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==Birds== | ==Birds== | ||
===Notable Species=== | ===Notable Species=== | ||
| − | Various woodland birds can be found here including [[ | + | Various woodland birds can be found here including [[Great Spotted Woodpecker]], [[Eurasian Bullfinch]], [[Tawny Owl]], [[Eurasian Nuthatch]] and [[Eurasian Treecreeper]]. Lately the stand of pine woods has also had sightings of [[Common Crossbill]]. The woods have also become home to a colony of [[Eurasian Tree Sparrow]] which can often be seen near the visitor centre as well as numerous [[Reed Bunting]]. In the summer the reeds also become home to [[Eurasian Reed Warbler]] which breed. |
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| + | In winter the lakes often hold good numbers of the typical winter wildfowl and in recent times a [[Bittern]] has made winter visits too. Breeding birds of note on the lakes include [[Great Crested Grebe]] and of course the [[Common Kingfisher]] which can be seen frequently from any of the hides. | ||
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| + | The surrounding fields can be scanned for [[Grey Partridge]] and [[Red-legged Partridge]] as can [[Barn Owl]] come dusk. | ||
===Rarities=== | ===Rarities=== | ||
Revision as of 15:19, 8 February 2009
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Overview
A Lancashire Wildlife Trust reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest with flooded pits in an area of sandy heathland, birch and oakwoods and conifer plantations. Martin Mere WWT reserve is nearby.
Birds
Notable Species
Various woodland birds can be found here including Great Spotted Woodpecker, Eurasian Bullfinch, Tawny Owl, Eurasian Nuthatch and Eurasian Treecreeper. Lately the stand of pine woods has also had sightings of Common Crossbill. The woods have also become home to a colony of Eurasian Tree Sparrow which can often be seen near the visitor centre as well as numerous Reed Bunting. In the summer the reeds also become home to Eurasian Reed Warbler which breed.
In winter the lakes often hold good numbers of the typical winter wildfowl and in recent times a Bittern has made winter visits too. Breeding birds of note on the lakes include Great Crested Grebe and of course the Common Kingfisher which can be seen frequently from any of the hides.
The surrounding fields can be scanned for Grey Partridge and Red-legged Partridge as can Barn Owl come dusk.
Rarities
In October 2002 a drake Surf Scoter was recorded at Mere Sands Wood and in November 2003 a female Ferruginous Duck was present.
Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
"to do"
Other Wildlife
Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris, now so scarce in Britain, can be seen in these woods.
Site Information
History and Use
Areas of Interest
Access and Facilities
The reserve can be reached off the B5246 road between Rufford and Holmebridge, there is an information centre and car-park (small parking charge), and footpaths around the pits to the various hides, two of which have wheelchair access.
