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October is a week or so away, and our grasslands and woodlands are full of fungal fruiting bodies. Cooler temperatures and increased rainfall make it peak season for fungi, although many species are visible at other times of the year.
The fruiting body of the species above, Common puffball (Lycoperdon perlatum), starts life pure white, before turning yellow or brown with age. It's most likely to be found in woodland leaf litter, but can sometime be seen in grassland.
Take a look below for all our planned events for October, scroll right to the bottom of the email to see them all, and get your places booked ASAP.
What's Out and About in September
Some tips on what to look out for during the remaining weeks of September, from Ranger Pete.
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Look out for flocks of goldfinches, they can be seen descending on seed heads of thistles and teasels. Listen out for their tinkling calls.
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The common fly agaric is a familiar toadstool with its red cap and white spots. It can be seen in woodlands and is most often associated with birch trees. This mushroom is poisonous.
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The yellow-green flowers of the climbing plant ivy appear this month. The buds of these flowers are the food plant for the caterpillar of the holly blue butterfly. The flower heads will eventually ripen and provide black berries, an important food source for many birds.
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Look in the hedgerows for sloes, the ripe fruit of the blackthorn bush; they are a vital food source for insects, birds and mammals.
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In late September swallows and house martins mass together on overhead lines before beginning their autumn migration flying south to Africa.
Saturday, 3 October - Creative Nature Connection, a Forest-Bathing Experience at Tegg’s Nose
Join Amanda, from Lets Step In, on a sensory and creative journey exploring different forest-bathing practices and meditations before expressing creatively what you’ve been experiencing in nature on paper and with words using Japanese practice.
This is a peaceful session that gives you time to simply be with nature and yourself. This isn’t about creating masterpieces it’s about taking time to switch off, slow down and enjoy expressing yourself and connecting with what you notice in nature.
Booking and payment in advance is essential. Cost £25.
Time: 10.30am to 12.30pm Meeting point: Teggsnose Reservoir car park, Holehouse Lane, Langley, SK11 0NB (SJ945718) what3words: ///invite.stolen.expecting Leaders: Amanda from Lets Step In Information: Email Amanda from Let Step In (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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Sunday, 4 October - Picnic, Lightning: an autumn poetry workshop at Tegg's Nose
Jo Bell leads an autumn poetry session bringing themes of maturity, readiness and learning to your poetry writing.
Acclaimed poet Jo Bell (author of 52 and co-author of How to Be a Poet) leads a seasonal writing session in the gallery at Tegg's Nose Country Park, on the western edge of the Peak District.
We use autumn as a starting point to explore ideas of maturity, learning and ripeness into your work; use new prompts and readings to renew your practice and surprise yourself, as well as the reader. Exercises, poems and discussion to stretch you creatively and generate the best new poetry. See you there!
This is the third of four seasonal workshops: those who attend this one will get a 10% discount on the winter session. Members of my subscription The Poetic Licence get 25% off all four.
Booking and payment in advance is essential. Cost £35.
Time: 1pm to 4pm Meeting point: Tegg's Nose Visitor Centre, Tegg's Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733) what3words: ///sliding.deny.nutty Leaders: Jo Bell from The Poetic License Information: Email Jo Bell (Car parking charge / 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 / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments / There is a charge for this event)
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Saturday, 10 October - Nature Needs You at Tegg's Nose Country Park
Join our friends from Macclesfield RSPB Wildlife Explorers, at Tegg's Nose Country Park, to celebrate Autumn and support our local wildlife! They'll be running lots of activities to help nature at home and around Macclesfield, including building nest boxes, planting tree seeds, and making bird feeders!
Time: 11am to 3pm Meeting point: Tegg's Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP what3words: ///sliding.deny.nutty Leaders: Macclesfield RSPB Wildlife Explorers Information: Email the Macclesfield RSPB Wildlife Explorers (Bring a packed lunch / 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 / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments / Wildlife walk - Event)
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Sunday, 11 October - Fungi foray in the Carrs
Dave Winnard, a professional ecologist, will be leading a 2-hour nature walk through the Wilmslow Carrs on behalf of the Friends of the Carrs.
Join us for a fungi walk where we will explore the magical world of mushrooms and their allies, looking at the variety of species that occur on the Carrs and learning about their role in the eco-system. It will be a hands on walk, really understanding how we identify certain species with their appearance and even smell. This walk will open your eyes to vast world hidden under your feet that is the kingdom of fungi.
Expect to learn how to identify species, how they fit into the wider eco-system, and any mythology and folklore that may be associated with them.
Booking and payment in advance is essential. Adults £10, children 16 or under go free.
Time: 1.30pm to 3.30pm Meeting point: The Parish Hall car park, Cliff Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK94AA what3words: ///margin.gloves.horn Leaders: Friends of the Carrs and Discover the Wild (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 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, 14 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 Bollin Valley Partnership Rangers, and our friends from Mersey Rivers Trust, 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: 10am to 3pm Meeting point: Lindow Common Car Park, Racecourse Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5LR (SJ833814) what3words: ///rant.daily.solving Leader: Bollin Valley Partnership Rangers and Mersey Rivers Trust 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)
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Friday, 16 October - Plein Air Painting Workshop: Autumn Colour
Join Northern Realist for 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.
In October the richest colours of the year appear in the landscape and this can be one of the most rewarding times to be outside painting your surroundings. You’ll look at how to mix the warm oranges and reds of autumn, contrasting them with the muted greens left over by summer.
You’ll learn about
- mixing the rich colours of autumn
- atmosphere and aerial perspective
- the practicalities of plein air painting
You’ll learn about underpainting and layering to create vibrant colour in your painting. You’ll also look at the atmospheric effects associated with this time of year and how they affect colour in the distance.
Plus, as usual we’ll also cover the practical side of working outside with lots of helpful hints and tips to make sure you get the most out of you plein air painting sessions.
All our Plein Air workshops 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 is 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 Leader: Artists Chris Clements and Kieran Ingram Information: Email Northern Realist or visit the Northern Realist website (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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Friday, 16 October - Nature Journalling: An Exploration of Your Senses at Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve - October
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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Saturday, 17 October - White Nancy Trail Run and Fitness Event
⏳ 2-Hour Outdoor Fitness & Run Event
Ready to push your limits in the great outdoors? Join personal trainer, Kelly Morley, in Bollington, Macclesfield for a workout like no other! This event will include running up to White Nancy to feel the burn along with the prize of those spectacular views at the top!
Expect:
🏃♀️ Running on varying terrain
💪 Bodyweight exercises in nature
🌿 Breathtaking views to fuel your motivation
This isn't your typical workout — it’s a full-body challenge in the heart of Cheshire’s stunning countryside.
Spaces are limited — book now
Booking and payment in advance is essential. Cost £20.
Time: 9am to 11am Meeting point: Adlington Road Play Area Car Park, Adlington Road, Bollington, Cheshire, SK10 5JT what3words: ///avoid.chugging.reserving Leaders: Personal Trainer Kelly Morley Information: 07803 245590 or email Kelly Morley (Car parking charge / Healthy walk - Event / 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 / Strenuous walking grade / There is a charge for this event)
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Sunday 18 October - Apple Day Celebration at Macclesfield Riverside Park
To mark Apple Day 2026, come and join us at Riverside Park to celebrate all things apple, orchards and discover more about our country's rich heritage of apple growing.
We'll try a variety of different apples, some of which are grown right here in our community orchard. We'll also have a go at apple pressing alongside other apple and orchard themed activities.
This event is FREE but please book in advance so we get an idea of numbers attending. You can however just drop-in on the day. Photo credit - Jim Higham.
Time: 1pm to 3pm Meeting point: The Orchard, Macclesfield Riverside Park, Beechwood Mews, Macclesfield, SK10 2SL (SJ914745). From the car park, follow the Bollin Valley Way for approximately 1km until you reach the second footbridge across the river. The orchard is located on the far side of the river next to this bridge. Orchard what3words: ///fancy.bunk.react Leaders: Bollin Valley Partnership Rangers Dan Pilkington and Umar Awan Information: 01625 374790 (Children must be accompanied by an adult / Easy walking grade / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Partial accessibility - level or ramped access / Places limited - please book in advance / Please wear suitable boots and clothing)
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Tuesday, 20 October - Timbersbrook Explorer
A 6 mile (10km) circular walk starting from Timbersbrook Picnic Area, exploring the Biddulph Valley Way, Dane-in-Shaw Pasture Site of Special Scientific Interest and local public rights of way before heading up to the top of Bosley Cloud.
Booking and payment in advance is essential. Cost £7.50. Suitable for anyone over the age of 10.
Time: 10am to 2pm Meeting point: Timbersbrook Picnic Area, Weathercock Lane, Timbersbrook, Congleton, CW12 3PP (SJ8942562795) what3words: ///round.watched.roosters Leaders: Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Cal Sherratt Information: 01477 534115 (Bring a packed lunch / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Places limited - please book in advance / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Strenuous walking grade)
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Friday, 23 October - Nature Journalling: An Exploration of Your Senses at Rode Heath Rise - October
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: 2pm to 4pm 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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Saturday, 24 October to Sunday, 1 November - 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 24 October and 1 November.
Time: 9am to 4pm Meeting point: Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, Davenport Lane, Brereton, Congleton, CW12 4SU (SJ794653) what3words: ///skewed.warm.lunching Leaders: Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Service Information: 01477 534115 (Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Easy walking grade / Healthy walk - Event / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments)
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Saturday, 24 October to Sunday 1 November - 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?
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.
Maps available to buy between 9.00am to 4.00pm between the 24 of October and 1 November. Please bring a pen / pencil with you.
Time: 9am to 4pm Meeting point: The Nose Coffee, Tegg's Nose Visitor Centre, Tegg's Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733) what3words: ///sliding.deny.nutty 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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Monday, 26 October to Friday 30 October - RIPS CIC 'Holiday Club'
Outdoor Adventure Activities for Children during the School Holidays!
A great way to experience some varied exciting activities in the countryside with local experts Rudyard Inclusive Paddle Sports CIC! Based at Tegg’s Nose Country Park and Rudyard Lake, each day focuses on different activities, learning new skills, staying active throughout the year, and will give you a great taste of adventure! Suitable for anyone between the ages of 8 and 16. Booking and payment in advance is essential.
Day 1 – Monday 26th October 2026 – Climb and Abseil at Tegg's Nose Day 2 – Tuesday 27th October 2026 – Climb and Abseil at Tegg's Nose Day 3 - Wednesday 28th October 2026 - Paddle Sports at Rudyard Lake Day 4 - Thursday 29th October 2026 - Climb and Abseil at Tegg's Nose Day 5 - Friday 30th October 2026 - Climb and Abseil at Tegg's Nose
Cost £44.95 per session. Early bird discount available! Book your places before 1st October, using code EARLY_10_OCT, for a 10% discount.
Sessions run from 9.00am to 4.00pm, but to allow for maximum flexibility, participants can be dropped off from 8:30am and collected by 4:30pm, however all participants will be ready for collection at 4.00pm.
NB: as autumn weather can be unpredictable, activities may be subject to change on the day. Participant safety remains our highest priority at all times.
Alternative activities may include: archery, orienteering, bushcraft, team building and problem solving games.
Please bring a packed lunch and drinks with you each day, along with suitable for clothing/footwear for the activity and predicted weather.
Days 1, 2, 4 and 5 meeting point: Tegg’s Nose Country Park Visitor Centre, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733) Days 3 meeting point: Rudyard Lake, Rudyard, ST13 8RN (SJ950580)
Time: 9am to 4pm Leaders: RIPS CIC Information: Email RIPS CIC (Bring a packed lunch / There is a charge for this event / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Car parking charge / Partnership event / Places limited - please book in advance / Healthy walk - event)
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