Compstall Nature Reserve

Compstall Nature Reserve c. Bob Coyle

Compstall Nature Reserve c. Bob Coyle

Compstall Nature Reserve c. Bob Coyle

Compstall Nature Reserve c. Bob Coyle

Long-tailed tit at Compstall Nature Reserve c. Jason Sheen

Long-tailed tit at Compstall Nature Reserve c. Jason Sheen

Various habitats including reed-bed, open water and woodland supporting a large number of bird species

Location

North east of Compstall Village within the Etherow Country Park
Compstall
Cheshire
SK6 5JQ
A static map of Compstall Nature Reserve

Know before you go

Size
15 hectares
z

Entry fee

No

Walking trails

A short path leading to a bird hide overlooking the River Etherow can be accessed at all times. To get here follow the canal path from the main car park through the park all the way to the weir. Cross over the weir bridge and continue up the lane towards the farm. The entrance to the reserve is on the left hand side of the lane just past the large open pool.

Access

Access to some parts of the country park and to the bird hide on site.

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

All year round

About the reserve

The reserve, which stretches South East along the banks of the River Etherow, is a wonderful mosaic of threatened habitats including; tall fen, reed swamp, open water, carr woodland and mixed deciduous woodland. With such a variety of habitat comes a fantastic array of wildlife.

The ornithological interest warrants a specific mention with dipper, grey wagtail and kingfisher all frequently recorded on site along with water rail, a particularly uncommon species. Within the woodland breeding populations of green woodpecker, greater spotted woodpecker, woodcock, tawny owl and sparrow-hawk are also known to exist.

Within the steep clough woodland towards the Northern Eastern boundary of the reserve a variety of woodland wildflowers can be found including Bluebell, Yellow Archangel, Wood Sorrel and Red Campion (this part of the reserve is inaccessible to the public).

Additionally, wood fescue Festuca altissima and the fungus Naucoria subconspersa can be found here, both of which have not yet been recorded anywhere else in Cheshire.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the remote and rural location of many of our sites, Sat Nav and postcode directions may not be accurate or in close proximity to the reserve entrance.

Contact us

Cheshire Wildlife Trust
Contact number: 01948 820728
Contact email: info@cheshirewt.org.uk

Environmental designation

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Cheshire's Last Refuges Appeal

Help us protect wildlife refuges like Compstall
£