Transition Wilmslow ready to welcome you

The Transition Assembly has only been made possible with the immense support of Transition Wilmslow. They are an established and thriving Transition group near to our Assembly venue, with projects on nature, food, transport, energy and repair in their local community. In the build up to the event, they have been supporting organisers with invaluable local knowledge, finding hosts and preparing to give us all a warm welcome to the local area. Transition Wilmslow volunteers will be offering liftshares and driving our accessible minibus throughout the weekend. We are so grateful for their energy, hospitality and support.

Transition Wilmslow have arranged two special opportunities to meet and get to know the local area and each other. They have organised a Friday evening meal together for early arrivals. This will take place at Wilmslow Methodist Church Hall, arriving at 6pm to eat at 6.30pm. There is no charge, but it is essential to book in advance on this link.

There is also a chance to visit Transition Wilmslow projects before the Assembly programme begins, on the afternoon of Friday 7 February. The group has organised a choice of three fantastic activities – but it is essential you book by 20 January to help them with their planning. Check out the options below and follow the links to book.

1. Visit to Wilmslow Tiny Forest

In February 2023, 200 people came out to plant a tiny forest in the grounds of Wilmslow High School. A dense planting of native trees creates a small but mighty habitat for biodiversity. Two years on, visit the tiny forest and learn more about how it was established, how it’s grown and how it’s helping the group with their mission to double tree cover in the town by 2024. (Rob Hopkins wrote about the project here).

Space for up to 12 people, transport provided. Wear wellies and waterproofs in case of bad weather. 

2. A talk about Lindow Moss

Cross the road to the Friends Meeting House for a talk on the unique peatland habitat of Lindow Moss. Forty years ago, the Lindow Man, a well preserved bog body brought the site to national attention. But it was thanks to the tireless work over a decade by Transition Wilmslow that funding and support for the restoration of this sensitive eco-system was secured and is now underway. Hear how the group is reconnecting the community with the moss, and their plans for celebrating, protecting and restoring it in the coming years. Read more here.

Please note this is not a visit to the site, but an indoor presentation and talk about the project.

3. Trip to Oakenclough Community Garden

The pandemic brought home to many how vulnerable our food system was to shocks, with its long and complex supply changes. It prompted Transition Wilmslow to step up their community growing, and to move forward with a vision of a series of local market gardens, supplying residents with fresh, local, affordable, healthy food.

Oakenclough Community Garden sits in the grounds of a Children’s Centre on land owned by the Town Council and involves many local people and groups in growing and eating the produce. Garry Olsen and Andrew Backhouse will offer a guided tour, and transport to and from the site is provided. Read more about the gardens here.

Meeting for all tours at the Guild Café in Wilmslow at 2pm. 1 Bourne St, Wilmslow SK9 5HD

Tours will be leaving at 2:15PM. Once again, don’t forget to book your spot, spaces are limited on some of the visits and our hosts need our cooperation!