
Information: Email Anna Woolliscroft or phone 07791 594091
(Bring binoculars if you have them / Easy walking grade / Healthy walk - Event / 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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Sunday, 27 September - Navigation for Beginners
Learn basic map reading skills with a morning learning the basics of map orientation and compass skills with Ranger Ed. In the afternoon put your skills to test on a 6 km (4 mile) walk.
All maps (Dark Peak map 1:25,000) and compasses provided, but feel free to bring your own compass if you wish to practise with it. Suitable for anyone over the age of 18.
Booking and payment in advance essential. Cost £25.
Time: 9am to 4pm
Meeting point: Nelson Pit Visitor Centre, Lyme Road, Higher Poynton, Cheshire, SK12 1TH
what3words: ///envoy.bridges.prune
Leader: Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Ed Pilkington
Information: 01625 383700
(Bring a packed lunch / Car parking charge / Moderate walking grade / 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)
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