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The story so far
The Risley Moss Action Group (RIMAG) was formed in 1990 in response to the proposed closure of the reserve by Cheshire County Council. The group in conjunction with other like minded groups and organisation become a focal point for the publics concern at this proposal and at preventing this closure. After much lobbying and numerous meetings it culminated in an emotive and well attended public meeting in Birchwood High school at which among others, Professor David Bellamy who opened the reserve in 1980 and had been a strong supporter since dropped in to have his say on the importance of Risley Moss and this rare and declining habitat.
Faced with such overwhelming support the council reversed its decision, put staff back onto the reserve identified funding and once again to manage the reserve in an appropriate manner and so began a new era of co-operation and success for Risley Moss Despite being encouraged to become trustees, the group decided from the outset that its role was to support the reserve and its ranger service, not to replace them or take on a managerial role. From the outset we have worked closely with the reserves former owners, Cheshire County Council and now the present owners, Warrington Borough Council and its Ranger service to raise funds, support events, promote the reserve and generally assist with a range of management tasks.
So what do we actually do? Over the years we have supported and funded various events on the reserve including the very popular Green Safari. We have also held a number of events at Birchwood Mall, giving members of the public a taste of what the reserve is about and an opportunity to make and take home their own bird box or bird feeder as well as promoting Risley Moss and RIMAG itself. Public donations and funds raised from these events are reinvested back into the reserve at every opportunity.
We are also committed to supporting the wildlife of the reserve which ranges from putting up bird boxes to keeping the Woodland Hide supplied with bird food and feeders to monitoring and surveying the wildlife of the reserve and producing reports included in the reserves management plans. We are also involved in education and training and provide a number of opportunities to improve personal interests or skills such as Small Mammal ecology, Butterflies, Birds, Amphibian and Reptiles training sessions.
In conjunction with the Ranger service, RIMAG also carry out a variety of management tasks which can include scrub bashing, pond clearance and coppicing.
RIMAG is always keen to encourage local people to get involved with the reserve, so if you like what you have read and would like to put something back into your local patch then please contact us via this web site. If you would like to find out more about us then join us at one of our bi-monthly meetings and find out if this is for you, we are a friendly lot and you will be made welcome.
For further information or to join us contact RIMAG via this web site.
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Opening times.
Winter (1st October to 31st March), 9am 5pm.
Summer (1st April to 30th September), 9am to 5pm and at weekends from 10am to 6pm.
Bank Holidays, except Good Friday from 10am to 6pm.
Closed each Friday for maintenance work as well as Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.
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