10 minute read
Pets & Wildlife
RECOGNITION FOR LOCAL WILDLIFE WONDER
A Cheshire park that is home to a thrilling array of rare species has been crowned one of the top attractions in the country
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Marbury Country Park in Northwich, Cheshire, was recently named among the best-kept urban parks in the UK. With research proving again and again that green spaces – and trees, in particular – help to alleviate anxiety and depression, reducing blood pressure and making us feel calmer, there’s no better time to go for a walk in the park. Unfortunately, a number of green spaces in the UK have fallen into disrepair, with litter strewn across yellowing lawns, polluted ponds and graffitied buildings.
This summer, the government published an updated Litter Strategy for England, detailing the importance of engaging communities in caring for our green spaces. With this in mind, researchers at DTW Tools decided to highlight our ‘hero’parks. They analysed Tripadvisor data from 100 of the UK’s biggest parks and found Marbury Country Park to have the fourth most mentions of keyword terms associated with landscaping and cleanliness.
Sunrise over Budworth Mere
Clean and appealing
when the results were calculated, Marbury achieved fourth place. The park received 309 reviews, 17 per cent of which used words such as “well maintained”, “unspoiled”, “tidy” and “clean”. Only three per cent of reviews included words with negative connotations, such as “litter”, “mess”, and “untidy”. Fife’s Lochmore Meadows Country Park ranked highest, but Marbury locals will not be surprised at its status at the top of the table.
A former residence of the Smith-Barry family, Marbury Country Park is at the heart of the Northwich Woodlands. The walks and trails take visitors through the historical landscape, which includes the magnificent lime avenues and the arboretum. Budworth Mere provides a beautiful backdrop and many the streams provide a rich haven for a host of wildlife from bats to beetles. Marbury Country Park is located off Marbury Road, Comberbach, Northwich CW9 6AT
Play a part in the park
It takes a team effort to keep Marbury such a haven for wildlife – and you can play a role in maintaining that for the future. The Friends of Anderton and Marbury (FoAM) are local residents who have come together to support, influence and play an active role in the future of Northwich Woodlands. The group was founded in 1999 and now has a membership of about 250. It’s a really social group and holds regular woodland events. Around 20 regular volunteers help the Cheshire West and Chester Rangers on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
FoAM has also played a major role in some of the woodland’s biggest transformation projects. Recently they created an oak-framed shelter for visitors, providing wheelchair-accessible cover for about 40 people. The current project focuses on an interpretation panel for the arboretum, along with replacement identity plaques for specimen trees. If you can offer some time and energy to help your local wildlife, visit foam.merseyforest.org.uk
Cute Pets Lucy the
Pablo the Bedlington pygmy goat terrier
Lottie, a fi ve-monthold working Bearded Collie
Pinky in his scratcher 11-week-old Pollyanna
Carlo the Collie pup
Abel Dougie
Marlon
Max, who sadly died this September aged 10. He was the happiest dog in the world. Here he is sunning himself by the pool. Authur
WIN
a £25 voucher
for Bradeley Green pet store in Whitchurch, to spend in-store or online at petcetera.co.uk
Bonnie
Tia and Tara, mother and daughter rescue Yorkies
Hugo the pygmy goat reaching the fruit trees!
Liza who can’t wait for Christmas
Congratulations to Donna Davies - owner of Riley for winning the Cute Pets competition this issue!’
Riley checking himself out in the mirror
Polly playing hide and seek Finley
Two-yearold golden retriever Leo from Llanelli
Khaleesi, queen of the house
Olly the rescue dog chilling on his holiday
Pandora
Mustard
Threeyear-old Marvin chilling
Rescue dog Darcy Rudy
Win some pet treats! To enter, email a photograph of your pet and their name to editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk and the Shire team will pick the winner!
POLITICIAN DIGS DEEP FOR WILDLIFE
A North Wales politician rolled up his sleeves to offer support to a collaboration developing a thriving wildlife garden
The partnership cultivated between a leading college and environmental charity was praised by Alyn and Deeside MS Jack Sargeant, when he leant a hand to the project during a recent visit. The inititiave at Coleg Cambria to create a ‘wildlife corridor’ and wellbeing garden has become a huge hit with students and staff in Deeside. Jobs Growth Wales+ learners, staff and members of the Construction Trainee Academy began work on the 40 square metre site a year ago, with the support of Keep Wales Tidy and their Local Places for Nature project.
The group planted more than 100 trees, wildflowers, and meadows, 2,000 native bulbs, shrubs and more.
“It’s great to see the work that Keep Wales Tidy are facilitating on the Coleg Cambria site,” said Jack, who hails from Connah’s Quay. “Access to a relaxing, enjoyable learning environment can really enhance a student’s experience and I look forward to seeing the wildlife garden progress. The project provides a great opportunity for students who may not have access to green spaces at home, to connect with nature and learn more about growing their own fruit and vegetables.”
Nurturing nature
In addition to landscaping, the learners have also built wooden planters, and the renovated area includes a greenhouse, bird feeders, hedgehog boxes. With disabled access and seating, it’s a space for people to relax, and for tutors to hold outdoor learning sessions.
Classroom assistant Brian Valentine was a driving force behind the scheme and thanked Keep Wales Tidy for their help in transforming a “lost” patch of land into a garden they can be proud of. “This has made such a difference for the students, especially after lockdown, self-isolation and the challenges they faced in the pandemic,” said Brian. “We are thrilled with the end result and are so grateful for the support of Keep Wales Tidy and everyone here at the college.” The group also received sponsorship from local business Monkey Lady Corporate Wear. Nicola Gaughran, assistant principal for Foundation Learning, ILS and Jobs Growth Wales+, added: “Well done to everyone involved in the creation of this wonderful garden, I’m sure it will provide a lasting legacy. There is so much nature on our doorstep it will be beneficial as an area of conservation – it’s an amazing space.” Flintshire project officer at Keep Wales Tidy Wendy Jones said: “We’re delighted to see the real difference that Coleg Cambria has made through Local Places for Nature. We know that gardening and being out in nature has a positive impact on mental wellbeing, as well as being a great way to keep fit and meet new people. We hope other communities will be inspired to get involved, apply for a free pack and create their own space for nature and people to enjoy.” To apply for a free garden pack, visit the Keep Wales Tidy website
keepwalestidy.cymru/nature
The farm at Tatton Park, in Knutsford, has recently been awarded Approved Conservation Centre status from the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, so its recent baby boom is great news for the team as so many animals at Tatton Park are on the RBST watchlist.
It’s well-deserved recognition for the dedicated team who work hard to protect the farm’s rare breed animals whilst supporting the important work of the RBST who monitor, save and promote UK native livestock.
Susie and Skye, Saddleback pig sisters, gave birth in tandem on 22nd and 23rd July. It
Jack Sargeant MS at the Coleg Cambria garden
“Well done to everyone involved in the creation of this wonderful garden. It will provide a lasting legacy” is their first time at being mums but they’re doing a great job so far.
A few days earlier Guernsey cow Nancy had a gorgeous heifer calf called Gracie, and the team are busy looking after a Hereford calf, Hetty, who sadly lost her mum and is being hand reared. Golden Guernsey goats Honey and Amber both produced twin kids in July, Ruby and Sapphire, and Alfie and Alby.
Now’s the perfect time to visit and meet all the new additions to the family and learn about how they are cared for. Closed Mondays. tattonpark.org.uk
Rare breed baby boom
Cheshire’s Tatton Park heard the patter of tiny trotters over the summer, meaning winter farm visitors will get to meet a cluster of adorable new arrivals
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e e Paw-some presents for pets and pet lovers
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1. Knitted mouse shelfsitter £7.99, The Old Railway Line Garden Centre,
Brecon; oldrailwaylinegc.co.uk 2. Big Scru y Dog soap £3.95, Shawbury Garden Centre, Shawbury,
Shropshire; shawburygardencentre.co.uk 3. Beaded paw bauble £12.50, Cox & Cox; coxandcox.co.uk 4. Make Your Own Doggy Treats kit £6.95, Petcetera, Bradeley Green,
Whitchurch; petcetera.co.uk 5. Scru s Tramps thermal loungers £34.99 each, Bents Garden Centre,
Glazebury, Cheshire; bents.co.uk 6. Max Rocks sheep decoration £8.50, Mostyn, Llandudno; mostyn.org 7. Beautiful Birds adult colouring book £9.99, RSPB;7. Beautiful Birds adult colouring book £9.99, RSPB; shopping.rspb.org.uk 8. Donut Plush pet bed from £13.99, The Range; therange.co.uk 9. Hamster Boredom Breaker activity assault course £14.99,
Charlie’s Home and Garden, Shrewsbury; charlies.co.uk 10. Collapsible dog bowl £5, Dogs Trust; shop.dogstrust.org.uk 11. Fox Hollow decoir door mat £5.99, Minshulls Garden Centre,
Crewe; minshulls.co.uk 12. Red cable-knit dog jumper from £9.75, Tweedmill, St Asaph; tweedmill.co.uk
