The Sandstone Ridge Trust is inviting people to join them in a variety of outdoor activities this weekend to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Cheshire’s Sandstone Trail.

Working with local partners, Cheshire Wildlife Trust, the Forestry Commission, Meres and Mosses Landscape Partnership, Earth Skills Project and CWaC Council, the charity has organised a series of walks stretching the 34-mile breadth of the Cheshire landmark and a variety of family-friendly activities from today (Thursday) until Saturday.

Local environmental organisations are also celebrating the reintroduction of a rare species of dragonfly – the white-faced darter – to Delamere, a crucial ecosystem along the Sandstone Ridge.

Chairman of the Sandstone Ridge Trust John Heselwood said: “We felt it was fitting to mark this occasion with a mass walk to highlight the trail as a fantastic feature that both local people and visitors enjoy all year round.

“We’re also taking the opportunity to highlight the array of fantastic projects currently taking place to protect and enhance the environment in the area.”

Chris Meredith from Cheshire Wildlife Trust said: “We’re delighted the Sandstone Ridge Trust’s activities will support our ground-breaking white-faced darter reintroduction project at Delamere Forest.

“There is a very special link too, as both the darter’s donor site near Whitchurch and Cheshire Wildlife Trust’s own headquarters sit very close to the Sandstone Trail, which provides a very real connection for everyone taking part.

“As we know at Bickley Hall Farm, the Sandstone Ridge has a rich wealth of wildlife to offer, and this latest project with the white-faced darter will hopefully boost that diversity of nature for people to enjoy even more.”

Schools including Bickerton and Tushingham Primary Schools in Cheshire will also join in educational and diversity activities.

John added: “We welcome anyone to join us at the celebratory activities, whether it’s simply for a short walk or if you want to join us for the free festival at Delamere on Saturday, the more the merrier!”

To find out more about the planned activities, visit www.thesandstoneridgetrust.co.uk/news.