2025 has been tough for breeding barn owls in Staffordshire, with very few chicks recorded in comparison to previous years. This mirrors a national trend which is possibly linked to the long, dry summer reducing vole numbers which are the owls’ main food source.   Barn owl by Jon Hawkins Despite this, Staffordshire Wildlife reports that their nature reserves remain vital refuges for birds of prey. Here’s how they are helping: Nest boxes installed with guidance from the Barn O

Cheadle Discovery Group has launched their exciting new project entitled WW2 Spirit and the “Hope of Cheadle.” Ivan Wozniak, trustee of Cheadle Discovery Group, said, "It has taken over a year to develop our project and includes many distinct elements and several community partners, including Cheadle Historical Society and the Cheadle Methodist Church." The recent launch event at Wellspring Methodist Church "The project focuses on researching and presenting life in Cheadle du

Like many local residents, we are puzzled by the secrecy surrounding developments in our town. The most recent example is the work on the Tape Street Short Stay Car Park, which is currently undergoing a five-week development program. Local residents and businesses have neither been informed nor consulted, and it appears that, as of the full town council meeting on Monday, October 3rd, the Town Council has also not been informed of the details of the work or involved in the pl

Local Staffordshire cuisine features the humble oatcake. You'll find them in supermarkets, specialty oatcake shops, cafes and you can even make your own. This modest brown oat patty offers an excellent substitute for sliced bread, wraps, and other similar items. You can roll, fold, or even make a calzone. Best enjoyed warm, this typically savoury treat can also be served sweet and is a versatile base for nearly any filling you can think of. Traditionally, Staffordshire folk o

Lyn Smith reported to COGNEWS that in their latest church building inspection, St. Giles the Abbot Church, the surveyor noticed that the cement mortar was spalling. What's happening is the cement is flaking and falling away from the building, leaving gaps which will enable water to get between the stone. The reason behind this is that the builder who completed the last repair work made the all-too-common mistake of using cement instead of lime mortar. The cost of repair to th

Dearly Departed - Staffordshire Moorlands

General Information Objecting to a Planning Application | Cheadle's Town Plan | SMDC Ombudsman Rulings | Visiting a Cheadle Town Council Meeting | Devolution Updates | Planning Law Changes | Counting the Cost | SMDC Green Spaces Strategy | Over-height Homes Key Projects & Developments Rakeway Development | Gorsty Hill | Wellspring Community Centre | Stafford Town Centre | Cheadle Market & Market Square | Churchill Road Re

Masses more Fruit and Nuts Have you noticed that there seems to be so much more fruit on the trees this year - beautiful isn’t it? 2025 is a mast year for fruit and nuts in the UK. This means trees like oaks are producing a significantly larger crop of acorns and other fruits and nuts, leading to an abundance of them across the country. This phenomenon is cyclical, happening approximately every three to five years, and is considered a survival strategy for the trees. The surp

Finding What You Need

Staffordshire Ambassadors Unite for Stoke-on-Trent's Centenary and Ceramics Biennial

Popular Moorlands Beer Festival Embraces Global Tastes

Explore Meaningful Volunteer Opportunities Near You

Hanley History Talk

If you're looking for somewhere different to take the childrent Staffordshire History Center now have 5 sensory backpacks to help youngest visitors to explore and discover the collections at the History Centre. The backpacks contain a variety of activities and sensory toys which support families during their visit. The backpacks are free to borrow - please ask at the desk. About the Staffordshire History Centre Enjoy over 1000 years of Staffordshire history through displays,

From April next year, Staffordshire Moorlands residents will be asked to separate their food waste from garden waste due to changes in legislation requiring all councils to provide a weekly food waste collection service. SMDC currently collects food and garden waste together but will need to make operational changes to comply with the new law which will add cost and complexity to the service. The collection of garden waste is a discretionary service and the Council has agreed

Man charged after firearm seized

Hate Crime Awareness Week Highlights Support Available for Victims

New Exhibition: Staffordshire & Slavery

Remembrance Sunday 9th November Armistice Day Tuesday 11th November Remembrance in Cheadle - created 9.10.25

Family Hub: Half-Term in Cheadle