Volunteers admire their handywork at Norton Bog – Image from Chasewater Wildlife Group.

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 May event this Sunday, 16th September, 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.

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:

September 16th, October 28th, November 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.