Sandbach Woodland & Wildlife Group

By Sandbach Woodland & Wildlife Group

Along the southern perimeter of Sandbach and easily accessible from the town centre is a wonderland of woodland walks, water, wildlife and open space covering over 30 acres. These areas, although distinct in themselves, are linear in character and connect to one another, creating a precious wildlife corridor. At one end the path network begins at the canal bridge in Wheelock and leads to Arclid Brook. It passes under Dancing Bridge to the weir pool in Mill Hill Lane. Further along is Coronation Wood, a beautifully dappled area of oak, ash and sycamore trees enhanced by the sound of water from the brook. Coronation Wood links with Brook Wood, with its many paths and trails, which provide a tranquil, meandering and scenic route into the town centre.

Situated just off the High Street, below The Old Hall is St Mary’s Wood, with accessible paths, native hedges and mature trees. On the other side of the High Street, between Brook Bridge and the footbridge to the Dingle Wood Trail is an area rich in wild flowers. Here it is at its most dramatic with views of Dingle Lake.

On the other side of Old Mill Road is the Filter Bed Wood Trail which boasts large bittercress close to the stream and bluebells on the drier slopes.

The upkeep of this unique asset is provided by Sandbach Woodland and Wildlife Group (SWWG); a group of volunteers who meet regularly to maintain the woodland, repair paths and steps, litter pick, and remove non-native and invasive plants such as Himalayan Balsam. There is a year-round work schedule, aiming to safeguard and improve this extensive wildlife corridor.

SWWG was established in 2008 by local residents as a volunteer group, headed by Dick Macaulay. Together with the U3A Environmental Action Group and Care4CE (a rehabilitation support group, led at the time by Phil Mason), their intention was to revive a neglected and misused strip of woodland. They cleared rubbish, created paths and removed damaged and dangerous trees. It was a collaborative venture; the physical labour being provided by volunteers and materials provided by sponsors and locally sourced grants. SWWG planted around 300 native trees which were supplied by The Woodland Trust with a grant from The Tree Council and individually donated trees. They also created between 3 and 4 miles of footpaths.

SWWG maintains a close relationship with Cheshire East Council and the Town Council who provide the main sources of income. Other sources of funding have been The Co-op, The Post Code Lottery and Sandbach Garden Trail.

SWWG is still active and meets once a month on Tuesday and twice a month on Sunday between 10.00am and 12.00pm. The work is varied and suitable for all ages, abilities and energy levels.

If you’d like to volunteer, have fun in the woodland, look out for the resident heron, kingfisher and buzzards, meet some fellow volunteers, get some exercise in the fresh air and help maintain our precious habitat, you’d be made very welcome!