NANTWICH RIVERSIDE PROJECT

Over recent years, various organisations and interest groups have been working together in partnership in order to realise the potential of the Nantwich Riverside as a valuable environmental, social and cultural resource for the area. Due to its location on the Upper Weaver, the project sits as an integral part of the County Council’s eco-tourism
vision for the “Weaver Valley Regional Park”, with the Nantwich Riverside acting as the main southern gateway. Another key initiative linked with this project is the Mersey Basin Campaign, a regional partnership organisation whose main objectives are encouraging waterside regeneration and engaging the community and voluntary sectors.

Further to a large public consultation exercise in 2005 the core aims and objectives for the project were drawn up; these include:

 

  • Increased Public Access and footpath links to areas of interest
  • Environmental/Habitat Improvements
  • Improved Signage and Interpretation
  • Increased Community Involvement and interaction with the natural environment
  • The Development of a long-term management plan for the area

Following the recent appointment of a Nantwich Riverside officer (CNBC) in Spring 2006, the project is now starting to take shape, with invaluable assistance from local community groups and partnership organisations in generating and attracting funding for future improvements. Short term plans include the continuation and development of regular volunteer
and community events and further footpath and bridge improvements, as well as significant wildlife and wetland habitat improvements, coupled with increased access and signage/information for both local people and visitors to the town. In the long term there are plans afoot for many other habitat improvements and access works in order realise the potential of this Breathing Place in the centre of the historic market town of Nantwich.

Key Project Partners to date:

  • Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council
  • Environment Agency
  • Cheshire County Council
  • British Waterways
  • Mersey Basin Campaign
  • Riverside Concern
  • Cheshire Rural Recovery
  • Nantwich Now
  • Cheshire Wildlife Trust
  • Nantwich Civic Society
  • Cheshire region Biodiversity Partnership
  • Nantwich Town Council
  • WREN
  • Nantwich In Bloom
  • BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers)

Key Project Funders to date:

For further information on the above and other ongoing initiatives with regard to the Nantwich Riverside, please contact James Thompson at CNBC on 01270 537061.

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