In the next month or so we hope to receive photos and measurements from anyone who is joining in with the Heaton's Sunflower Project.  In last month's newsletter we were anticipating that the sunflowers were thriving in the sunshine, but this month we are wondering about them surviving the hail, stormy wet weather and torrential rain!  We have already seen pictures of some early flowering sunflowers, which are beautiful. Please keep sending them in, as well as any stories about things that went well and challenges.  

   
Remember to enter the SLH competition. We want to see pictures of the tallest sunflower plant, the biggest sunflower head, and the plant with the most sunflower heads. Take a photo with the tape measure by the side, and send them to our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts or to  growing@slheatons.org.  The closing date is 30th August 2021.

Check out our website for top tips and videos if you need ideas.

Enjoy growing those sunflowers!

In August we'll not been meeting on our usual Sunday morning to do work on our special ancient hedge. We've moved the session to a weekday evening, followed by a social event on the recreation ground nearby. Everyone is welcome to join us.

We'll meet at 6pm to clear the area on either side, pick litter, and do all we can to help it to thrive.  Wear sturdy shoes and long sleeves and bring gloves, secateurs, shears and a trowel if you have them, although we will come with some equipment. 

At 7.30pm we'll move to the recreation ground nearby for a drink and a chat. Please bring your own beverages, snacks and something to sit on.

The hedge is between Priestnall allotments and the recreation field, on the lane that links Trentham Avenue (SK4 3QD) and Mersey Road. 

Please come along to whatever parts of the evening you want to! We won't go ahead if the weather in inclement. For more information email us at info@slheatons.org

SLH CYCLE RIDES 2021

Our next cycle ride is Sunday July 18th to Reddish Vale Country Park starting at 10.15am at Love Lane Park in Heaton Norris. It is largely off-route, along good trails, with a stop at Reddish Vale visitor centre with its friendly café and small exhibition area. Our route is the Trans Pennine Trail through the green corridor by the river Tame. This is always one of our most popular rides, and is suitable for less experienced cyclists. 

Booking is essential by contacting cycling@slheatons.org

The other SLH rides this summer are:
Sunday August 8th:  Macclesfield canal via Chadkirk & Middlewood Way
Sunday August 22nd:  Manchester, Central Library, St Peter’s Square
Sunday September 12th: Media City, Salford Docks and Ordsall Hall
 

For more details of each trip, and to let us know you're coming, please visit the SLH website here. 
 
BAT WALKS ARE COMING TO THE HEATONS!

You will have noticed lots of bats around the area in the recent month or so, especially at dusk along the River Mersey, and in Heaton Mersey Bowl, and other places where there are lots of insects. The SLH team were successful in an application to Stockport Hydro Environmental Fund for funding for a few of us to be trained by an ecologist to lead bat walks. Later this summer we'll be letting you know about some evening bat walks and how you can sign up. We'll keep you posted! 

CLIMATE AND ECOLOGICAL EMERGENCY BILL:   

https://www.ceebill.uk
We thought you might like to know about this current environmental bill .  This is a revision of a bill first promoted by Caroline Lucas MP, which now has updated supporting evidence from eminent researchers and scientists (including Professor Kevin Anderson of The Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at the University of Manchester University).

Any individual or group can sign their support for the bill.