Events

Saturday 20 March
Search for Spring
Join one of Hartford’s tree wardens to look for signs of Spring and learn about the trees in this ancient woodland. Meet in car park adjacent to Cloughwood School , Stones Manor Lane, Hartford. This is a “Watch” event and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Meets: Marshall’s Arm Local Nature Reserve, Northwich - From 10am to 12 noon
Phone: 01606 871636

Monday 22 March
Bat Talk - FoAM
Hear about the different bats that live in Marbury Country Park in a talk by Mike Freeman of the Cheshire Bat Group. Free for FoAM members, £2 for non members.
Meets: 7.30 pm Comberbach Memorial Hall
Contact: Joanne Redley
Phone: 01606 44728

Thursday 25 March
Spring along the Wirral Way
Join us to see the signs of spring with a circular 10 mile guided walk along the Wirral Way and through the surrounding rights of way network. Waterproofs and suitable footwear needed. Packed lunch optional. Booking essential.
Meets: Wirral Country Park Cheshire
Contact: Richard Snow
Phone: 0151 327 5145
Email: richard.snow@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Friday 26 March
Tree Walk
Come and discover the hidden world of trees; their folklore, social history, medicinal and practical uses on an easy and gentle stroll through the Weaver Parkway. Booking essential.
Meets: Weaver Parkway, Winsford at 2pm
Contact: Dave Coomer
Phone: 01606 593133
Email: david.coomer@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Saturday 27 March
Spring stories
Organised by Andy James Countryside Ranger for Chester. Four mile walk along the Dukes Drive and River Dee, stopping along the way to admire the spring flora and to hear some traditional fables and stories with a spring theme. Ending at a local Chester public house.
Contact: Andy
Phone: 0151 357 1991

Tuesday 6 April
Duck Race
Organised by Friends of Caldy valley. You are invited to follow a trail through the valley with an Easter Egg and drink at the end for all who have a go. Then we all go down to the Blue Bachelors Bridge where there will be 37 numbered ducks eager to join in the race down the brook. If you don’t get a duck first time, don’t worry, we will have a second race. If your duck is one of the first three to reach the bridge by the pond, you will get one of the prizes - a Mars bar ! So come along and cheer on your duck as it sails down the brook.
Meets: 2pm to 4pm, starting at the carpark on Caldy Valley Road

Friday 9 April
Family Orienteering Event
Organised by Friends of Anderton and Marbury (FoAM). An introduction to orienteering in Marbury Country Park in Spring. Booking is essential. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Contact: Chris Moseley
Phone: 01606 77741

Saturday 17 April
Hillforts Sandstone Trail - Helsby and Woodhouse Iron Age
Five mile walk taking in the Sandstone Trail and Helsby and Woodhouse hillforts, with wonderful views and interesting habitats. Steep terrain at times.
Meets: 1pm Helsby Quarry Car Park, Alvanley Road, Helsby. (Nearly opposite Hill Road South)
Contact: John Street
Phone: 01606 271 736
Email: john.street@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Sunday 18 April
Wild foods
Guided walk looking at examples of wild foods, that can be found and eaten - location to be confirmed. Booking essential. Stanney Woods Local Nature Reserve, Ellesmere Port.
Contact: Robyn Moseley
Phone: 0151-357-1991

Sunday 25 April
Spring Walk in Marbury
Organised Friends of Anderton and Marbury (FoAM). A wonderful time of the year for a gentle walk in the park to spot the Spring flowers, including bluebells.
Meets: 10am at the Rangers’ Cabin, Marbury Country Park
Contact: Mary Jeeves
Phone: 01606 77688

Sunday 25 April
Bluebell Walk
Organised by Friends of Anderton and Marbury (FoAM). Enjoy a stroll through the heady scent of bluebells, unique for this area, while looking out for other signs of wildlife. Booking essential.
Meets: Rangers Cabin at 1pm
Contact: Chris Moseley
Phone: 01606 77741

Saturday 1 May
Dawn Chorus Walk
FoAM’s ever popular event for everyone interested in birds.
Meets: 5.00 am, Marbury Country Park
Contact: John Gilbody
Phone: 01606 882065

Saturday 1 May
Dawn Chorus Walk
FoAM’s ever popular event for everyone interested in birds.
Meets: 10am – 4pm, Marbury Country
Contact: Vernon Lundy
Phone: 01606 782627

Saturday 8 May
Food For Free
Another opportunity to attend this ever popular event, hosted by the Rangers at Marbury Country Park. It includes a 2 hour walk followed by preparing, cooking and tasting. You may need to bring your lunch!
Meets: 10am – 3pm at Marbury Country Park
Contact: Chris Moseley
Phone: 01606 77741

Thursday 6 May
Wildflower Walks
Organised by Friends of Caldy valley.On the first Thursday in the months of May, June, July and August, Martyn Stead has been studying our flora for years. A walk through the park with Martyn looking at the flowers is a very interesting and enjoyable way to spend an evening. It doesn’t matter whether you are a complete novice or quite experienced, just turn up at the car park at 7pm.
Meets: 7pm starting at the carpark on Caldy Valley Road

Saturday 15 May
Boat Museum - Canalside Walk
Join the rangers for brisk walk along the towpath from Chester to Ellesmere Port stopping for lunch at Stoak nature park and looking at relics of the past and wildlife along this corridor. Booking essential
Meets: Boat museum at 10am.

Saturday 15 May
Traditional Wood Turning
Come and learn how to use a traditional pole lathe to turn wood. Participants will learn how to select and prepare wood and should be able to turn and finish a small project on the day. Waterproofs, suitable footwear and packed lunch needed. Booking essential.
Meets: Wirral Country Park Cheshire
Contact: Richard Snow
Phone: 0151 327 5145
Email: richard.snow@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Saturday 15 May
Eddisbury and Kelsborrow Hillforts near Delamere Sandstone Trail
Six mile walk taking in the Sandstone Trail and two hillforts, with panoramic views across Cheshire and a look at the ancient history of the area.
Meets: 11am at the Yeld Car Park, Yeld Lane above Kelsall.
Contact: John Street
Phone: 01606 271 736
Email: john.street@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Sunday 16 May
Celebrate National Moth Night
Organised by FoAM. Join the regular moth trappers on the morning after National Moth night and find out what was attracted to the traps on the previous night. Croissants and orange juice available for breakfast. Donations welcome.
Meets: 9am Marbury Country Park
Contact: Paul Hill
Phone: 01565 722938

Monday 17 May
FoAM AGM
AGM will be followed by a Quiz and supper, for which there will be a small charge. Booking essential.
Meets: 7pm Comberbach Memorial Hall
Contact: Joanne Redley
Phone: 01606 44728

Wednesday 19 May
Spring Fever!
An opportunity to look at the Spring delights of Ashton’s & Neumann’s Flashes, with a chance to see the rare Dingy Skipper butterfly. Stout boots or wellingtons required. Booking essential.
Contact: Steph Hefferan
Phone: 01606 77741

Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 May
FoAM's Bring and Buy Plant Sale
A chance to find something unusual and exciting for house or garden. All surplus plants will be welcome.
Meets: 10am – 4pm at the Rangers’ Cabin, Marbury Country Park
Contact: Mary Jeeves
Phone: 01606 77688

Sunday 23 May
Nature Explorers
Rivacre Valley Local Nature Reserve, Ellesmere Port. Follow the clues to guide you through trees and meadows, with some surprises along the way! Booking essential.
Contact: Robyn Moseley
Phone: 0151-357-1991

Sunday 23 May
Hadlow Road - Bushcraft Skills
Come and learn some bushcraft skills including lighting a fire using friction. Booking essential.
Contact: Saul Burton
Phone: 0151 327 5145
Email: saul.burton@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Tuesday 25 May
Carey Park - Dingy But Delightful
The Dingy Skipper is a rare butterfly in Cheshire. Look for them on one of their breeding areas along with other lime bed inhabitants.
Meets: 1pm – 3pm
Contact: Peter Schofield
Phone: 01606 77741

Thursday 3 June
Wildflower Walks
Organised by Friends of Caldy valley. On the first Thursday in the months of May, June, July and August, Martyn Stead has been studying our flora for years. A walk through the park with Martyn looking at the flowers is a very interesting and enjoyable way to spend an evening. It doesn’t matter whether you are a complete novice or quite experienced, just turn up at the car park at 7pm.
Meets: 7pm starting at the carpark on Caldy Valley Road

Saturday 5 June
Maiden Castle near Bickerton Sandstone Trail
Four mile walk taking in the Sandstone Trail and the ancient hillfort and its historic context. We will walk through the National Trust woodlands to the heathland hilltop with wonderful views across Cheshire.
Meets: 2pm in the car park of ‘The Sandstone’ Inn (formerly the Coppermine Inn) at Fuller’s Moor (A534) near Broxton.
Contact: John Street
Phone: 01606 271 736
Email: john.street@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Saturday 19 June
Bugs Life
Rivacre Valley Local Nature Reserve, Ellesmere Port. Its National Insect Week! Come and explore some of the bugs and beasties that live on land and water in the Valley.
Contact: Robyn Moseley
Phone: 0151-357-1991

Saturday 19 June
FoAM's Wildflower Walk
Dave James and Mary Jeeves will lead a walk in Anderton Nature Park to identify the many summer wildflowers.
Meets: 10am Anderton Nature Park car park
Contact: Mary Jeeves
Phone: 01606 77688

Monday 21 June
FoAM's Wildlife Photography Workshop
An evening workshop led by professional photographers Tracy and John Langley in Anderton Nature Park. There will be a small charge. Booking essential.
Contact: Alan Redley
Phone: 01606 44728

Monday 21 June
Hadlow Road - Midsummer Night Walk
Come and see some of the nocturnal inhabitants of Wirral Country Park, including glow worms! Booking essential.
Contact: Saul Burton
Phone: 0151 327 5145
Email: saul.burton@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Wednesday 23 June
Lime-bed Lovelies
Explore Ashton’s & Neumann’s Flashes lime-beds for its stunning orchids with a view to seeing the tiny, delicate Marsh helleborine. There will be plenty of time for photo opportunities. Stout boots or wellingtons required. Booking essential.
Contact: Steph Hefferan
Phone: 01606 77741

Sunday 27 June
Busy Bees at Marbury
An opportunity to view the Marbury hive and see the Bees in action. Including instruction on Bee keeping by the experts. Suitable for all ages.
Meets: 12pm – 4pm at Marbury Country Park
Contact: Chris Moseley
Phone: 01606 77741

Tuesday 1 July
Wildflower Walks
Organised by Friends of Caldy valley. On the first Thursday in the months of May, June, July and August, Martyn Stead has been studying our flora for years. A walk through the park with Martyn looking at the flowers is a very interesting and enjoyable way to spend an evening. It doesn’t matter whether you are a complete novice or quite experienced, just turn up at the car park at 7pm.
Meets: 7pm starting at the carpark on Caldy Valley Road

Sunday 4 July
Sink or Swim
Rivacre Valley Local Nature Reserve, Ellesmere Port. Come along and have a go at making your own mini raft and testing it out on the pond. Keep your model safe ready for the boat race in the summer holidays!
Contact: Robyn Moseley
Phone: 0151-357-1991

Saturday 10 July
River Weaver and Dutton Locks Sandstone Trail
A 7 mile walk along the Trent and Mersey Canal past some of Cheshire’s wonderful industrial heritage and less well known countryside.
Meets: 2pm near the Leigh Arms public house on the A49 at Acton Bridge.
Contact: John Street
Phone: 01606 271 736
Email: john.street@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Sunday 11 July
Folklore of trees
Stanney Woods Local Nature Reserve, Ellesmere Port. Guided walk around Stanney woods looking at the Myths and Legends of trees, Stanney woods. Booking essential.

Saturday 17 July
Flower power
Rivacre Valley Local Nature Reserve, Ellesmere Port. Get crafty for the afternoon making items from natural material from the valley suitable for most ages. Booking essential.
Meets: Meet at Rangers cabin at 1pm

Saturday 17 July
Traditional Wood Turning
Come and learn how to use a traditional pole lathe to turn wood. Participants will learn how to select and prepare wood and should be able to turn and finish a small project on the day. Booking essential. Waterproofs, suitable footwear and packed lunch needed.
Meets: Wirral Country Park Cheshire.
Contact: Richard Snow
Phone: 0151 327 5145
Email: richard.snow@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Saturday 24 July
FoAM Picnic in the Park
A special summer celebration evening in the Park. Bring your own picnic or food to barbecue.
Meets: 5pm Marbury Country Park
Contact: Frances Findlay/Joanne Redley
Phone: 01606 44727/ 01606 44728

Sunday 25 July
Hadlow Road - Folklore of Trees
A circular walk around Willaston, looking at some of the myths and legends surrounding our trees. Booking essential.
Contact: Saul Burton
Phone: 0151 327 5145
Email: saul.burton@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Sunday 1 August
Summer stories
Organised by Andy James countryside ranger for Chester. Four mile walk along Dukes Drive and the River Dee stopping along the way to admire the summer flora and to hear some traditional fables and stories with a summer theme, ending at a local Chester public house.
Contact: Andy
Phone: 0151 357 1991

Wednesday 4 August
Summer along the Wirral Way
Wirral Country Park Cheshire. Join us for a summer stroll with a circular 10 mile guided walk along the Wirral Way and through the surrounding rights of way network. Booking essential. Waterproofs and suitable footwear needed. Packed lunch optional as we will pass a pub at lunch time.
Contact: Richard Snow
Phone: 0151 327 5145
Email: richard.snow@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Wednesday 4 August
Fun for all the family
Rivacre Valley Local Nature Reserve, Ellesmere Port. A great day out for all the family bring a picnic and join in the fun and games!
Contact: Robyn
Phone: 0151-357-1991

Wednesday 4 August
National Play Day
An opportunity to view the Marbury hive and see the Bees in action. Including instruction on Bee keeping by the experts. Suitable for all ages.
Meets: 12 noon – 4pm at Marbury Country Park
Contact: Chris Moseley
Phone: 01606 77741

Thursday 5 August
Wildflower Walks
Organised by Friends of Caldy valley. On the first Thursday in the months of May, June, July and August, Martyn Stead has been studying our flora for years. A walk through the park with Martyn looking at the flowers is a very interesting and enjoyable way to spend an evening. It doesn’t matter whether you are a complete novice or quite experienced, just turn up at the car park at 7pm.
Meets: 7pm starting at the carpark on Caldy Valley Road

Sunday 8 August
Boat race and scavenger hunt
Rivacre Valley Local Nature Reserve, Ellesmere Port. Come along with the kids and have a fun filled afternoon finding things and then racing boats down the brook. Booking essential.
Meets: Meet at Rangers cabin 1pm
Contact: Tim Lloyd
Phone: 0151 357 1991
Email: tim.lloyd@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Tuesday 10 August
FoAM's Holiday Pond Dipping Session
A wonderful opportunity to try out the Pond Dipping Stage at Marbury Country Park. Booking essential.
Contact: Chris Moseley
Phone: 01606 77741

Wednesday 18 August
Southern Stroll
A gentle walk around the Flashes looking at the site’s unique history, its many natural features and future development.
Meets: 10am, Witton Mill Car Park
Contact: Steph Hefferan
Phone: 01606 77741
Email: stepanie.hefferan@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Friday 20 August
Bat Talk and Walk
A chance to hear about the different bats that live in Marbury Country Park, followed by a guided walk by Mike Freeman of the Cheshire Bat Group.
Meets: 8pm, Marbury Country Park
Contact: Chris Moseley
Phone: 01606 77741

Saturday 21 August
Wheels in the Woods
A family cycle ride around the Northwich Woodlands following especially designated cycle tracks. Please wear a cycling helmet to come on this ride. Suitable for age 7 and over.
Meets: 1.30pm, Marbury Country Park
Contact: Peter Schofield
Phone: 01606 77741

Tuesday 24 August
FoAM's Holiday Bug Hunt
In association with Northwich Ecology Society, explore the Marbury Country Park to discover the variety of multi-legged lovelies lurking in the woodland - fun for all the family. Booking essential.
Contact: Paul Hill
Phone: 01565 722938

Tuesday 24 August
Meadows picnic
Organised by Andy James countryside ranger for Chester. Join us for a picnic on the Chester meadows by the river with games for the children. What better way to spend a lazy Summer Saturday.
Contact: Andy
Phone: 0151 357 1991

Sunday 5 September
HadlowRoad - Bushcraft Skills
Come and learn some bushcraft skills including lighting a fire using friction. Booking essential.
Contact: Saul Burton
Phone: 0151 327 5145
Email: saul.burton@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Sunday 12 September
Countryside Day
Organised by Friends of Caldy valley. The meadow by the car park will be crowded for this special event with adults and children trying out different activities and learning new skills. There will be something for all the family; a main display, refreshments, stalls and games.
Meets: See you there from 1.00 pm to 5.00 pm.

Sunday 19 September
Memory Walk
Explore Marbury Country Park and Anderton Nature Park on this 8km/5 mile or 5km/3 mile walk as part of World Alzheimer’s Day. This sponsored walk will finish with refreshments back at Marbury. For further details and sponsor forms please phone.
Contact: Vale Royal Alzheimer’s Society
Phone: 01606 351112

Sunday 26 September
Den Building
Rivacre Valley Local Nature Reserve, Ellesmere Port.Could you build yourself a shelter in the woods? Come and have a go with the Rangers. To book a place contact the number below.
Contact: Robyn Moseley
Phone: 0151-357-1991

Saturday 2 October
Apple day
Caldy Valley organised by Andy James countryside ranger for Chester. Come along and try some of the Apples grown on the park and make some apple juice and other apple treats.
Contact: Andy
Phone: 0151 357 1991

Sunday 3 October
Apple day
Blacon nature park organised by Andy James countryside ranger for Chester. Come along and try some of the Apples grown on the park and make some apple juice and other apple treats.
Contact: Andy
Phone: 0151 357 1991

Thursday 7 October
Fall along the Wirral Way
Wirral Country Park Cheshire.Fall along the Wirral Way Join us to see the signs of autumn with a circular 10 mile guided walk along the Wirral Way and through the surrounding rights of way network. Waterproofs and suitable footwear needed. Packed lunch optional. Booking essential.
Contact: Richard Snow
Phone: 0151 327 5145
Email: richard.snow@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Saturday 16 October
FoAM's Fungal Foray
Don’t miss this very popular event run by Fungalpunk Dave of Fungal Friends. Families welcome. No charge but booking essential. Sessions from 10am – 12 noon and 1pm – 3pm.
Meets: At the Rangers’ Cabin, Marbury Country Park
Contact: Frances Findlay
Phone: 01606 44727

Sunday 24 October
Community Coppicing
Stanney Woods Local Nature Reserve, Ellesmere Port. Learn the traditional woodland management techniques of Coppicing, Stanney Woods. Booking essential.
Contact: Justin Dyke
Phone: 0151 327 2084
Email: justin.dyke@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Sunday 24 October
Hadlow Road - Hallowe’en Mask
Making Come and make some scary masks to frighten your friends! Booking essential.
Contact: Saul Burton
Phone: 0151 327 5145
Email: saul.burton@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Wednesday 27 October
Art Attack
Spend the afternoon making sculptures, natural pictures and masterpieces using natural materials in the woodland. Suitable for all ages. From: 1pm -3pm
Contact: Dave James
Phone: 01606 77741

Sunday 7 November
Church Wood car park - Fruits of the Forest
Rivacre Valley Local Nature Reserve, Ellesmere Port. An Autumnal walk looking out for Fungi, nuts and berries. To book a place phone the number below.
Contact: Robyn Moseley
Phone: 0151-357-1991

Saturday 30 October
Carey Park - Hedgelaying for absolute beginners
Learn how to lay a hedge to the Cheshire Style. All tools and equipment provided. To book your free place call the number below.
Contact: Peter Schofield
Phone: 01606 77741

Monday 15 November
A History of Northwich
Join FoAM for a visit to the Salt Museum, Northwich, for a talk given by Matt Wheeler. Free for FoAM members, £2 for non-members. Booking essential.
Meets: 7pm for 7.30pm at the Salt Museum, London Road, Northwich
Contact: Frances Findlay
Phone: 01606 44727

Saturday 20 November
Stanney Woods - Copicing and hurdle making
Learn how to coppice hazel woodlands and then use the wood to make your very own hurdle. Waterproofs, suitable footwear and packed lunch needed. Booking essential.
Contact: Richard Snow
Phone: 0151 327 5145
Email: richard.snow@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Sunday 28 November
Celebrate Trees
Rivacre Valley Local Nature Reserve, Ellesmere Port. Join the Rangers in National Tree Week as we tell stories, decorate trees and even make your own tree fairy. To book a place phone the number below.
Contact: Robyn Moseley
Phone: 0151-357-1991

Tuesday 30 November
National Tree Week
Wirral Country Park, Neston. Tree planting Come and help the Rangers to plant trees to improve the biodiversity and habitats on the park. Waterproofs, suitable footwear and packed lunch needed. Booking essential.
Contact: Richard Snow
Phone: 0151 327 5145
Email: richard.snow@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Sunday 12 December
Christmas Decorations
A chance to create some stunning decorations from natural materials gathered in the woodlands.
Meets: 10am – 12 noon by the Rangers’ Cabin, Marbury Country Park
Contact: Joanne Redley
Phone: 01606 44728

Sunday 19 December
Santa’s Trail
Rivacre Valley Local Nature Reserve, Ellesmere Port. A winter’s walk around the valley looking out for signs of Santa! To book a place, please phone the number below.
Contact: Robyn Moseley
Phone: 0151-357-1991
Email: robyn.moseley@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Sunday 19 December
Hadlow Road - Christmas Crafts
Come and make some festive decorations using natural materials. Booking essential.
Contact: Saul Burton
Phone: 0151 327 5145
Email: saul.burton@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Tuesday 28 December
Winter stories
Organised by Andy James countryside ranger for Chester.Four mile walk along Dukes Drive and the River Dee. Stopping along the way to hear some traditional fables and stories with a Winter theme, ending at a local Chester public house for hot soup and sandwiches - a good way to walk off the Christmas indigestion.
Contact: Andy
Phone: 0151 357 1991