A superb green oasis

DESPITE a catalogue of problems at Stockton Heath beauty spot Ackers Pit, most people still think of it as a “superb green oasis,” according to the parish council clerk.
In a report to the council, Peter Briggs said work on Ackers Pit had taken a “considerable amount of time, effort and management,” over the past few years.
But he added: “It must be stressed that the overall view from the majority of users is that Ackers Pit is now a superb green oasis in the middle of a suburban area and is much appreciated by all.”
Mr Briggs said that following desilting/redevelopment of the site, members had agreed a vision statement to support pit management in July last year.
Day to day management of the site had been undertaken by the Ackers Pit Management Group, including parish councillors and members of Warrington Anglers Association.
Work had been ongoing since then including planting trees and shrubs, repairing eroding banks and building up the banks.
Mr Briggs added: “A hard standing area of approximately 15 square metres for duck/swan feeding was established in April adjacent to the weir on the Mill Lane footpath side.
“This is to encourage the concentration of feeding from here instead of the nearby banks with the consequential damage to the grassed area. This has proved its worth with the subsequent seeding of the bare area successful.”
Other work has included tackling the continuing problem of weeds overgrowing paths. A damaged bench has been replaced, footpaths strimmed and hedges cut.
The group is also looking at provision of a 5-10 year management plan for the pit, but costs have so far proved too expensive.