Co-op funding will help group's mission to rewild Macclesfield
Macc Wild Network is all about rewilding Macclesfield. The volunteer-powered charity is to receive Co-op funding.
By Alex Greensmith
Posted: Thursday, 20th April 2023 2:39 pm
A registered charity that wants to restore nature in Macclesfield will receive a hefty cheque from the Co-op.
Macc Wild Network is one of twelve Macclesfield causes the Co-op will raise money for in 2022-23.
As a relatively new charity, Macc Wild Network is delighted to take their operation to the next level thanks to a cash donation from the Co-op's Local Community Fund.
Until November this year, Co-op Members can raise money for the charity just by doing their regular weekly shop, at no extra cost to them.
Macc Wild Network could receive thousands of pounds via Co-op's Local community Fund and here's how you can help.
Macclesfield Nub News went to find more about Macc Wild Network and the good they are doing, boosted with help from the Co-op.
Macc Wild Network Trustee Diana Moss said: "Macc Wildlife Network is a local environmental charity set up in 2021 to work with landowners, managers and communities in and around Macclesfield to create wildlife-rich spaces and nature corridors.
"We plant flowers, trees and more to help create a more biodiverse Macclesfield."
The group has proven instantly popular, Macc Wild Network has over 256 members on Facebook, with many getting hands on planting seeds or saplings.
Macc Wild Network Volunteer Tony Hothersall said: "There's a lot more cost to planting a tree than just the tree itself. There's a stake and other things we do to help it grow. We also use mulch, instead of pesticides [which can be cheaper], as we don't want to hurt the environment."
"We try to stay away from plastic tree covers, especially as we try to plant away from places where cattle can get to them, and as we don't want to use any plastic."
"Fruit trees are also more expensive than you would think. But we have a short term goal to plant more community orchards around Macclesfield.
"We are providing a nicer home for wildlife and a nicer home for people, making connections in the landscape, so our name represents a network for both animals and people."
Examples of their rewilding success include the grass banks to the top left of Macclesfield Leisure Centre.
In 2022, Macclesfield Nub News met with Macc Wild Network to find more about this rewilding project in Upton Priory. It has been so successful that Ansa Environmental Services commissioned them to do the same for South Park.
Once a matte green grassy verge mowed every so often, now new wildflower seeds have been planted and insects love the biodiversity of the plants now there. From yellow rattle to other pollinators, the new meadow has been a hit. They also put in place new apple trees behind this meadow at Macclesfield Leisure Centre.
Earlier this year, they also planted over 800 new plants at Macclesfield's St. Alban's Primary School. And have done a similar project at Christ the King School on Fir Grove.
Macc Wild Network Chair Dr Emma Passmore said "We'd like to target areas in Macclesfield where there are just patches of grass, and turn it into something better.
"The lovely thing about fruit trees is that they capture people's imagination, as there is food you can get from them and they change through the seasons. In the spring the blossom you can get is gorgeous.
"It is a very lovely thing to have in the community, and they can also provide shade, as well as being great for wildlife."
While Macc Wildlife Network is volunteer-led, it could inspire future employment, as according to The Guardian "rewilding 5% of England could create nearly 20,000 jobs in rural communities".
But it is small steps to a better world, that, thanks to the Co-op funding Macc Wild Network is now one step closer to.
"A lot of what we do is about planning, so knowing that we will have money coming in from the Co-op later in the year will allow us to plan big projects for the year ahead," added Emma.
"Thank you to the Co-op and their members for supporting us. We feel so lucky to have been chosen as a Co-op cause.
"Hopefully in a year or so you will be able to see the tangible outcome of that. And if anyone has a patch of land and is not sure what to do with it, we are happy to come and have a chat."
Representing the Co-op, Macclesfield Co-op Member Pioneer Louise Little said: "For quite a new organisation, you can see the real impact and connections they have made across the local community.
"They've really engaged people from ages 4 to 84. So you can already see how the Co-op money will be spent on these useful, sustainable projects for the future."
So who knows, the next time you see a cherry blossom tree in Macclesfield, or a lush meadow, you might have helped fund that through simply doing your weekly shop.
"To raise money for Macc Wild Network as a Co-op member is very easy," added Louise.
"You just have to sign up for £1, which you get back almost immediately on the savings you make in-store.
"Each time you spend money on Co-op branded products, 1p of every pound will go into the local cause you have chosen [like Macc Wild Network, just select them on the Co-op app].
"Every year, you can help raise thousands for your chosen projects. And it is also rewarding for you, as you can get 1p back into your own pocket."
Interested parties can join Macc Wild Network on Facebook.
Join the Co-op today online at this webpage or in-store.
Click on this other link to find out more about the Local Community Fund.
Other Macclesfield Co-op causes this year include The ALEX Project, Cavalry Church Rainbow Tots and The Rossendale Trust.
Macclesfield: Once again, become a Co-op Member for just £1 and receive amazing benefits by clicking here CLICKING HERE.
See Also: One Project Macclesfield to benefit from Co-op funding
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