The 'SAVE DANES MOSS' campaign started 2024 on a high note, when famous conservationist Chris Packham CBE shared with his 1 million plus social media followers, his concerns for Danes Moss peatland in Macclesfield.

Danes Moss, in the south of Macclesfield, was created at the end of the last ice age, when a 1,000 acre depression, formed by glacial action, filled with melt water and over the ensuing millennia transformed into a rare and irreplaceable 'lowland raised peatbog'. Peat stores more carbon than any other terrestrial land type and it supports a unique biodiversity, assets that should be valued and cherished during these uncertain times of climate and biodiversity crises.

Chris asked his followers to support the Save Danes Moss campaign and visit their website; Home - Save Danes Moss to see how they can help.

The post was viewed by thousands of people from around the UK, reposted more than 1500 times and over 300 comments were posted, expressing disbelief and anger at plans by Cheshire East Council and Barratt Homes to put a vast housing estate on this rich wildlife habitat and vital carbon store.

The latest 'SAVE DANES MOSS' social media post by Chris Packham CBE.

2024 is potentially the year that the fate of Danes Moss and it's precious flora and fauna will be decided and people need to decide how they feel about this and if they are prepared to fight for their local wildlife.

Almost 1000 homes could be built on the site, which is also known as the South Macclesfield Development Area.

Save Danes Moss are introducing a monthly newsletter to keep supporters up to date with the campaign and how they can get involved. To sign up, email [email protected] and include your name.

Mr Packham is amongst high profile objectors like Macclesfield's David Rutley MP.

A 'SAVE DANES MOSS' sign in Upton Priory, Macclesfield. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

Chris has previously highlighted the 'SAVE DANES MOSS' campaign on social media, and even visited Macclesfield in recent years.

He has even been seen wearing a 'SAVE DANES MOSS' t-shirt, designed by Macclesfield artist Becca Smith.

Whilst Cheshire East Council do not comment on live planning applications, Cheshire East Council have previously responded to the campaign with ""If the council did not proceed with this development on its land, it is very likely that the private sector would take the lead and the council would have much less control over the ultimate development of the land.

"The Council is committed to combatting climate change. Through our Environment Strategy and Carbon Neutral Action Plan we have committed to becoming carbon neutral in our own operations by 2025 and to assist with reducing the borough's carbon footprint."

Macclesfield: You can find more about the campaign here, here, here and here.