Five years ago we provided a home to a young hedgehog that had spent time recuperating in a local rescue centre.

'Spikey’, as he was called by my eldest daughter, was set free in our garden in June 2015, and he seemed to enjoy his new surroundings. A few sniffs and he was off exploring, so after a few minutes watching him we left him alone and thought we’d see him over the next few days, weeks, months and years...

I was born in the North East of England and as a very young boy my late father Maurice Cowley would take me to the local ponds and marshes to see all the wading birds. I loved the experience but then football and children came along and I somehow lost the passion until I came to live in Helsby and Frodsham. 

I went to the marsh for the first time 12 years ago, a ten minute walk down Marsh Lane and the experience rekindled my love of bird watching again...

What do we mean by green space? We might automatically think of parks, fields, woodland. They are definitely green spaces. But so are grass verges, hedgerows, allotments and cemeteries. They can be public or private. If plants can grow there, then it is a green space. There might also be areas that aren't currently being used as green space, but could be in future. 

The next step is to look at what resources are already out there...

The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week (18th - 24th May 2020) is kindness. We don't have to look far to find kindness in our community, especially at the moment. The Coronavirus outbreak is bringing out the best in people, to help each other through these uncertain and unsettling times. 

Making time to step outside and connect to nature is essential for our wellbeing. In an increasingly digital and disconnected world, taking a break from our screens is the breath of fresh air we need...