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It is hard to consider that it is exactly a year since our last 'AGM and Celebratory Review' of the work of the Sandstone Ridge Trust.
Held in Tarporley last October, our annual event provided the perfect opportunity for everyone (our Members, our Partners, our Volunteers and our many Supporters) to meet socially, and for everyone to gain more information about our vision and of the most recent accomplishments of the Sandstone Ridge Trust.
On that occasion, the AGM was perfectly timed following the success of our inaugural Walk and Ride Festival.
However, the Covid-19 pandemic has been a challenge for all and the changing levels of local restrictions (currently Tier 2) are equally frustrating for many.
Our Website has continued to provide information of news affecting the Ridge.
- Special thanks to our Trustees, Volunteers and Supporters who have diligently researched and provided some quite fascinating Heritage Stories.
- You have kept us posted on the richness and diversity of the Ridge — regular sightings of Red Kites, the return of Water Voles, the planned re-introduction of Beavers, the first Cuckoo, colonies of Honey Bees, tree planting which was successfully achieved before the national lockdown, rewilding projects and the 2020 Big Butterfly Count — we have covered them all.
- Your photographs have been a visual feast, not least the emerging Dragonflies (Nick Holmes), aerial views of the Ridge (Phil Blunt), a visit to the most extraordinary Adit (Nick Holmes), and, with over 400 farmers and landowners on the Ridge, Jim Turpy's photograph of 'socially distanced tractors', brought a smile to many!
- Storm Damage there was much — the last 12 months has witnessed multiple amber and yellow weather warnings on the Ridge and we have endured Storms Ciara, Dennis, Francis and Alex.
- Walking has been a staple 'go-to' activity of lockdown and the Ridge, with its comprehensive walks and cycle routes available to freely download, has contributed to good health, mindfulness, relaxation and well being.
- COVID-19 has been indiscriminate in its impact on our Sandstone Ridge community. Cancellations, there were many, not least our own Second Walk and Ride Festival BUT life is returning to a 'new normal' — Beeston Castle has re-opened with Covid-secure regulations in place.
- Regrettably, litter, illegal gatherings and parking with scant regard for others, have been the negatives of restrictions but our thanks to those of you have organised litter picks, most notably the Tattenhall Runners.
We will be holding our AGM by Zoom in the very near future — keep watching the Website for updates.
(click on each image to enlarge)