Rural Watch Update 05/05/2021

Rural Watch Update

Dear Rural watch members QUAD THEFTS Due to the 2 reports of theft of quad from the Macclesfield area please ensure you are taking all the security measures you can around this vehicle:- • Keys always removed when not in use • Block quad in with another vehicle • Use locks and floor mounts • Consider tackers, data tagging etc • Review the security around your buildings – Lights are working, buildings are left secure, gates closed etc LANDROVER DEFENDERS The team did a joint night time operation with Merseyside Police and Lancashire Rural team to target organised criminals involved in the theft of Landover defenders. Stop checks were carried out to check the right person was behind the wheel and the STOPMe stickers were given out. Layers of security are good, something hidden, something visual and then hidden security measures OP OUTLYING This operation is continuing to support our countryside locations so that everyone is able to enjoy the areas. The countryside code link is a great and simple way for people to ensure they are being responsible www.gov.uk/countryside-code CARAVAN THEFT A Swift Expression caravan has been reported stolen from the Congleton area. This occurred between 17.00-0800 27/4. If you have any dash cam footage that could help us please contact and quote ref IML974979. Please review your security at yards or storage facilities NESTING BIRDS We are receiving a number of incidents in relation to hedge/ tree cutting and nesting birds. It is not illegal to cut trees or hedges however there are certain considerations you should take in to account before doing so. Check for tree preservation orders which can be found on your local council website. Check for nesting birds as all wild birds are protected. This includes their nests (whilst in use or being built) as well as any eggs the nest may contain. The main bird-breeding season is recognised as being between 1 March and 31 August therefore the risk of committing any offences is increased between these dates. It is recommended that if you undertake any work within these dates you should check the hedge for any signs of breeding activity first. Kind regards PCSO Wilson Rural Crime Team

Message Sent By Sarah Wilson (Police, PCSO, Rural Crime Team)

The Countryside Code

The Countryside Code

Good morning! Natural England have just launched their new version of The Countryside Code. As restrictions start to ease and we look forward to more freedom in the near future we expect that more people will start to enjoy time in the countryside once again. The Countryside Code has great practical advice so that you can plan your trip. It explains best practice in the countryside so that we can all support our rural communities in the best way. The Rural Crime Team will look forward to seeing some of you at our future events when covid restrictions lift. Keep up to date on our activities on Facebook @CheshPolRural. #RuralCrime #WildlifeCrime #HeritageCrime #WasteCrime Kind regards PCSO Graham

CWaC Report It

The following link can be used for reporting issues affecting the village, such as full/overflowing litter bins, blocked drains and missed bin collections etc

https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/contact-us/report-it

Old Bird Names

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Old Bird Names

March 2021

Have you ever wondered how birds got their names?

Names given in the past were based on local custom and varied from county to county and even village to village.

So, depending where you lived a Chaffinch could be known as a Flackie, an Apple-bird or Silverwing. The names were so different across the countryside it’s a wonder how the name of Chaffinch emerged as a universal name!

Nicknames were the most common way of naming a bird, but imagine the variety! As the following list (drawn from various sources) suggests it hardly leads us to the names we know today:

• Blue Tit: Pickcheese
• Great Tit: Pridden-Prals
• Long Tailed Tit: Hedge-Mumruffin
• Starling: Sheep-stare
• Wren: Stumpy-Toddy
• Dunnock: Shufflewing
• Magpie: Meg-Pie
• Greenfinch: Bighead
• Goldfinch: Thistlehead
• Jay: Devil-Scritch
• Nuthatch: Nut-Jobber
• Swift: Longwing (Welsh)
• Kestrel: Hoverhawks/ Wind-Fanner

Country folk had names not only for their fields but also the wild plants that grew there as well the creatures in, on and above the land. These names date back centuries and can still be traced on maps, documents and in oral tradition. Even so, tracing the origins of names whether it be birds, plants, animals, insects, etc., is another matter.

Do old local names for living things still remain in your area?