Chiltern Rangers CIC

It couldn't be simpler....get a nice comfy chair, hammock, beanbag or even a comfortable position in your paddling pool and count the number of butterflies you can see. The Big Butterfly Count is happening now!

More details below.

The Big Butterfly Count 2026 is here! 🦋

From now until 9 August, spend 15 minutes outside counting the butterflies you see and help us take nature's pulse.

With 80% of UK butterfly species in decline, it’s never been more important to understand how our insects are responding to climate change and habitat loss.

The best part? Anyone, anywhere can take part. No lab coats. No science degrees. Just 15 minutes of your time. ⏱️

Count yourself in 👉 https://butrfli.es/3SVFepj

Here’s how to find your way around our lovely little festival

For info if anyone is headed to Woodoaks Farm

🪾 IMPORTANT INFORMATION! 🌳
BOTTOM WOOD - PHASE II of the Woodland Management Plan

Timber clearing will be taking place in Bottom Wood over the next few weeks. There will be parts of the woodland that will be closed whilst the team bring in the machinery to complete their work. Please stay to the safe paths as indicated.

WHY NOW? The ground is hard and there will be less damage to the woodland floor as extraction takes place. Some brash will be left on the floor to protect the soil and provide habitats for wildlife.

WHAT'S NEXT? Phase III will be the re planting of native trees next winter such as Cherry, Oak and Hornbeam.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? By removing dead and dying wood our community will be safer and access will improve.

Opening up areas of the wood and creating sunny glades will encourage a rich variety of wildflowers and plants to grow, providing food and shelter for butterflies, bees, birds and other wildlife.

As a charity with conservation at its centre we are committed to the long-term health of this woodland and the enjoyment of the whole community.

Please be patient whilst regeneration takes place.

All work has been undertaken with expert advice and care.

For further info please email [email protected]

Really positive work for Castlefield Rangers appealing directly to the community to change attitudes and actions. 👍🏻

A Message to All Businesses in Castlefield & Oakridge

Can I make a friendly appeal to all local businesses across Castlefield & Oakridge—our grocery stores, barbers, takeaways, cafés, garages, car traders, recovery operators, independent retailers, and every other business that serves our community.

We would love to see every business invest just a small amount of time and money into keeping the outside of their premises as clean and welcoming as the inside. You may spend thousands creating a fantastic experience indoors, but your customers' first impression starts the moment they arrive.

A clean shop front, swept pavement, fresh entrance, and well-maintained surroundings show pride in your business and respect for your customers and neighbours. It also helps discourage littering, reduces pests and rodents, and creates a safer, healthier environment for everyone.

A simple maintenance programme can make a huge difference:
🧹 Sweep outside your premises every day.
💦 Pressure wash pavements and entrances regularly.
🧼 Clean and disinfect commercial bins at least once a month.
🗑️ Remove litter before it builds up.
🌿 Keep the area outside your business looking clean, tidy, and inviting.

A message to our car traders and recovery drivers. We appreciate the hard work that goes into your industry, but there are a few simple things that can make an even bigger difference.

Please don't use public litter bins to dispose of vehicle parts, oil containers, or automotive waste. Scrap metal can often be collected free of charge, and used engine oil should always be taken to a licensed household recycling centre for safe disposal.

Before selling or moving vehicles, please take a few moment when you clear out any rubbish from inside them please dispose of it responsibly, rather than leaving it for someone else or discarding it in our streets.

We also ask everyone to park responsibly. Please avoid taking up unnecessary parking spaces, blocking footpaths, or leaving vehicles where they create hazards or inconvenience for residents, businesses, pedestrians, cyclists, or emergency services. A little consideration goes a long way.

At Castlefield Rangers, we're not asking for perfection. We're simply asking everyone to take pride in the place we all share.

Our team of 20–30 dedicated volunteers gives up countless hours every week litter picking, cleaning streets, reporting environmental issues, supporting local residents, and helping make Castlefield & Oakridge cleaner, safer, and a more welcoming place for everyone.

If every resident and every business did just a little more, the difference would be incredible.
Community pride starts with each of us. Together, let's keep Castlefield & Oakridge clean, safe, and somewhere we're all proud to live, work, and visit. 💚💪

Community Commitment
At Castlefield Rangers, we believe that every business has a role to play in creating a cleaner, safer and more welcoming community.
A little maintenance every day prevents bigger problems tomorrow.

Together, we can reduce litter, discourage antisocial behaviour, improve public health, and create an environment that residents, businesses and visitors can all be proud of.

Clean Business • Proud Community • Better Future

Castlefield Rangers – Working Together for a Cleaner Community.