THE new chairman of a thriving Warrington ecology group has given a glowing report on its activities over the last year.
Kevin Price, chairman of the New Cut and Paddington Meadows Ecology Group, praised retiring chairman Ian Johnson, who found the group and then praised volunteers who turn out in all weathers on litter picks and bulb and wildflower planting sessions.
Supported by Warrington Borough Council officials and rangers, the ecology group has been busy keeping the area free of litter and rubbish left by fly tippers – including television sets, prams, shopping bags and even an oscilloscope.
Bird experts within the group have established links with the British Trust for Ornithology and led members on regular bird and bat surveys to contribute to local and national data recording reports.
Surveys have revealed that the number of species using the area has increased from 69 identified bird species in 2016 to 74 in 2017. The most unusual sightings recently have been ravens that are not normally seen on this type of terrain.
The rare “red listed” willow tits have put in regular appearances on surveys and appear to be thriving.
Facilities for the public have been improved with a picnic area and a viewing area at Woolston Lock, provided in consultation with the Environment Agency.
Displays have been put on at local events and the group put on its own highly successful open day.
Equipment has been purchased with help from Warrington Charities Trust and Community Chest.
An exciting year is now planned with new activities including hedge laying and willow weaving and working with the local ranger service to develop areas of wetland to extend the areas suitable for willow tits and possibly great crested newts.
A programme of events and talks is currently being planned
Mr Price added: “This area, once despoiled by 19th century industry, is unique being the last complete section of the historic Mersey and Irwell Navigation and now having both an increasing role as “green space” for local people and wildlife habitat.
“The support we have enjoyed from local authorities and the Environment Agency has been first class and contributed to the high morale of our volunteer workforce”
Paddington Meadows
1 Comment
Congratulations on your success building on the very hard work that Ian and Lynda have put into the project(s) over the years. It’s certainly been a long hard battle.