Of the 12 native species of amphibian and terrestrial reptile, 5 amphibians and 3 reptile species were recorded in the audit.

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1 Species Descriptions The following sections are intended as a guide to some of the wildlife in the borough and highlight some of the less common species and those for which conservation effort is required. Reptiles and Amphibians Of the 12 native species of amphibian and terrestrial reptile, 5 amphibians and 3 reptile species were recorded in the audit. These are: common toad (Bufo bufo) common frog (Rana temporaria) palmate newt (Triturus helveticus) smooth newt (Triturus vulgaris) great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) grass snake (Natrix natrix) adder (Vipera berus) common lizard (Lacerta vivipara) Common Frog (Steve McWilliam, record) Cheshire is quite rich in amphibians due to construction of large numbers of marl pits dug in the 18 th century to provide fertilizer for agricultural use. When these pits subsequently filled with water they became home to frogs, newts and a wealth of other wildlife. 7 of the amphibian and reptile species are UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species and 2 are also Cheshire BAP species. Whilst all UK species of reptile and amphibian receive limited protection under wildlife legislation, the great crested newt, which has a stronghold in Macclesfield, is one of the UK s most strictly protected animals under both national and European legislation. Whilst not uncommon throughout Cheshire (it was found in approximately 33% of Cheshire ponds as part of the Pondlife project during the 1990s), its population and range across Europe as a whole has greatly declined making the local population vitally important on a global scale. In addition to the native species, the red-eared terrapin Chrysemys scripta elegans a native of south-east USA and north east Mexico, which is frequently released into the wild as unwanted pets, was also recorded. This species is currently unable to breed in our climate, but there is concern that it may be able to establish breeding populations as a result of increasingly mild winters. page 12

2 Fish 10 species of fish were recorded in the audit. This is fewer than are known to be present in the borough and this probably reflects a regional lack of accessible data on fish distribution. Brown Trout (Paul Breslin, Environment Agency) There are records for one UK BAP species. The Brook Lamprey Lampetra planeri from the River Dane is a primitive, jawless fish resembling an eel. It is the smallest of the lampreys found in the UK and is a non-migratory freshwater species, occurring in streams and occasionally in lakes. The brook lamprey requires clean gravel beds for spawning and soft marginal silt or sand for its larvae. There are no records for the two Cheshire Countdown fish species Allis Shad (Alosa alosa) and Twaite Shad (Alosa fallax), which in Cheshire are believed to be restricted to the River Dee. Birds Birds are particularly well recorded on a national and local scale. Recording in Cheshire and Wirral is co-ordinated by Cheshire and Wirral Ornithological Society (CAWOS), whose members recorded a total of 285 species from their study area during The data collected for the audit includes records for 137 bird species. Although the audit includes historical as well as modern data, this is still a good proportion of the CAWOS total for the whole of Cheshire, particularly as Macclesfield has no maritime habitats. Of the species recorded a number are UK and Cheshire BAP species and 2 are listed in the Peak District BAP. A large number are also included on the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Red and Amber lists of species that may be at risk either nationally or globally. Song Thrush (Steve McWilliam, record) In 1999, the Government published the White Paper Achieving a better quality of life, which contained a draft set of 150 indicators of the sustainability of lifestyles in the UK. One of these indicators was based on population trends of breeding birds. The publication of a wildlife page 13

3 indicator reflects the importance of nature conservation as a key aspect of sustainable development. Birds were chosen in particular because the data for this group are so good and also because they have varied ecologies and widespread distributions across the UK and so can be used as barometers of change in the wider environment. Some of the more unusual species recorded in Macclesfield as part of the audit include: Red grouse (Lagopus lagopus) A reddish brown, medium sized game bird that breeds in upland Heather Moorland. The population of red grouse is thought to be declining as a result of loss of habitat and possibly disease. The records contained in the Biodiversity audit are for the Langley area, and whilst there are no records contained within the audit since 1979 an article contained in the Cheshire and Wirral Bird Report (2002) by JV Oxenham does contain more recent information on the status of the species in Cheshire and the efforts being undertaken to conserve it. Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) This smallish bright blue and orange bird could not really be mistaken for anything else! Populations of kingfishers are vulnerable to hard winters and habitat degradation, but despite this they are still quite widespread. Good places to look for kingfishers in the borough include Riverside Park (near Macclesfield town) on the banks of the River Bollin and also the Macclesfield canal where these birds are seen quite regularly. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos minor) is the smallest and rarest of the three British woodpeckers. Like all woodpeckers it can be identified on the wing by its bobbing flight and is best Kingfi sher identified from the other two species by its smaller size. The species nests in dead wood in broad-leaved woodland, parks and orchards as well as in alders along the banks of rivers. Lesser spotted woodpeckers have been recorded at few sites in the borough most recently at Lindow Common where they were recorded nesting in Mammals There are currently 76 species of mammal recorded in the UK including species of bats, hares, rabbit, rodents, carnivores, seals, ungulates and cetaceans Wood Mouse (Steve McWilliam, record) page 14

4 (whales and dolphins). Additionally 2 vagrant bat species, 4 more species of seal and the walrus, have been recorded as occas Records of 31 mammal species occ These included: 7 species of bats 3 shrew species 3 deer species 2 species of squirrel 2 hare species Bat The decline of the water vole disappeared from 90% of its former sites. A number of factors are believed to have contributed to this decline, including the replacement of river banks with piling which prevents the animals from burrowing into the bank. Again, the isolation of suitable sites by development and roads may make it impossible for animals to move from one site to another. Predation by American mink, which have established wild populations in this country Watervole (Paul Breslin, Environment Agency) following escapes and releases from fur farms, is also a major factor. Despite its decline, the water vole can still be seen at a number of sites around the borough, with a large number of records from Danes Moss. Look out for water voles on any water course which has plenty of bank-side vegetation and listen for the characteristic plop made as the animal dives under the water to avoid the approach of humans. Causing similar concerns is the decline in the numbers of bats in the UK. 9 species are known in Cheshire, 7 of which were recorded in the Macclesfield as part of the audit. All are thought to be in decline, with the Pipistrelle bat causing particular concern. Despite this species still being the most common bat in the UK it has suffered a dramatic decline throughout the last century. page 15

5 The secretive nocturnal habits of bats, and their appearance in numerous horror movies has lead to them being associated with a number of myths, which has lead to bats having an rather undeserved public image as large, dangerous, bloodthirsty creatures, which get tangled in your hair, when in fact they are gentle, surprisingly small delicate creatures, who are dedicated parents to their young and which do little or no damage to property. There are a number of groups and organisation running bat walks to help improve the image of bats and allow people to learn more about them. Contact the Borough s Nature Conservation Officer for more details. Grasshoppers and Crickets (Orthoptera) Grasshoppers are familiar grassland insects, found throughout the UK usually between June and October. There are 30 British species divided into two distinct groups; the Ensifera or long-horned species and the Caelifera or short-horned species, separated by means of the length of their antennae. Two species of grasshopper, The Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus) and The Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus), were recorded in the audit, but the Meadow Grasshopper and the Common Grasshopper are also known to occur. Caddisflies (Trichoptera) Caddisflies are most familiar to the nonentomologist in their aquatic larval form, found on the bed of streams and ponds Scorpion Fly (Steve McWilliam, record) where they use a silk-like substance to bind sand or bits of leaves and twigs to form a tube-like protective case. The adult insects are terrestrial and resemble dull coloured moths, but differ in having wings covered in dense hairs rather than scales. A total of 45 species of caddisflies were recorded in the audit, a good percentage of the 193 found in the country as a whole. Of these, 7 (Apatania muliebris, Glossosoma conformis, Limnephilus stigma, Oligotricha striata, Rhyacophila obliterata, Trichostegia minor and a Wormaldia species) are regionally notable species. This means they are uncommon in some parts of the UK. 6 others (Apatania muliebris, Cyrnus fl avidus, Mystacides longicornis, Phryganea grandis, Polycentropus irroratus and a Wormaldia sp) are local in distribution, meaning they are found in only some areas of the country. page 16

6 Damselflies and Dragonflies (Odonata) There are 5300 species of damselflies in the world the majority of which are found in the tropics. 120 species are found in mainland Europe, with 38 in the UK, but as most are restricted to the south, where the climate is warmer only 19 are thought to breed in Cheshire. Damselflies and dragonflies represent two types of related insects. Damselflies are smaller and more delicate looking than dragonflies and possess two pairs of similar wings which close over the abdomen when the insect is at rest. In contrast, dragonflies are more robust. The two pairs of wings are dissimilar, the front wings being narrower than the rear, and both sets are held horizontally open when at rest. Damselflies and Plant Hopper (Steve McWilliam, record) dragonflies can be found around most unpolluted water courses including ponds, lakes, ditches and canals and are best seen on calm, sunny days throughout summer and early autumn, when the insects will be actively feeding and searching for mates. 11 species of damselfly and dragonfly were recorded in Macclesfield. There is a single record for one rare species, the Scarce Chaser, normally found in the south west of England, but there is some doubt about the authenticity of this record so unless further observations are made it seems unlikely that this species is breeding in the borough. Lacewings and Alderflies (Neuroptera) The Neuroptera includes about 5400 species of weak flying insects including lacewings, dobsonflies, mantidflies, alderflies, snakeflies, spongeflies, antlions and owlflies. They are represented by over 60 British species, 12 of which were recorded in Macclesfield. None of these species is rare, but 2 (Semidalis aleyrodiformis a lacewing and Sialis fuliginosa an alderfly) are classed as being local in distribution meaning that they are restricted to certain parts of the country. Scorpion Flies (Mecoptera) The Mecoptera or scorpion flies are slender carnivorous insects with beaked heads, long antennae and long slender legs. Of the 4 British scorpion flies, 3 have been recorded in Macclesfield. 1 of which (Panorpa cognata), is classed as local in distribution. page 17

7 True Flies (Diptera) True flies are one of the most diverse and widespread groups, including hoverflies, craneflies, midges, house flies, blow flies and many others. The name Diptera means two wings, and diptera are distinguished from other groups, (butterflies, dragonflies etc) by having only one pair of wings. There are about 120,000 known diptera species in the world with over 6600 occurring in the UK. Of these, 660 were recorded in Macclesfield. 2 of these (Aedes sticticus and Culiseta longiareolata) are Red Data Book species, meaning they are threatened or endangered and a further 13 are notable due to their restricted distribution. Bugs (Hemiptera) The true bugs (Hemiptera) are one of the largest and most successful insect groups. They usually have four wings, the front pair of which is often modified to a horny consistency. The defining feature of the group is the mouthparts, which have evolved to obtain food by piercing and sucking. The majority of the species in this group feed on plant juices, but many are predatory and some species are useful controllers of agricultural pests. Buff-tip Moth Caterpillar (Steve McWilliam, record) There are at least 80,000 species in the world with 1600 occurring in the UK. 130 of these were recorded in Macclesfield, none of which were rare or threatened. Mayflies (Ephemeroptera) and Stoneflies (Plecoptera) Mayflies are common insects found in almost all freshwater habitats, as well as some brackish ones. The 2000 species identified represent the oldest group of winged insects. 47 species of mayflies are found in Britain. Like mayflies, stoneflies are a relatively small insect order of around 2000 species worldwide of which 34 are British. 40 species of mayfly and stonefly were identified in the audit for the Macclesfield area. Bees, Ants, Sawflies and Wasps (Hymenoptera) Bees and wasps, are perhaps the most beneficial insects to people. Bees and many of their relatives are important pollinators of flowering plants and many species of small wasps are major parasites of other small animals including pest insects. Without these parasites limiting the populations of insect pest species, damage to crops would be drastically increased. page 18

8 Of the 6600 British species, only 174 were recorded in the audit. A number of these, however, are classed as being rare or of restricted distribution. There may be a number of reasons for the apparent paucity of species in Macclesfield. It may be that many species are so specialized they are only able to survive in a limited number of locations, and so each region of the country may have its own almost Hover Fly (Steve McWilliam, record) unique assemblages of species. This is supported by the fact that a number of Macclesfield species are classed as being rare or of restricted distribution. Alternatively, it may simply be that due to the high number of species in the country people have only tended to make a note of the more unusual specimens and have neglected many of the more common ones. Moths and Butterflies (Lepidoptera) Moths and butterflies form one of the largest insect orders with approximately 150,000 species identified, 85% of which are moths species occur in the UK and they are possibly the most intensely studied of the insects. The adult insects are conspicuous and mainly quite distinctive. Whilst the distinction between moths and butterflies is difficult to define, in the UK, butterflies mainly have clubbed antennae and fly during the day, whilst moths have simple antennae and fly mainly at night, although some attractive moths are also daytime flyers. There are records for a total of 671 species of butterfly and moths recorded as part of the audit. One of these the High Brown Fritillary (Argynnis Peacock Butterfl y (Steve McWilliam, record) adippe) is considered to be scarce. As there is only a single record from 1976 and the species is considered to be restricted to the west of the country, it appears unlikely that this record is genuine. Beetles (Coleoptera) Beetles comprise the largest single group of insects, with a total of over 360,000 species worldwide and over 4000 in the UK. Beetles may be both terrestrial (living on land) and aquatic and the 508 species recorded in the audit represent species from both habitats. Of these the two most interesting are: page 19

9 A Scavenger beetle (Cercyon convexiusculus) This rare water beetle is small and black, and is found amongst leaf litter in the beds of reeds, sedges, or other wet thickly vegetated habitats. There are a few records for the species in the borough, but the species is slightly more common in the south. A Scavenger beetle (Enochrus melanocephalus) Another rare water beetle, it is light brown with a black head and approximately 5mm in length. It can be found in a wide range of habitats but is rare in the north. Only 2 records of this species were discovered. Molluscs (Mollusca) This group includes chitons, clams, mussels, snails, nudibranch sea-slugs, tusk shells, octopus and squid. A total of over 80,000 species have been identified in the world, 68 of which were recorded in the audit, these being mainly the more familiar snails, slugs, limpets and mussels. Of these a mud snail called Lymnaea glabra is the most rare and is classed as being vulnerable to Common Garden Snail (Steve McWilliam, record) extinction. It is found in seasonal ponds scattered throughout the country but is known from only two or three locations in Macclesfield. Spiders, Mites and False Scorpions (Arachnida) The arachnida includes spiders, ticks, mites, scorpions, false scorpions and harvestmen totaling over 50,000 species. This group all share the following characteristics; eight walking legs, two body parts - a fused head and thorax and an abdomen, biting or piercing jaws, simple eyes and no antenna. The spiders are the most familiar group of which there are about 623 species in Britain. A total of 203 species of arachnida were recorded as part of the audit. 2 of the rarer species recorded in Macclesfield are: Entelecara congenera A money spider found on tall heather, gorse and other bushes, and pine trees. Adults found from May to July. In the past it has been confused with the commoner spider, Entelecara acuminata. Tetragnatha striata A spider found in reed beds, usually in standing water such as at the edge of lakes where it spins an orb web among reeds. Adults are found from May to August. page 20

10 One locally distributed species of false scorpion (Dinocheirus panzeri) was also recorded. This species is associated with grass litter and is sometimes found in stables and barns where hay is stored. It is widespread but more patchily distributed in the north. Vascular Plants Vascular plants include all those plant species that possess vascular tissue (vessels) for transporting water, nutrients and carbohydrates. A total of over 1700 species have been recorded for Cheshire; 1500 of these have been present between 1970 and today. The number of vascular plant species recorded in the audit is 1212, over 70% of the total for the whole of Cheshire. 14 of the plant species recorded for Macclesfield are UK BAP species and 3 are Cheshire BAP species. (see Table 3 for more details). Floating water-plantain Luronium natans also receives protection under both the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the European Habitats Directive being listed as a species whose conservation requires the designation of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). Unfortunately there is only a single record of this species on the database. There are several plant species, initially introduced to this country as garden plants or as part of botanical collections, that are now becoming established in the wild. These plants are causing considerable problems by threatening native vegetation and in some cases posing a hazard to human health. The Invasive non-native plants recorded in Macclesfield include; Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica), Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), New Zealand pygmyweed (Crassula helmsii) and parrot s feather (Myriophyllum Harebell (Steve McWilliam, record) aquaticum). Mosses, Liverworts and Hornworts (bryophyta) These types of plants are all commonly found in aquatic or moist habitats. This group do not have a vascular system of vessels for transporting liquids and are anchored to the substrate by rhizoids that differ from roots in that they also lack vessels. About 9500 species of bryophytes occur in the world of which 323 are included in the audit. Of the rarer species recorded in Macclesfield, greater copperwort (Cephaloziella nicholsonii), a minute leafy liverwort found on copper-enriched substrates is classed as vulnerable and is only recorded from 1 place in the borough. Dwarf bladder-moss (Physcomitrium sphaericum) and beaked beardless-moss (Weissia rostellata), which is most frequently page 21

11 recorded from mud or gravelly surfaces exposed when the water level of reservoirs fall, are also present. Algae As a group of organisms, the algae are extremely difficult to define. The term itself has no scientific significance, but rather is used as an umbrella term for a range of varied organisms which share a number of common features such as being autotrophic (making their own food usually using sunlight) and lacking the high level of complexity of higher plants. Algae are largely unrepresented in the audit with only records for stoneworts (Chara sp.) from Bollinghurst reservoir being available. Fungi and Lichens Fungi perform a number of essential ecological roles. By breaking down dead and waste material, they continue the cycle of nutrients through ecosystems. In addition, most vascular plants could not survive without fungi, known as mycorrhizae, associated with their roots which aid the uptake of essential nutrients. Around 100,000 species of fungi are known, divided into five groups based largely on the characteristics of their reproductive organs. Lichens, which appear as small often crusty growths on walls, buildings and trees, are not single organisms, but a combination of two organisms, a fungi and an algae existing together for mutual benefit. A total of 1012 species of lichen and fungi were included in the data. This included 1 species Fly Agaric fungi Creolophus cirrhatus classed as vulnerable, which was recorded from a single site in Macclesfield for almost 20 years. page 22

12 DESIGNATED NATURE CONSERVATION SITES WITHIN MACCLESFIELD BOROUGH Over 9% of the borough is designated as being of nature conservation importance. In addition the borough also contains significant areas of ancient woodlands (over 400 years old) that are of significant value for wildlife. Wildlife sites have different names and legal designations depending on whether they are considered to be important on an international, national or local basis. The number of each type of site is shown in Table 4. Internationally Important Sites Tatton Mere, Rostherne Mere and The Mere (at Mere) in the west of the Borough, are designated as Ramsar sites by English Nature. This designation recognises these areas as wetlands of international importance particularly for migratory birds, affording additional protection from development. An area of the Peak Moors, which includes the Goyt Valley is also protected for its regularly occurring migratory species of birds as a Special Protection Area (SPA). In addition, the South Pennine Moors are internationally recognised as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), identified as an outstanding example of its habitat type. Nationally Important Sites There are 13 sites either wholly or partially within the Borough classified by English Nature as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). They range from vast areas of the open moorland in the east, to the mosses and meres of the Cheshire plain in the west. Each SSSI represents a significant fragment of the much-depleted resource of wild habitat remaining in Britain and is intended to link to a national network of quality native habitats. SSSIs are designated with the aim of limiting or preventing operations that are potentially damaging to the wildlife or geological interest of the site. Rostherne Mere (also a Ramsar site) is a National Nature Reserve (NNR) in the north of the Borough, owned and managed by English Nature. National Nature Reserves (NNRs) contain examples of some of the most important natural and semi-natural ecosystems in Great Britain and are actively managed to Coot page 23

13 conserve their habitats, providing special opportunities for scientific study of the habitats, communities and species present. Locally Important Sites Over 200 sites in the Macclesfield Borough are classified as being of importance in Cheshire as Sites of Biological Importance (SBI). These sites, recognised in the Tegg s Nose Council s Local Plan are selected by Cheshire Wildlife Trust, Cheshire County Council and English Nature and may support a range of valuable habitats including ancient woodland, unimproved grassland, ponds and wetlands or a combination of these. The SBI designation plays a vital role in helping the Council to protect biodiversity. The first Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in Cheshire was Lindow Common in Wilmslow (also a SSSI), a site owned and managed by Macclesfield Borough Council ranger service. This designation is favoured as a means of protecting valuable sites whilst also involving the local community in their management. The Common is popular for informal recreation and is presently being restored to heathland through the removal of invasive birch trees. Table 4: Numbers of Sites with Designations for Nature Conservation in Macclesfield (as at 2005) National Nature Reserve (NNR) 1 Ramsar Sites 3 Special Protection Areas (SPA) 1 Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) 1 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) 13 Sites of Biological Importance (SBI) 206 Local Nature Reserves (LNR) 2 The success of this management programme has been acknowledged by a national award to the Council from English Nature. Macclesfield s second Local Nature Reserve, Jackson s Brickworks in Poynton, was designated in The site which is also managed by Macclesfield Borough Council ranger service supports a mosaic of habitats including wetland, grassland, woodland and scrub and has important populations of great crested newt. page 24

14 MACCLESFIELD BOROUGH COUNCIL S CONTRIBUTION TO BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION At a local level, MBC plays both a leading and supporting role in contributing to biodiversity conservation and enhancement initiatives in the borough. These include: Policies to conserve and enhance natural resources and nature conservation interests in the Borough Local Plan. A full-time Nature Conservation Officer based in the Planning Department s Environmental Services Unit and an active ranger service as part of Community Leisure Services. A commitment to increasing the number of Local Nature Reserves (LNR) in the Borough, with a target to create one new LNR each year Active membership of Countdown, the Cheshire Region Biodiversity Partnership. Commitment to local involvement in biodiversity through the Community Plan. Advice and financial support through grant aid to local landowners to create a more wooded, diverse landscape through projects such as The Landscape Conservation Programme and Free Trees. Data Sources and Consultees All of the following, many of whom are charitable or voluntary organizations, are dedicated to collecting and managing data about the distribution of wildlife on either a national or local scale. Without their contributions and assistance the audit could not have taken place, and the Borough Council gratefully thanks and acknowledges their help and advice in assembling the data. Sites of Biological Importance Register and files held by the Cheshire Wildlife Trust Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and National Nature Reserve (NNR) files held by English Nature Data held by MBC in its files including data supplied as part of planning applications, nature conservation and landscaping schemes and projects carried out over the last ten years. Information held on files with respect to the Ancient Woodland Inventory held by English Nature. page 25

15 Countdown 2005 A review of biodiversity conservation in the Cheshire region in 2004 The Flora of Cheshire and Supplement Cheshire and Wirral Ornithological Society Cheshire Wildlife Trust Cheshire County Council Ecologist & Forestry Officers Life Econet Project Officers Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society Peak District National Park Authority record - Local Record Centre Lyme Natural History Group Botanical Society of the British Isles Vice County Recorder Manchester Museum Butterfly Conservation Specialized Vice County recorders Cheshire RIGS Group and Cheshire Local Geodiversity Action Plan (LGAP) What Next? The data collected as part of Macclesfield s biodiversity audit will help form the basis of MBC s nature conservation strategy. This will set out the Council s policies for nature conservation, and prioritise action to protect, enhance and manage the nature conservation assets identified in the audit. The development of the strategy will involve extensive consultation and liaison with anybody concerned with nature conservation in the borough. Organisations such as The Cheshire Wildlife Trust, English Nature, Record, RSPB, as well as single species groups, site managers, local naturalists and recorders will be vital to the work. page 26 If you would like to know more or get involved, contact: James Baggaley Nature Conservation Officer Macclesfield Borough Council Town Hall Macclesfield SK10 1DP Tel: J.Baggaley@macclesfield.gov.uk

16 In the meantime there are many different ways to get involved with helping to conserve and enhance Nature Conservation in Macclesfield. Joining and Supporting Local Wildlife Groups and Societies This is perhaps the best way of developing an interest in the natural world and finding out what is happening locally, most groups organise a range of events including guided walks, talks and educational and training opportunities. Volunteering The nature conservation charities operating in Cheshire including The Cheshire Wildlife Trust and record are always happy to receive a helping hand with a range of tasks including field surveys, data management and practical conservation work. Recording Local Wildlife If you see any wildlife around the borough let us know (contact details above). If we have details of your name and address, which species you saw (It doesn t have to be something rare), where you saw it (preferably with a grid reference) and when you saw it, we can enter the information onto the audit database and use it to increase our knowledge of the distribution of wildlife in the borough. Wildlife Gardening Making your own piece of Macclesfield wildlife-friendly is a great way of increasing opportunities for local wildlife. This may include creating a pond, planting native flowers, creating log piles to offer shelter to invertebrates, mammals and amphibians, and putting up nest boxes, or simply feeding the birds in your garden. page 27

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18 Macclesfi eld Borough Council Town Hall, Macclesfi eld, Cheshire SK10 1AH Telephone