Trekkers take high road for wildlife

Five members of staff from Staffordshire Wildlife Trust's headquarters near Rugeley are hiking along the Staffordshire Way, from Mow Cop, in the north of the county, right down to Kinver Edge in the far south, over the course of just three days.

The group, who are all based at the Wolseley Centre at Wolseley Bridge, will start their mammoth walk on Friday and are hoping to raise at least £500.

Youth projects officer Martin Evans said: "We've all been in training for this challenge and I am really looking forward to it.

"It is the trust's 40th anniversary this year and we wanted to do something special to mark the occasion and help contribute to the charity's work.

"Our route will take us through some wonderful scenery, such as Rudyard Lake, the Churnet Valley, the Shugborough estate and Highgate Common, near Kinver, which is the trust's newest reserve.

"The terrain is quite mixed. We'll be climbing Bosley Cloud, near Congleton, at 1,125 feet, as well as descending into valleys and camping along the way."

The team decided to take on the feat after their last fundraiser, the Green Peaks Challenge, fell through because a sponsor went into administration. They are now appealing for people to sponsor them, and will also be creating a blog along the way so supporters can keep up with their progress.

To follow the blog, log on to www.swtgreenpeaks.blogspot.com and to sponsor the group, visit www.bmycharity.com/ v2/staffsway.

The group is made up of youth projects officer Martin Evans, Wolseley Centre co-ordinator Alison Rhodes, Wild About Tamworth officer Sarah Ward, ecological contracts officer Jon Goodrick and reserves assistant Julia Dunnett, and their partners.

Southern education co-ordinator Jo Perry will be providing back-up transport.