One of the windiest days of the year saw brave residents and visitors venture out to enjoy the first of the Churnet Valley Living Landscape events held in the beautiful surroundings of Consall Nature Reserve.
On Sunday April 14th visitors were able to take part in to a variety of activities from canal rides on the Beatrice Charity boat to dragonfly making led by the RSPB. Community groups and talented individuals from the valley showcased skills which included wool spinning, fly tying, wood carving and chainsaw sculpting. The Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust displayed the work they are doing on the waterways and information was on hand for the new bird watching project “Wildlife From Your Doorstep” .The Leek & District Fly Fishing Association demonstrated casting and the Churnet Valley Conservation Society began their campaign to gain AONB status for the valley with a petition by collecting lots of signatures.
One of the main events saw the unveiling of the CVLLP Delegated Community Grant Scheme which was launched at the fayre. Suzanne Cole the Grants Officer said: “This is a brand new grant funding opportunity available in the Churnet Valley where decisions will be made by people with knowledge of the area and its needs. We have a panel of enthusiastic members of the local community ready and waiting to receive applications.”
Undoubtedly the highlight of the day came with the wild food foray at the end of the Staffordshire Wildlife guided walks programme, where delicacies enjoyed included cooked squirrel and fried hogweed.
All involved are looking forward to the next event hopefully on a less windy day.
