Spring Nature Walk with the Mayor and myCWA

Date: 26th April 2025

Time: 10am

Distance: 15km (9 miles)

Start: Meet at Congleton Bus Station

I'm walking to benefit myCWA (my Cheshire Without Abuse), which is one of my Mayor's Charities this year. Please go for the walk if you like, and if not, sponsor me! Thank you.

For this walk I am partnering with Congleton Museum and its Disappearing Nature Project. As we walk, I will be identifying plants and flowers, and using the iNaturalist app to capture them, then the Museum team can compare today's flora with that of 100 years ago, as part of an important research project. The app is really easy to get (iNat Next in the app store) and use, and it's a lot of fun to learn what the flowers are as you stroll along!

All over the world, people are tracking flowers on the 26th April as part of the City Nature Challenge Project, so our walk is part of something very big indeed! You can come to learn more about this at the Town Hall on 22nd April at 6pm when we are having a pre-walk chat. Or just turn up on the day!

The walk will start at Congleton Bus Station and is 9 miles long, although you can break off and get a bus back at several points along the way (bring cash if planning to do this).

PLEASE NOTE: If walking, wear stout shoes and clothing suitable for the weather (don't forget waterproofs or suncream as needed!) and bring a drink of water - plus a picnic if you wish. Children must be supervised at all times, and bear in mind that the walk crosses roads at certain points. Take care and stay safe. This is not an organised or guided walk, but I will bring copies of the map and directions if you would like a copy. You are responsible for the safety of yourself and any children or animals you bring.

We will be stopping for lunch at Mossley, at the Queens Head or the Railway Inn (they are next to each other), which are halfway through the walk, or there are picnic tables and benches at various places along the way.

This is a new route, devised by Heather Watson as part of a new set of walks called Discover Congleton from Your Door, that we are publishing as part of my Mayoral year.

Every little helps to support the vital work of myCWA. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to so many people.

About myCWA:

myCWA is a Cheshire-based charity that offers support to anyone affected by domestic abuse. The team supports hundreds of families every year with refuges, a helpline, local peer support groups and advice clinics.

Domestic abuse is a devastating crime that affects all the family, and often requires complex solutions including housing, financial, legal, psychological and practical support.

The charity also supports perpetrators who want to change their behaviour, and in doing so helps prevent future crimes. MyCWA works in partnership with Cheshire Constabulary and other agencies and its services have been called a 'lifeline' by users.

MyCWA's motto is 'Live Free' from abuse and their services do just that - set people free to live their lives in safety.