My name is Diana Moss and in 2021 I helped to set up a small environmental charity; Macc Wild Network Trust. Our aim is to help make Macclesfield greener, more biodiverse and more resilient to climate change.
We are working on a number of sites around the town. Our pilot project is in the grounds of Macclesfield Leisure Centre where we have initiated a change in the mowing regime. Larger areas of grass are now left to grow creating new meadow areas. We’ve worked with volunteers from the local community to plant trees, shrubs and a community orchard. We are now carrying out similar projects on school grounds and other public spaces in and around the town.
We have had overwhelmingly positive feedback about the changes in the way the land is managed and maintained on the Leisure Centre site. People love the long grass and say how much more interesting it is to walk there now. We have had some lovely conversations about the plants and wildlife that they can enjoy there.