Original Artwork

(all sketches were

drawn especially
for this guide):
Stella Stilwell

Map and text:

George Hill

Website:
Brendan Bowles

Sandbach
A ROCHA
group contact:
Rev Andrew
Bailey

THE MAP
AND TEXT
directions
are for
navigational
purposes only
and should not
be taken to
indicate the
safety of routes
or points
however
described.
Sandbach
Paths may
alter due to
maintenance.
Environment Trail v7.2

[ a sister trail to the Sandbach Heritage Trail ]

No liability is
implied. - A walk round the natural history of Sandbach town area
- C reated by Sandbach A ROCHA (Christians in Conservation)
Copying of the - To show us wildlife that needs our care and lives right beside us!
artwork, map
and text is with
permission Trail website/blog - see http://sandbachenv.blogspot.com
from the
Sandbach This text is FREE. It is available as a printable PDF from the Trail website/blog. To save trees,
A ROCHA please print off only if needed. Print “even” then “odd” pages (double-sided) to use only 3
group only. sheets. Then fold to a booklet. By way of thanks, please support a carbon offset scheme such as
A ROCHA’s “Climate Stewards” (see website) – or just change your energy use habits!
 On the Trail
The Sandbach Environment Trail aims to open our eyes to the wonder and
needs of the world around us. The Trail begins & ends at the same point as the
similar Sandbach Heritage Trail. The routes of the two Trails overlap slightly.
• Environment Trail: The natural history/geography of Sandbach town area,
especially the town’s “Wildlife Corridor”, and our human impact upon it.
• (Heritage Trail: The human history and architecture of Sandbach.)
The Environment Trail is not just a nature trail, rather it explores where and
how we need urgently to co-exist better with the rest of Creation. It is 2 miles
(3.2 km) long and takes 45 - 90 minutes to walk. This Trail guide describes a
circular route that starts from the Sandbach Crosses on the Market Square, and
goes via the Post Office, Brook Bridge, the
Town Pump, the Library, Sandbach Park Pond,
Betchton Close amenity area, upper Sandbach
Park and the Town Hall back to the Crosses.
Red text in the guide identifies wildlife shown
in the pictures, like this hunting Sparrowhawk:
The route uses public rights of way or public
open access land only. No responsibility is
accepted by A ROCHA or its local group or
members regarding use of it. Waterproof
footwear is best; damp areas on paths are caused
even at dry seasons by natural spring lines.
Fifteen numbered POINTS along the Trail are described. At places along the
Trail, there are Side Routes which are interesting diversions from the route.
There are also “Look from here” positions, from which habitats and wildlife
sites may be viewed, although the sites themselves may have no public access.
Help, encouragement, suggestions or advice are warmly acknowledged
from many individuals plus:
Sandbach Clean Team Friends of St Mary’s Wood
Sandbach Photographic Society Sandbach History Society
South East Cheshire Ornithological Soc.(SECOS) Cheshire Wildlife Trust
Congleton Borough Council Cheshire County Council
and especially Sandbach Town Council and Sandbach Churches Together
Live more simply –
Ten tips from Sandbach A ROCHA (Christians in
Conservation) for living in ways that protect Creation:
_______________________________________________________________________________________
• Try car sharing! Save money on petrol and keep your car
longer! Travel in company. Let someone else drive for you!
• Rediscover public transport – it’s not cheap, but nor are
cars! Use laptops on the move. Read in delays. Go green!
• Buy a bike – ‘the best invention in history’! Roll fast on
high-pressure tyres. Wear the proper kit, keep lean and fit!
• Reach for the wall power switch, not the standby,
when you turn off your TV or shut down your PC!
• Replace light bulbs with low energy ones – they will soon
brighten. Use your energy and time – save Creation’s!
• Study the weather, so you can dress dry or warmly. Use
efficient modern clothing, not petrol or more heating.
• Build exercise into your daily lifestyle! Walk or cycle
on routes that car drivers can’t. Discover wildlife!
• Consume less! Mend, re-use and recycle – save
cash. Learn new skills. Grow tasty food yourself!
• When you are cold at home, work in warm clothes
in your sunniest room and make drinks hot, not the planet!
Or even . . .
• Buy your family wetsuits, not plane tickets! Camp in the UK
to enjoy great boarding or snorkelling, according to weather!
FINALLY … Offset your carbon emissions! Log on to A ROCHA’s sister site
at www.climatestewards.net - help to plant trees in the Third World!
 Point No. 14 –Town Hall, Hightown & High St • Trail website: [designed by Sandbach
Sandbach Town Hall was built on land A ROCHA group] - address on cover.
donated by Lord Crewe in 1889 to
replace a previous hall on the cobbled • A ROCHA UK & International
Square. Above the door stands Bigot, websites: [Biblical Christian care
owner of the Manor of Sandbach as for the environment & humanity]
shown in the Domesday Book of 1086, - see www.arocha.org etc. Registered Charity No. 288634

at which time the Sandbach countryside

would have been much greener than
today. However, wildlife still survives
in the town. Look for Swifts, Pied
Wagtails and for the Jackdaws nesting
in chimneys, such as the redbrick ones
of the Swan & Chequer, and in those beyond it of the Gothic style Literary
Institute, opened in 1857, which contained a library, reading room and scientific
institute to educate the townfolk. In some ways, past generations were wiser than
we are today: £2100 of the Institute’s £2700 cost was donated by local people.
Continue left past the Town (Market) Hall and along High Street back to:
Point No. 15 – Black Bear Hotel & Town Mill
Built in 1634, the thatched inn was owned by Lord Crewe, whose estate formerly
cared for much of the town. Local fields would have supplied the wheat straw
regularly needed to thatch its roof. From between the Black Bear and the
Cenotaph, look across the road to see the former Town Mill, now an antiques
showroom and restaurant. The industry of Sandbach has depended at different
times on shoemaking and on “Steam, Salt and Silk” (mills), but all of these
depended largely on local resources - unlike our fuel-wasteful industry of today.
THE
END
Point No. 1 - Sandbach Crosses and Square
The sandstone Saxon Crosses recall the conversion to Christianity of
Peada, Prince of Mercia, in 653AD. Finished two centuries later,
they were taller than now until broken up in Cromwell’s time.
Rebuilt in 1816, the Crosses show, as does the cobbled square, how
our forebears used materials that would last.
On fine Summer days, watch for Swifts flying over,
chasing each other with high-pitched screams. They nest
in old buildings and became scarce in town centres due
to urban pollution, but have returned since anti-pollution
laws were passed. They differ from Swallows and
Martins by being all dark, with narrow scythe-shaped
wings that they use mainly for gliding.
Cross the Square, keeping the poignant white Cenotaph
(War Memorial) on your right. Turn left down the road
leaving the Square, then immediately right (opposite the
black-and-white building) along George’s Walk to:
Point No. 2 – Sandbach Post Office
The busy car park here would be quieter if fewer people drove to the shops. The
car park slopes down into the valley of Arclid Brook, which forms a “wildlife
corridor” through the Sandbach urban area. Watch for birds using the valley as a
flyway, or crossing from one fragment of greenery to another.

Keep left and follow the pavement down the hill, watching for butterflies on wild
flowers and Buddleia shrubs. In Spring, look in the grass for Red Dead-nettle and
Dandelions, and in Summer for yellow Smooth Hawk’s-beard and others. Cross
Brook Court, continuing until you see Arclid Brook in the hollow on your left.
 Point No. 3 – Brook Mill Roundabout Point No. 12 – Sandbach Park upper path
The stream valley here was once filled by The Lake or Pool, a reservoir that lay The Park land and the site of
upstream of Brook Silk Mill, opened in 1860. The roundabout now stands on the Sandbach Library, formerly
mill site. Steam probably powered this Marriott House, were generously
mill, but the early silk trade depended given to the town by the Marriott
on “green” water-power. In Spring, family to mark Queen Victoria’s
many wild flowers bloom. On hot Diamond Jubilee in 1897. We owe
Summer days watch from here for many debts to those before us. At
Skipper and Gatekeeper butterflies that time the Park was just fields
and for Banded Demoiselle and and hedges. Many trees planted
Southern Hawker dragonflies near the over the years have become fine
brook. Listen for Common Field specimens, including ones marking
Grasshoppers chirping in the grass. the Silver Jubilee of George V and
the Coronation of George VI. Many
Follow the pavement round. Before birds can be seen at quiet times in
reaching the traffic lights and bridge, the Park. In the treetops, Greenfinches sing and Woodpigeons are usually to be
pause above the grass access slope: seen, while Chaffinches and Blackbirds are ground-feeding birds that take shelter
in the shrubbery at busy
“Look from here” point: Old Lake hollow and (across to) St Mary’s Wood periods. The Park grass was
- Many flowers grow around the hollow including Red Campion, Wild Raspberry formerly all mown but in
and Hairy Tare. In the wood, listen for Thrushes, Robins, Wrens, Warblers and recent years parts have been
other small birds in the wildlife refuge of St Mary’s Wood (no access), which also managed as wildflower areas.
has Snowdrops and a visiting Fox. [Cared for by Friends of St Mary’s Wood].
Continue along the right-
hand side of the Park past the
Point No. 4 – Brook Bridge playground (near to which
The sandy brook, source of Sandbach’s original Saxon name of Sanbec, is said to once stood the town Water
be the site in AD653 of Prince Peada’s baptism. The sandstone-walled bridge of Tower) to the Park entrance
1825-6 replaced the original ford. It was gates by Sandbach Library.
designed for horse traffic, not modern vehicles. Carefully cross the road
beyond the Library to:
“Look from here” point: Brook Bridge Wood
- In this damp valley above the bridge in spring
grow carpets of yellow Lesser Celandines, and Point No. 13 – Scotch Common
the catkins of Crack Willow and Alder trees. The Common, named from a skirmish between Scots soldiers & townsfolk in
1651, is the present main site of Sandbach Market, the focus of a large rural area
Cross the road and turn left over the bridge. since 1579. Once a grass bowling green, the Common is now a barren car park.
Descend the steep slope, then keep to the left
along Front Street to: Cross the Common to its furthest point and continue to the mini-roundabout.
 Point No. 10 – Old Hedge & Recreation Area
The ancient hedge ends at an electricity pylon
on the left. This area was once arable farmed
and near the pylon a little of the old sandy field-
edge flora has by chance been preserved. Look
in Spring for Cow Parsley, plus more Lady’s
Smock and Bulbous Buttercup, and in Summer
for small patches of the white flowers Lesser
Stitchwort and tiny Common Birds-foot, plus a
tall thistle-like plant. This is Teasel, whose
purple flowers form spiny seed-heads attractive
to birds like Goldfinches. The dry heads are so
robust they
may stand
all winter;
they were
once used to
untangle
wool. This is a good spot for small Butterflies
in late summer. Dog Roses here have
colourful flowers; their fruit or “hips” are
attractive to birds. Rabbits may be seen here
or elsewhere along the Trail at quiet times.
After the pylon, turn left across the grass,
along the edge of the un-mown area. Continue
to the path and turn left.
Point No. 5 – Front Street and Town Spout
This lovely street of listed buildings has a real “cottage” feel. In Summer, purple
Buddleia shrubs attract Peacock and other butterflies. Spotted Flycatchers can
occur. Ivy-leaved Toadflax grows
on old walls. Near the steps is
hidden the Town Spout. Moved
when the top of the street was
filled in to enlarge the churchyard
in 1876, it no longer flows! Look
up the Church Steps to glimpse
the black-and-white Old Hall
Hotel, built of oak from
Sandbach Heath forest.
Turn right alongside the high
wall. At the road turn left up to:
Point No. 6 – Town Pump
The restored original cast-iron Town Pump at the foot of the “green triangle”
created no pollution during use! This is another quiet area of the old town.
Side route to wildlife refuge area: St Mary’s Churchyard
- Above the Pump look for the churchyard gate, while also noticing the old horse
mounting block just above it at the Lower Chequer Inn. The gate leads into this
reflective natural setting around the historic ancient church, with its fine old Lime
trees. In Spring, Snowdrops flower and Nuthatches are among birds that may sing.

Follow the lower side of the green triangle across Dingle Lane and up the hill.
Point No. 11 –Line of Ancient Footpath
A public footpath once crossed the field near this point and its line is partly
preserved. Such paths were more in harmony with their environment than modern Point No. 7 – Old Buildings
routes. Sheltered paths like this can be surprisingly rich in birds: Dunnocks, With a date of 1570, the Old Tudor Cottage claims (as does the Lower Chequer
Goldfinches and Tits all sing here – and Sparrowhawks may hunt them! A map of Inn), to be Sandbach’s oldest building. Starlings nesting in the old buildings here
1872 shows a racecourse where this housing estate now stands. often sing their scratchy song in Spring, from the roofs and chimneys.
Continue until the path ends at Gawsworth Drive, then turn left and cross the
Keep on past more cottages to the Library. Turn right and enter Sandbach Park.
road to the black metal gates, which are the rear entrance to Sandbach Park.
Walk on, keeping both bowling greens on your right. Descend the steep path.
Common Storksbill is a pink-flowered plant that may be found by path edges here.
 Point No. 8 – Sandbach Park Pond
On the left of the path descending to the Pond look
in May for pink Lady’s Smock, the food-plant of the
Orange-Tip butterfly. Undisturbed ponds are nature
rich; note also the marsh with Bulrushes and flowers
of Meadowsweet, Watercress, Hemp Agrimony and
Water Mint. Small birds are attracted by the rough
vegetation and seed-bearing plants. Chiffchaffs may
sing here and Long-tailed Tits have nested nearby.
Watch for Dragonflies and small blue Damselflies
on hot days. Moorhens nest here but often hide.
Side route to wildlife refuge area: The Dingle.
From the bottom Park gate, cross the lane to the
kissing gate opposite. (Note: the lane to the right
is not a public right of way). Beyond is “The
Dingle”, a wildlife refuge partly planted with
small trees. Small birds can include Bullfinches;
Blackcaps sing in Summer while in Winter
Lesser Redpoll can occur. The site also includes
a small ancient grassy knoll with grasshoppers
and a colony of Bulbous Buttercups; butterflies
may include Whites, Comma and Small Copper.
“Look from here” point: Dingle Lake and Peggy’s Pool [Sandbach AS]
Viewed best in winter from The Dingle or the lane, the main lake to the right was
once the town swimming baths (and ice rink), and now holds mainly Carp. The
newer Peggy’s Pool to the left of it is stocked with Chub. The lakes are private.
Look for Coot and, when quiet, for fishing Herons. In Summer big Brown Hawker
dragonflies, recognizable by their brown wings, are often to be seen around here.
Leaving the Park by the lower gate, turn left along the lane to the start of the path
on the left. Natural springs make the lane here wet at all times. Turn off the lane,
which is private, and follow the rising path, which is the Public Footpath. Trees
near the path include Aspens. In April, Wood Forget-me-not flowers here and
Great Spotted Woodpeckers are regularly heard drumming or calling nearby.
Continue into Ravenscroft Close and follow it to a T- junction. Turn right and
very shortly right again through the gate; continue to the first meeting of paths.
Point No. 9 – Waterworks Farm Corner
The town water supply, brought from Taxmere, was once softened on the former
Waterworks Farm site below this path junction, and pumped to the town Water
Tower. Look for white Great Bindweed and red Guelder Rose and Rowan berries.
Turn left and follow the path into
a wider section with wild flowers
such as blue Meadow Cranesbill.
Speckled Wood butterflies prefer
shady spots while flowers such as
Lesser Knapweed in calm sunny
spots attract Red Admiral and
other showy species.
Across the noisy bypass are two
nature-rich woods. Pause near
an electricity pole in the roadside
hedge for a view of one of them.
“Look from here” point: Filter Bed Wood [Sandbach A Rocha study area]
To the right, across the road, the ivied tall willows and birches of this wood have
grown up on the old waterworks lime beds. This is the lowest of three woodland
areas in this part of the Arclid Brook valley, an important part of the “Wildlife
Corridor” with no public access. However, because the wood protects shy birds
including Jays, Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Bullfinches, these are able to visit
many gardens nearby. Watch for birds over the wood: Woodpigeons, Buzzards,
Sparrowhawks, and Swifts sometimes fly or soar overhead despite the traffic.
Continue a few metres for a second view over the road from a gate on the right.
“Look from here” point: Offley or Bluebell Wood
From here may be seen a few of the Oaks in the much older Offley Wood, also
called Bluebell Wood or Dell although it has few bluebells. Occupying a narrow
valley or “clough” above a Willow “carr” (swampy woodland), this quiet private
wood is rich in wild flowers and birds. It has always been native woodland.
Shortly the path leads onto open ground. To do so it passes through the line of a
fragment of ancient hedge made up mainly of Hawthorn and Hazel.