Mersey Basin Week on the Upper Weaver

It was a busy week around Crewe and Nantwich, beginning with a Fungal Foray at Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve. Chris Turner helped us tune our eyes in to finding a wide array of Fungi, and since the rain held off it was a lovely walk as well.

Later in the week, classes from Sound & District Primary School and Weaver Primary School had guided walks of Nantwich Riverside. James Thompson (Riverside Projects Officer) and Annmarie Belcher (Cheshire County Council Rangers) pointed out wildlife and other features of the riverside, and in the afternoon we had the grand opening of the new footbridge and footpaths which make the riverside more accessible. All the children seemed to have a good time, despite the torrential rain!

The grand finale of the week was a seed hunt on Sunday 8th October, which was part of the BBC's Autumnwatch. It had been advertised on BBC2 and Radio Stoke, so we were really excited about it, especially when 70 people came from far and wide to take part. We found Rowan, Oak, Silver Birch, Scots Pine and Alder seeds as well as an interesting array of sticks, stones and snails! Any seeds from native tree species were then planted in special biodegradable cartons, which can be planted on the riverside next year. Radio Stoke joined us for the whole event, and several lucky people got to go on air to talk about the day. James and Annmarie were there once again to identify the seeds and leaves, and to provide information about the Riverside.

Big thanks to everyone involved, if any of you are reading this, why not make a comment about the event you attended!