Reserves Appeal

Willow Tit c. Harry Hogg

Our nature reserves need your help!

£50,000 is needed to care for reserves in 2018. Your gift today could pay for vital work for local wildlife.

It costs £1,306 a day to care for around 40 nature reserves across the region. As grants reduce and public purse strings tighten, we need help to meet the costs of looking after these wildlife havens.

In 2018 we need to raise an extra £50,000 just for vital day-to-day reserve management. Your gift today will help safeguard nature reserves for local wildlife.

Donate today

Here are some examples of what you helped us to do in 2017, and what we need help with in 2018:

Red Rocks

These fascinating coastal sand dunes and reedbed are home to many rare plant species as well as the natterjack toad. Thank you for helping us to cut and rake the reedbed.

We now need your help to extend the breeding pools for natterjack toads.

Hatch Mere

This area of woodland, heath and reed-fringed pool on the edge of Delamere Forest is part of Cheshire’s special Meres and Mosses landscape. Thank you for helping us to work with volunteers to stop Himalayan balsam from invading the reedbed.

We now need your help to prevent scrub growth from smothering species like saw sedge and flag iris.

Hunter's Wood

Planted in 1999, this small native woodland sits alongside the ancient Warburton’s Wood, creating a wonderful refuge for wildlife and a lovely place to visit at any time of year. Thank you for helping us to establish a trail and seats so that visitors can enjoy their time in the woods.

We now need your help to establish a hazel coppice.

Gowy Meadows

Lying within the floodplain of the River Gowy, the meadows are a refuge for many birds, insects and some very special aquatic invertebrates. Thank you for helping us to cut the soft rush to improve the wet grassland for birds.

We now need your help to restore and create ditches for two nationally scarce species – pond mud snail and lesser silver water beetle.

Hockenhull Platts

With reedbed, a poplar plantation and wet grassland with scattered shallow pools, this site is rich in bird life. Thank you for helping us to graze and cut the meadows to create ideal habitat for wintering snipe.

We now need your help to restore a water channel to create a refuge for water voles.

Eastwood

This stunning clough woodland near Stalybridge is a haven for woodland flora and fauna enjoyed by many local visitors. Thank you for helping us to install log benches and a fire circle to create a Forest School site.

We now need your help to install willow spiling to reduce erosion of the brook banks and footpaths.

Compstall

Situated along the River Etherow, this rich mosaic of habitats includes reed swamp, open water and woodland which are home to many insects and birds.
Thank you for helping us to repair the boardwalk on the approach to the bird hide.

We now need your help to work with volunteers to control Himalayan balsam and Japanese knotweed.

Bagmere

Formerly a large mere, this Site of Special Scientific Interest near Congleton takes in rich fen, marshy grassland and carr woodland providing the perfect habitat for many species including willow tit. Thank you for helping us to cut the sedge bed to create shorter areas, perfect for water rail and snipe.

We now need your help to install special nesting boxes for willow tits.

Your gift really does mean the world to local wildlife

Make a donation today

A gift of £18
could buy and install a special bird nesting box.

A gift of £31
could equip a volunteer with loppers and gloves.

A gift of £50
could pay for 5 metres of pathway to be laid at one of our nature reserves.

A gift of £100
could pay for a conservation officer for a day.

Our team's priorities for 2018

Our small conservation team works alongside many dedicated volunteers and partners to look after around 40 nature reserves across Cheshire.

“Improving footpaths across the reserves is one of my top priorities for 2018. Good paths help to guide visitors through these special places so that they enjoy their visits and precious local wildlife continues to thrive.”

Joe Pimblett
Area East Co-ordinator

“Controlling invasive species is a huge task on most of our reserves. The support of volunteers and more money for tools and equipment will help us tackle the problem.”

Sarah Bennett
Area Manager West

“Cutting vegetation by hand and with machinery to create the best conditions for specific species is an essential job which takes a lot of time and money.”

Ben Gregory
Area Manager South