POPULAR Weaverham nature spot Owley Wood has received a £9,000 boost from charity the Cheshire Wildlife Trust.


Owley Wood, which is a semi-natural ancient woodland in Weaverham, has been given the investment to improve access for visitors.


The site nestles among a series of cloughs and was challenging to get around, but as part of the Wildlife Trust’s series of access improvement’s projects in Northwich, a number of features in the woodland have been improved.


Matt Allmark, reserves officer with Cheshire Wildlife Trust, said: “Owley is a real gem in Weaverham, boasting some impressive and imposing oak trees, along with other traditional woodland habitats that provide an important stepping stone in the landscape for creatures like bats, butterflies and of course birds. 


“We understand that many local residents hold Owley close to their heart as vital green space on their doorstep, and we hope this project has served to enhance everyone’s experiences when they visit the woodland, either every day or as an occasional visitor.”


Following similar schemes in recent years at Marbury Country Park and Poors Wood near Kingsmead, the latest recycled plastic technology was used to develop better access for visitors to some of the more inaccessible and often muddy and waterlogged parts of the woodland. 


Information boards recently installed at Owley Wood also provide visitors with a short insight into some of the species that make a home there, with hints on what to listen and look out for during a visit. 


The project was supported by Northwich chemical manufacturer INEOS Enterprises, through their Landfill Communities Fund.


Janet Ward, INEOS Enterprises’ community relations manager, said: “This project received funding from our Landfill Communities Fund because we could see the huge potential the reserve had in terms of benefiting the local community and improving the habitat for local wildlife. 


“For this project to reach its full potential it is essential that local residents continue to get involved and contribute to make this project a huge success.”