ALMOST 30 volunteers came for an annual clean up of a Warrington beauty spot – only to be met by a big surprise.

In early spring every year, volunteers from the New Cut Heritage and Ecology Group carry out a major clean up and litter pick for the New Cut Canal and surrounding area before the vegetation starts to grow covering up much discarded litter.

Twenty eight volunteers turned out on Sunday, February 18 to bring the area back to its pristine best. The high level of turnout resulted in the New Cut Canal towpath, Woolston Park South, Paddington Meadows being swept clean while some volunteers actually cleared footpaths and roadsides on the way to the main areas.

Fortunately, the weather remained good all day and the day was helped by Jane on her mobility scooter, complete with trailer and family dog, out for the day driving up and down delivering bags to a drop off point on Manchester Road for council employees to collect the following day.

Incredibly, there were two living room chairs removed and countless TV and monitor screens especially, in the area of the recycling centre, whilst a discarded tyre was removed from the riverbank at Paddington Lock and bin bags full of domestic rubbish dumped nearby.

Anne Price, press officer with the group said: “O"ur thanks go to our committed volunteers together with officers at Warrington Borough Council for making the event such a success. We are all determined to keep this wonderful green space around the New Cut Canal in prime condition for all to enjoy.

"Throughout the year our Group organises many events including bat watching, bird and mammal spotting and recording, walks and talks regarding the area and wildlife and weekly work parties on the New Cut Trail and Paddington Meadows, see details below if you would like to get in touch with us."

Meanwhile 40 volunteers and guests of the New Cut Ecology and Heritage group turned out on Tuesday, February 10 to fill the meeting room at Alford Hall, to listen to a lecture on wading birds in the Northwest.

The hour long presentation was given by Tony Parker, an acknowledged expert on flora, fauna and insects.

Tony’s talk covered all forms of waders, including curlews, avocets and dunlins, giving details of diet, size and where to see them. He gave guidance on the best places in the north west of where to see the birds, mentioning Hale Lighthouse and Frodsham Marshes although access can be very limited to these marshes.

For more e-mail info@newcuttrail.com or birding@newcuttrail.com visit the website at newcuttrail.com or find them on Facebook New Cut Heritage and Ecology Group