Prospective bog-trotters: this one's for you. Have fun with a shovel and then do the Transport Show afterwards?

The Friends of Norton Bog – the area of wetland lying northeast of Chasewater – are taking a special interest in their particular protected habitat, and are holding their April event this Sunday, 15th April, at 10:00am.

I was contacted by Graham Evens of Chasewater Wildlife Group recently, who pointed out that these work parties are increasingly popular and making a huge difference to the environment of the bog, and anything that encourages community contact with the environment has to be a good thing. When you knock off, what better way to spend the day than take a walk to the south shore and enjoy the Chasewater Transport Show, which is also on all day tomorrow at your favourite country park.

If you’ve nothing better to do on Sunday, this could be the thing for you. Families are welcome. This is a hugely important habitat in our area, and this is a great chance to help manage it for future generations. The chance to chat and learn a bit about it’s incredibly diverse inhabitants from some old hands can’t be a bad way to spend a Sunday morning, either. Meet at the car park on the Burntwood Road. Wear outdoor clothes and be prepared to get a bit grubby.

The dates for 2012 work parties on Norton Bog are as follows:

January 8th, February 12th, March 11th, April 15th, May 13th and June 17th.

All are on Sundays and run from 10:00AM -1:00PM, meeting at the car park on the Burntwood Road (which is the little one with the horses nearby)

Rob Davies,  Staffs County Ranger Service – contact number 07855 336 907

Steve Archer,  Community Volunteers Project Officer 07817 863303

Linda Florence, Norton Canes Parish Council 01543 276812

Norton Bog is a remarkable wetland habitat bordered with urban development. The importance of such sites cannot be overstated. The Burnwood Road car park is highlighted in red.