Nature Action Plan | Knutsford Town Council

18Sep2025

Pollinator photography competition winners announced

The winners of a competition which saw individuals to connect with nature, hone their photography skills, and contribute to a significant environmental cause have been announced.

Knutsford Town Council launched the photography competition as part of its Knutsford Bee Trail, to encourage residents to take a look at pollinators in action. The winners were announced and prizes awarded at Picnic in the Park on Sunday 14^th September.

The winners were:

Adult: Camera Category

1st Rebecca Ashworth

2nd Rebecca Ashworth

3rd Roger Hume

Adult: Phone Category

1st Helen Brownlie

2nd Simon Cronan

3rd Roger Hume

Under 17s

1^st Michael Taberner

Karl Creaser of Knutsford Photographic Society said “Knutsford Photographic Society was delighted to support and judge the town council’s photo competition as part of the launch of its award winning bee trail.”

The overall standard of entries was high and it was particularly pleasing to see entrants attempt to capture images of pollinators flying into a flower – and getting both in focus! Very many congratulations to all those who were placed in the top three and especially to the winners of the three categories.” Karl added

Knutsford Town Council has been leading a year of activity focused on supporting pollinator insects through its Nature Action Plan. Central to this was the launch of the Knutsford Bee Trail in May, a 3.5m figure-of-eight walk around pollinator friendly spaces in Knutsford which saw the council receive a Bees Needs’ Award from Defra earlier this summer.

The Knutsford Photographic Society is a friendly, enthusiastic group of photographers who aim to have fun while not always taking themselves too seriously. They hold regular meetings and a number of club competitions throughout the year.

11Sep2025

Community Survey on new building and open space enhancements

A new community survey is providing residents with the opportunity to input on two community projects: the development of a new community building on Longridge and enhancements at St Helena’s Field.

St Helana’s Field is a large open space on Longridge, next to St John’s Wood and containing the ancient site of the church of St Helena. The Town Council has prepared proposals to enhance the open space with a focus on promoting biodiversity; measures include leaving areas unmown to support pollinating insects, additional tree planting, including a community orchard, and planting a hedge around the site.

The proposals are also to look at installing benches and, longer term, hardstanding paths to help cross the site during winter. The initial proposals were developed by volunteers and refined following engagement with Cheshire East Council which owns the site. Subject to the survey responses, some planting could take place this winter as part of the council’s Nature Action Plan work.

Across the road from this open space is the site which last year was approved for a development of 225 houses. This development, which has outline planning permission, will be required to provide a new community building and gift it to the Town Council.

The survey aims to help the council’s Longridge Community Building working group develop plans for this new building and better negotiate with the developers to secure the maximum possible benefit for the community. The council is also undertaking a review of existing community venues to evidence what the town needs from a new public building in this area of town.

The survey is open to all residents and can be access at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/survey. Paper surveys are being delivered to houses in the Cross Town and St John’s Wood wards, and for residents outside these areas, can be requested by contacting the Town Council on 01565 653 929.

The survey closes on Friday 10^th October.

27Aug2025

Bat Walk Boosted by Community Grant Scheme

As part of Knutsford Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme, Crosstown Community Orchard has been awarded a grant worth £325 through the gift of five bat detectors.

The charity runs a well-attended Bat and Moth event each September. The free event offers residents a unique opportunity to take a closer look at these wonderful creatures, whilst engaging people in conversation about local green spaces. The focus of the event is to enhance awareness of and appreciation for wildlife and the natural environment, bringing the community together to discuss ecosystems and the impact of different decisions on wildlife.

The 2025 Bat and Moth event takes place on Friday 12^th September, starting at 8:30pm at the shelter on the Moor.

Crosstown Community Orchard is an open to all green space where members of our community can maintain and share in the bounty of an orchard. The charity hosts several events throughout the year and always welcomes new volunteers to support their work.

Orchard trustee, Kevin Griffiths said “The bat detectors will be used every year at our event to enable visitors to hear the sounds of the different bats we find on the Moor.

We’re grateful to the town council for its continued support of our work and invite anyone to join us at this year’s Bat and Moth walk”

For more information about Crosstown Community Orchard please visit www.crosstowncommunityorchard.org.uk. The Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme provides grants of up to £1,500 to support community projects and activities within Knutsford. Funding priorities include providing services/opportunities for young people or older people, providing new or improved assets or services for the community and enhancing the profile or reputation of the Town. The next deadline for applications is 31^st August. For more information visit: https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/community-grants.

13Aug2025

Big Bulb Plant Back for 2025

After a two-year hiatus, the Knutsford Big Bulb Plant is back for 2025.

The community-led bulb planting programme puts the bulbs in the hands of residents – inviting them to host a bulb planting event on their neighbourhood green spaces across a two-week period. This year’s Big Bulb Plant will run from 20^th September to 5^th October.

The initiative is coordinated by Knutsford Town Council which provides planting organisers with a collection of suitable bulbs and leaflets to deliver to neighbours inviting them to lend a hand.

Residents who want to see more spring flowering bulbs popping up on spaces near them in spring 2026 can register to host a bulb planting event on the Town Council website at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/big-bulb-plant. They just need to register a location, date and time of their planned planting session (which must be within the period from 20^th September to 5^th October).

Town Clerk, Adam Keppel-Green said “The Big Bulb Plant is all about seeing our town bursting with colour in the spring, whilst also providing some much-needed early nectar for our pollinating insects”.

Previous years have seen bulbs planted at green spaces across the town, from Manor Crescent to Queensway. Previously planted areas can have more bulbs to boost displays.

14Jul2025

Bees’ Needs Champion Award

Knutsford Town Council has been awarded one of the 2025 Bees Needs Champion Awards in recognition of its work taking action to support pollinators.

Through its Nature Action Plan working group, the council has helped create wildflower meadows in locations across the town and this year launched the Knutsford Bee Trail to raise awareness of practical steps residents can take to help reverse the pollinator decline.

The award was made as part of Bees Needs Week, which runs from 14^th to 20^th July. The aim of the week is to raise awareness of the importance of bees and other pollinators and share ideas, actions and activities that highlight the ways in which everyone can help them thrive.

When most people think of bees, they think of honeybees, but there are over 270 species of bee in the UK, including the honeybee, 24 species of bumblebee and many different solitary bees. Honeybee populations are doing relatively well, however many wild bee populations, including solitary bees and bumblebees, are struggling. Causes of decline include habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change.

“Our focus this year has been on supporting pollinating insects as so much of the rest of nature, including us, relies on strong pollinator populations” said Cllr Rex Mears, Chair of the council’s Environment and Transport Committee.

“We are proud to have received the Bees Needs Champion Award this year recognising the importance of the work we are doing, and we hope this will help inspire others to take action. We will continue on our mission to enhance Knutsford’s ecology”

“I would like to thank the nature action plan working group volunteers and the residents that attended the bee trail launch event, without whom this would not have been possible.” Rex added.

The council has created an information page on its website to share steps residents can take to support pollinators at home, as well as finding out more about the Knutsford Bee Trail. This can be found at https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/bee-trail

There are 5 simple actions that anyone can take to help pollinators:

Grow more nectar rich flowers, shrubs and trees. Using window or balcony boxes are good options if you do not have a garden.
Let patches of garden and land grow wild.
Cut grass less often.
Do not disturb insect nests and hibernation spots.
Think carefully about whether to use pesticides.

The Town Council is also running a pollinator photography competition, with entries closing on 31^st August. Photos need to show pollinators in action, including at least one pollinator and flower. More details can be found at https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/bee-trail/photo-comp.

Bee Trail maps can be picked up at locations across the town and will be distributed through school bookbags ahead of the start of the summer holidays. To celebrate Bees Needs Week, you can also find out more about the Bee Trail and our pollinators on the Moor from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday 19^th July.

2Jun2025

Pollinator photography competition launched

Knutsford Town Council, in collaboration with the Knutsford Photographic Society, is thrilled to announce the launch of a captivating photography competition as part of its 2025 focus on pollinators. This initiative aims to highlight the vital role of pollinating insects and encourage community engagement in efforts to reverse their decline.

The Bee Trail Photography Competition invites residents of all ages to capture the beauty and importance of pollinators in action. Participants are encouraged to submit striking photographs featuring at least one pollinator and one flower, showcasing the intricate relationship between these essential creatures and the flora they help thrive.

“We are pleased to be working with Knutsford Photographic Society to launch this competition, which celebrates the natural beauty around us but also serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of our pollinators” said Cllr April Johnson.

“Through the lens of the camera, we hope to foster a deeper appreciation for these insects and inspire actions that support their survival.”

To ensure broad participation, the competition features three categories:

Under 16s: Open to budding photographers 16 and under, using any device (phone or camera).
Ages 17+ (Phone): for those aged 17 and above, capturing the beauty with their phones.
Ages 17+ (Camera): for keen photographers aged 17 and above, using a camera to create captivating images.

Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each category. The winning photographs will be unveiled and celebrated during the Picnic in the Park event on September 14th.

This competition is a great opportunity for individuals to connect with nature, hone their photography skills, and contribute to a significant environmental cause. Knutsford Town Council and the Knutsford Photographic Society look forward to seeing the incredible submissions that will undoubtedly emerge from this exciting new venture.

Further details on submission guidelines, deadlines, and specific entry procedures will be made available on the Knutsford Town Council website: https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/bee-trail/photo-comp

Knutsford Town Council is leading a year of activity focused on supporting pollinator insects through its Nature Action Plan. This competition follows the launch of the Knutsford Bee Trail.

8May2025

Knutsford Bee Day to launch new bee trail

A bee-centric event is taking place on the Moor next Saturday as part of World Bee Day.

Knutsford Town Council is hosting the event from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday 17^th May ahead of World Bee Day on 20^th May.

The event will feature talks from Chester University on biodiversity and Manchester Bee Sanctuary will be giving talks about our most prolific pollinators – the bees!

Knutsford Bake Club are running a bee-themed bake sale with organic cordials and children can also hunt out the different bees hiding around the Moor. The event will also launch a new photographic competition being run in conjunction with Knutsford Photographic Society.

The event is to mark the launch of the Knutsford Bee Trail, a new 3.4mile circular walk designed to promote awareness of the importance of pollinators. The Knutsford Bee Trail is being officially launched by Esther McVey MP and the new Mayor of Knutsford.

Visitors to the Bee Day event will also be able to find out more about the practical steps they can take to support pollinating insects like bees and contribute to the Knutsford ‘Bee a Hero’ Pledge Board. The first 100 attendees will receive a packet of wildflower seeds to grow their own pollinator patches at home, and visitors can be in with a chance of winning a bee hotel for their garden. There will also be some pollinator colouring to do, and the chance to find out more about pollinators, including which everyday foods would be affected by a continued decline in pollinators across the world.

The event will also be the first place to pick up a map of the new 3.5 mile Knutsford Bee Trail walk.

“This event is all about raising awareness of what we can all do to support pollinating insects which are vital to our ecosystem and our food supply, and it launches our exciting new permanent bee trail too” said Cllr April Johnson, lead member of the town council’s Nature Action Plan.

“There are so many practical things we can all do in our town to make a huge difference to wild bees and other pollinators. We want them to thrive here. We look forward to seeing you there and together as a town pledging to do more to support our bees”

The Knutsford Bee Trail will be launched at the event and a route map available from the Town Council website from Saturday.

9May2023

Coronation Tree Planted

To mark the coronation of HM King Charles III, the Town Mayor planted a commemorative oak tree on the Heath in advance of the coronation barn dance. This continued a tradition dating back to the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902.

Town Council volunteer researchers Jenny and Mary recently uncovered old documents, Knutsford Guardian reports, and a map giving details of four oak trees which had been planted to commemorate the coronation of our last four monarchs, they began looking back at previous celebrations and sought the help of Friends of The Heath in identifying the exact whereabouts of the trees. Jenny and Mary also spoke to the Town Council about the possibility of continuing the tradition of planting an oak tree for King Charles III on coronation day, 6th May.

The Town Council was keen not to break the tradition and in the week leading up to the coronation set about making swift preparations. Representatives from Knutsford Heritage Centre and Friends of The Heath, together with Mr Henry Brooks of Tatton Estates, and members of the public, watched as Town Mayor Cllr Mike Houghton performed the ceremony and dedicated the tree to the new King.

In 1902 an oak was planted by the drinking fountain in honour of Edward VII, the commemorative plaque for this tree was replaced by the council in 2022.

The 1911 tree was planted in the centre of the heath for the coronation of King George V, unfortunately it is there no longer and was likely removed c1944 when General Patton’s US troops camped on the heath.

Iron railings near the bowling club boundary wall circle a dead stump which was the tree planted in 1937 for King George VI. And Friends of the Heath have recently found a healthy oak tree in iron railings a short way across from Warren Avenue which was the tree planted in 1953 for Queen Elizabeth II.

The 2023 tree for HM King Charles III is adjacent to Tabley Road and a commemorative plaque will be installed shortly.

16Feb2022

600 trees breathe new life into Dogwood

Over 600 trees were planted by volunteers on Saturday 29^th January as part of Knutsford Town Council’s Nature Action Plan.

With support from The Tatton Group, the Town Council organised a planting day beginning at the entrance to Dogwood which leads from the Moor to Tatton Park. The new trees will bolster the existing mature trees and eventually replace those that are lost naturally.

Adopted in March 2020, the Nature Action Plan sets out the council’s commitment to improve Knutsford’s biodiversity and natural habitats and supports the council’s efforts to tackle climate change. Planting trees across the town is a key aspect of the plan, which not only increase the biodiversity value of local areas but capture carbon from the atmosphere.

The whips (very young saplings), which were provided by the Woodland Trust and The Conservation Volunteers, were planted by a team which included volunteers, students from Knutsford Academy and town councillors. Within a few hours hundreds of trees had been planted which will eventually grow into larger specimens and will capture tonnes of carbon through their lives.

Bob Allen, The Planning and Facilities Officer at Knutsford Town Council, said: “It was excellent to see support from the community and everyone that came made huge efforts to endure the wind and the rain to make a positive difference to the town for years to come. Trees are an important source of oxygen for us all and we want to encourage tree planting wherever possible!”

The Town Council is now preparing its second phase of standard (1.5m-2m) tree planting on open spaces across the town.

To find out more about tree planting or the Nature Action Plan you can visit www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/natureactionplan

22Dec2021

800 whips planted on open spaces in December

Eight hundred whips were planted in Knutsford this month as part of the Town Council’s nature action plan which aims to improve Knutsford for wildlife and tackle climate change.

On Saturday 4^th December volunteers from the Town Amongst Trees project planted 500 whips at two open spaces on Ashworth Park. The whips were planted in the borders of the sites and will develop into mixed native copses. The planting day coordinated by the council’s Planning and Facilities Officer, Bob Allen, who leads on the implementation of the plan. The volunteers spent hours in the rain getting the whips in the ground in National Tree Week and were supported by local residents supplying warming tea and fresh cake!

Bob Allen sorting whips — Planning and Facilities Officer Bob Allen

Later in the month Town Ranger Bob Garner planted a new native hedge of 300 whips around an open space on Manor Crescent. The new hedge at the green next to the 2^nd Knutsford Scout Hut, will develop into a native hedgerow. Hedgerows provide shelter, nesting opportunities and food for birds and an assortment of invertebrates and once established the fence surrounding the green will be removed.

The whips were provided free of charge by the Woodland Trust and The Conservation Volunteers.

In early 2022 the Town Council will be planting a further 120 trees on open spaces across the town as part of its mission to greatly increase tree cover in the town and, with funding from Redrow, is supporting the creation of a community wildflower allotment.

“Since adopting our Nature Action Plan in 2020 we have created new wildflower meadows, planted hundreds of trees and in spring will see thousands of bulbs flower thanks to efforts from volunteers across the community” said Town Clerk, Adam Keppel-Green. “We’ve more work to do in 2022, but Knutsford is well on its way to being a great example of how towns can provide for wildlife across their open spaces”.

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