Halton Nature Watch: Snap & Social -The Bongs
Saturday 10th October marked the very first Snap & Social photo walk as part of Halton Nature Watch — and what a start it was.
Firstly, a little bit about our walk location. The Bongs’ unusual name originates from a medieval Cheshire/Lancashire dialect word, "le bancs," which means sloping wooded banks.
The group of nature enthusiasts who braved the inclement weather met us at The Glass Nook, the delightful cafe in Crow Wood, the parkland The Bongs is situated within.
We were joined by the wonderfully knowledgeable Siobhan, an ecologist for Halton Borough Council, who arrived with her trusty wicker basket in hand (more on that later). Despite a cold, wet beginning, the group quickly warmed up as we rooted through the undergrowth in search of invertebrates, fungi, and interesting vegetation.
Photo credit: Clare Williams
Participants were encouraged to upload their finds to iNaturalist, helping build a richer picture of the species living within Halton. Over time, these observations will support local ecologists in understanding what’s thriving in our borough.
What surprised many of us was how Halton Nature Watch has already changed the way we see the tiny creatures we once disliked or avoided. By slowing down and looking closely, we found ourselves appreciating the beauty and complexity of bugs, beetles, and arachnids we’d barely noticed before.
Photo credit: Josie Fallon (Left) Siobhan Royle (middle & right)
Siobhan’s wicker basket wasn’t just for show — throughout the walk she collected various fungi specimens to create spore prints. We’re hoping to share some of these results soon, so keep an eye out.
Photo credit: Clare Williams (Left), Josie Fallon (Middle & Right)
Our walk lasted approximately an hour, and everyone remarked on how enjoyable and informative it was. The presence of a qualified ecologist greatly enhanced the experience, drawing our attention to features we may not have noticed ourselves and offering detailed explanations along the way.
We hope you have enjoyed these snapshots from the walk, taken by some of the participants. Why not tell us in the comments which bugs were your favourites and what you’d love to spot next time.
Join us on our next Snap & Social in November, where we expect to spot even more mushrooms and fungi, as well as more invertebrates.
Photo credit: Clare Williams
Photo credit: Siobhan Royle
What’s Still to Come?
Our public event tour across Halton has been incredible, but we aren't done yet! We have another two Halton Nature Watch themed Snap & Socials coming up:
Bring your phone or camera for a gentle nature stroll led by Hazlehurst Studios and Siobhan (Halton Borough Council's Ecologist). All events are FREE, but booking is required as spaces are limited:
14th November 2026: Runcorn Hill Park (Heathland Exploration) - Booking Coming Soon
12th December 2026: Pickering Pastures, Widnes (Festive Stroll) - Booking Coming Soon
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