Local group urges walkers to report wildlife sightings

8th June 2005

The Save Swallow’s Wood [1] campaign group are urging local residents and walkers to send in details of wildlife sightings from the route that will be affected looming A57/A628 bypass.

Whilst species listed in the Cheshire and Greater Manchester Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs) [2] – such as great crested newts and watervoles - are of particular interest, any wildlife that is seen whilst people are out walking can be recorded as it can then be used by various wildlife and conservation groups to broaden their understanding of the different species and habitats in the region.

A spokesperson for Save Swallow’s Wood said:

“We are keen to find out as much as we can about wildlife in the area that will be affected by the A57/A628 bypass. Everyone who walks in the area can make an invaluable contribution to our understanding of the area and the work of the Cheshire recording group (rECORD) [3], simply by noting
what they see when they are out walking and filling in a simple recording form.”

To get involved with wildlife recording or find out more about the area that will be affected, visit the Save Swallow’s Wood website (www.saveswallowswood.org.uk) or contact Emma on 0845 226 3392.

For more information, contact: Emma Lawrence Tel: 0845 226 3392

Notes to Editors:

[1] Save Swallow’s Wood is a local group campaigning against the A57/A628 bypass and promoting alternatives. For more information, visit the campaign website www.saveswallowswood.org.uk.

[2] The Swallow’s Wood Nature reserve falls within both the Greater Manchester and Cheshire boundaries so is subject to the recommendations from both sets of Local Biodiversity Action Plans. Local Diversity Action Plans set out details of species and habitats that are important to the local area and provides guidelines for protecting them. See http://www.ukbap.org.uk for more information.

[3] rECORD is the name for the Biodiversity Information Systems for Cheshire, Hatton, and Wirral project. Visit their website http://www.consult-eco.ndirect.co.uk/lrc/index.htm for more information.