project update: macclesfield leisure centre

Large grassed areas surround the leisure centre which has been left to grow longer in designated areas allowing flowers to bloom and creating new habitats for insects and small mammals and food for birds and pollinators. 

 Paths have been cut through the long grass giving walkers the opportunity to see and enjoy the plants and wildlife up close. We have installed benches around the site to provide somewhere to sit and watch the wildlife or admire the views over to the hills of the Peak District. 

 Stopping mowing also allows trees and shrubs to regenerate. This area close to the running track is already creating new areas of scrub and young woodland. As a general rule habitat that looks untidy to the human eye is good for nature! 

Areas of existing woodland provide wildlife bridges or corridors to other green spaces such as those behind Fallibroome Academy and over towards Macclesfield Rugby Club.  

 Macc Wild Network have been working with the Leisure Centre team at Everybody, Cheshire Wildlife Trust, Cheshire East (ANSA) and RSPB Wildlife Explorers on a number of initiatives. 

Sometimes all we need to do is stop mowing and nature will return but there are many other things we can do to give nature a helping hand.  We will continue to increase the variety of species here and provide more nectar for pollinators and food for birds.