Transition Wilmslow's annual Dawn Walk will have special poignancy this year as the group remembers Rick Turner, the archaeologist who recovered Lindow Man. Rick died earlier this year and the walk on Saturday, 22nd September, will be an appropriate time to reflect on his work.
John Handley said "Rick was a very good friend to Transition Wilmslow, including supporting the group's efforts with the Lindow Moss planning applications. He gave the keynote presentation at a Transition Wilmslow Day School about Lindow Moss in 2015."
Speaking at the event Rick Turner said "The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography lists about 60,000 men and women who have shaped the history of Britain. I only know of two of these who are not named, the Unknown Soldier and Lindow Man. Nearly all of these 60,000, including the Unknown Soldier have been memorialized in some way, so why not Lindow Man?"
"We know the exact point where Lindow Man was buried. Some of the uncut parts of the moss retain their sphagnum peat and may still contain other bog bodies. Lindow Moss' more recent history is of peat cutting and the reclamation of the margins of the site. Together with its prehistoric past, this forms an important cultural landscape extending back thousands of years. The moss is still in a condition where it can be recreated as a lowland raised mire. It retains its sense of enclosure and mystery."
Rick took part in the Dawn Walk organised by Transition Wilmslow in 2016 and gave a memorable account of what he imagined might have been Lindow Man's last journal entries before his death.
This year's guided walk of 2.5 to 3 miles will start at 6:30am from Lindow Common with readings along the way. The walk will celebrate the importance and special qualities of this ancient mossland which is especially atmospheric at sunrise.
Be prepared with clothing and footwear suitable for walking over rough ground and a torch to light your way. Don't forget to have something to eat before you set out so early in the morning!
For more information and to sign up for this free event please register at Eventbrite.
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
“Aspiration A1-I would like to see bolder plans for Lindow Moss. It should be returned to wetlands with boardwalks and hides for people to go birdwatching and visitor carparking. The site where Lindow man was found should be marked and information provided. This site is a real asset for the town and should be developed into a sight seeing attraction.”
If Rick Turner was to visit Lindow Moss today I have no doubt he would be horrified to see the damage inflicted by Croghan Peat under the watchful eye of Cheshire East Council.
David Jeffrey’s suggestion is brilliant I hope this is taken forward by CEC.