Families urged to join in and celebrate nature at spring park event
A celebration to mark Equinox, the start of spring – and a point in the year when day and night are of equal length – will be held at Longford Park, Stretford, on Saturday 21 March.
All are welcome at the park’s formal gardens from 11am to 3pm for activities aimed at encouraging families and individuals to get involved with the natural environment.
Things to do, organised by Trafford Council and partners, will include sowing parsley seeds to carry on growing at home, fire lighting, potion making, discovering and mapping signs of nature in the park and activities to inspire for season ahead.
The RSPB and the Rock Paper Write community interest company will be there on the day with activities and information.
Visitors will also be able to find out more about the People, Place and Nature Project improvement works to Longford Park, which will include planting a total of 81 new trees, plus new shrubs and native hedgerows, expanding the wildlife pond and enhancing local biodiversity.
Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, a £6m programme of improvements will also include the restoration of heritage features and historic landscaping, better sport and recreational facilities, and a new skills hub.
Refurbishment of the popular Pets’ Corner is already in progress and flood alleviation work, improved footpaths, seating and lighting are also on the way for the park, which is managed by the One Trafford Partnership.
Cllr Stephen Adshead, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Highways, Environmental and Traded Services, said: “We want to encourage as many people as possible to visit, enjoy and spend time in this historic park. The forthcoming improvements will benefit all who use the park.
“Celebrating Equinox is one way to really focus in on nature and think about the changing seasons. At the moment there is so much to notice and appreciate, from daffodils to birds’ nests.”
Vinnie is quacking new addition to Stamford Park
Meet Vinnie the duck - the quack-tastic new addition to Altrincham's Stamford Park!
The 10ft duck, made completely from willow branches, is the talk of the town after being installed at the popular award-winning park.
Park-goers have to look again and think they're going quackers when they spot Vinnie who sits proudly overlooking the park's duck pond.
The duck was created by Des Gillan, of Willow Goat Crafts in Sale, along with the pupils from St Vincents Catholic Primary School & Nursery in Altrincham. The project was led by Friends of Stamford Park, with the installation carried out by Des and The Conservation Volunteers (TCV Manchester).
Des said: "I came up with the idea of creating a willow structure for the park and got in touch with Jackie at Friends of Stamford Park to discuss my ideas. After some discussions, we agreed that a duck would be perfect for the island in the pond.
“We decided to go ahead and involve the children at St Vincents Catholic Primary School & Nursery. I created the willow frame in my workshop and took it to the school. Over two days, the children weaved willow around the frame. Every child took part with each class taking it in turns to join in the fun. Together with Mrs Lawrence and the school we decided to call him Vinnie (after St Vincent) - I think he looks great! Well done to everyone who helped."
Jackie Richards, from Friends of Stamford Park, said: "Des approached us to ask about putting a willow structure in Stamford Park. Once we had agreed on a safe and secure place for it, a duck was decided upon. Our committee was immediately drawn to the idea, so I contacted St Vincents Catholic Primary School to find out if they wanted to help with this project.
"They were absolutely thrilled to take part. The children raised money to pay for the duck and also helped to create him. Mrs Lawrence and the school were very supportive and all the children were amazing. I think Vinnie looks fabulous and we are very proud to have him in our park."
The park, which is owned and managed by Trafford Council and partners Amey, is one of the most popular parks in the borough and was awarded its first green flag in 2025.
Cllr Stephen Adshead, Trafford Council's Executive Member for Highways, Environmental and Traded Services, said: "Well done to everyone who helped to create Vinnie the duck - he looks fantastic. It's lovely to see children and adults getting out into our wonderful parks and green spaces to help with projects like this.
"Trafford Council, alongside our partners Amey, is totally committed to its parks and green spaces and one of our corporate priorities is to address the climate crisis through biodiversity and sustainability."
Strengthening support for cared for children with new Independent Visitors
Trafford’s Children’s Rights service was delighted to welcome five new volunteers to their dedicated team of Independent Visitors at a special event in Sale.
Independent Visitors are volunteers who commit to spending one to two days per month with a child or young person in care, building friendships and becoming an adult that they can trust and who is consistent in their life.
Independent Visitors can be any age, do not need to have worked with children before and can come from any ethnic background or walk of life, although they cannot be current Trafford Council employees. Current and previous Independent Visitors in Trafford have included teachers, social workers, an accountant, school nurse, mechanic and a wellbeing coach. While their backgrounds are diverse, all share a genuine interest in young people and the ability to listen, engage and build meaningful relationships with humour and kindness.
Once Independent Visitors have been recruited, they receive thorough training and are matched with young people based on shared interests, character and experience. They then typically devote one or two days per month to getting to know their young person and spending quality time with them.
Karina Carter, Trafford’s Executive Member for Babies, Children and Young People said: “We are very grateful to our new volunteers who have put themselves forward to become Independent Visitors in Trafford. This is such a key role, giving children and young people who have often had rocky starts in life an additional trusted adult to turn to for advice, guidance and friendship.
“Independent Visitors receive comprehensive training before they meet their children or young people, and we continue to support them as they progress. We would love to hear from any Trafford residents who think this could be a role for them. It’s a wonderful way to make a difference to a child who really needs it, as well as being incredibly rewarding for the person volunteering their time and care.”
Debra McCallion, who has now been an Independent Visitor for over seven years, described the experience: “Initially I visited an 11 year old boy, who is now a young man of 18. I also started visiting a young woman and her new baby (a bonus indeed!) and have been working with them for nearly three years now.”
“I volunteered because I felt I could perhaps play a mentoring role in a young person's life and be a friendly face who visited with no agenda other than to go out and enjoy ourselves. I think very positively and passionately about young people and in a world that is already tough before you add the challenges of care, I thought I might add something small that was uplifting and hopeful for them.
“The experience has been nothing short of exceptional! I was asked to pick up the child and just go out and have fun. So, the visits were chosen with this in mind and it has broadened my entire life experience and added fun into my life as a result. I have enjoyed the playful side of bowling, ice-skating, trampolining and more. I have been pushed out of my comfort zone and together we have both loved the experience and each other's company.
“The difference to me and the young people is difficult to put into words. I hope they feel that I am a solid, trustworthy, reliable and constant presence in their lives. Ready for the fun but ready to help with anything and to be alongside them whenever needed. With my young man, he moved foster placements so many times that I quickly did become the most constant presence in his life, which I valued highly.
“I take great pleasure in all the visits and particularly love brunch with my young woman as we catch up on our news and put the world to rights! I am in her life in a way that feels totally fulfilling and rewarding and I feel completely privileged to know her and be in her life in such a wonderful way.”
For more details about becoming an Independent Visitor in Trafford, or to refer a child or young person to the service, please contact: childrens.rights@trafford.gov.uk.
Find out more about Independent Visitors here: Become an Independent Visitor | National IV Network
Artist Vinay Jalla at Altrincham Art Exhibition
Art lovers searching for art exhibitions in Manchester and Altrincham this March have a wonderful opportunity to discover local creativity at a vibrant group show hosted at Altrincham Town Hall.
Among the artists featured is Manchester-based illustrator and cartoonist Vinay Jalla, who is exhibiting his artwork Old Shoes Never Bite as part of this engaging exhibition organised by the Altrincham Society of Artists, with support from Oyez Arts.
Running until 25 March, the exhibition showcases over 40 artworks from talented local artists, offering visitors a chance to explore a wide range of creative styles and themes.
Discover local artists at Altrincham Town HallThis art exhibition celebrates the thriving Greater Manchester arts community, bringing together painters, illustrators, and mixed-media artists in one welcoming space. The exhibition demonstrates the diversity of talent in the North West and provides a platform for both emerging and established artists.
Visitors can expect to see:
Colourful landscape paintings inspired by the British countryside
Elegant black-and-white artworks
Thoughtful still life compositions
Contemporary works reflecting modern life
Vinay Jalla’s artwork: Old Shoes Never BiteManchester artist Vinay Jalla presents Old Shoes Never Bite, a reflective piece inspired by the small yet meaningful details of everyday life.
Vinay’s artistic practice often focuses on overlooked moments and objects, using humour, symbolism, and storytelling to encourage viewers to see the familiar in a new light. His work blends fine art, illustration, and subtle social commentary, a style that has become a hallmark of his creative voice.
Through this piece, the artist invites viewers to reflect on memory, experience, and the quiet wisdom that accumulates over time.
Taking place throughout March, the exhibition is also an ideal opportunity for those looking for unique gift ideas in Manchester. With more than 40 original artworks on display, visitors may find a one-of-a-kind piece to take home.
Buying directly from artists not only supports the local creative community but also allows collectors to connect with the stories behind each work.
Visit the Exhibition
Venue: Altrincham Town HallDates: until 25 MarchArtists: Members of the Altrincham Society of ArtistsSupported by: Oyez Arts
Whether you are searching for art exhibitions near Manchester, discovering local artists in Altrincham, or simply looking for an inspiring cultural outing, this exhibition promises something for everyone.