Danes Moss near Macclesfield is an oasis of lowland raised bog, one of the scarcest and most threatened habitats in the UK. The open areas of the bog are covered with cotton grass, cross-leaved heath and at least six species of sphagnum moss. The sphagnum mosses are especially important as the remains of dead plants accumulate to form peat, the substrate of the bog. Danes Moss is a real treat for flying insect fans.

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Warburton’s Wood blooms with over 50 species including wood anemone, bluebell, primrose, yellow archangel, giant bellflower, common violet and pale wood violet. To the north of the wood is an area of herb-rich unimproved grassland, which runs down to the River Weaver.  Here you’ll find primrose, lousewort, knapweed and common spotted orchid. The wood is the prefect place to take in the dawn chorus with an orchestra of woodland birds in spring and summer.

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On the doorstep of the Peak District, Trentabank reservoir and the surrounding conifer plantations of Macclesfield Forest are owned by United Utilities and supply the town of Macclesfield with drinking water. Although a working environment, Trentabank and the forests are a haven for wildlife, and the Trust manages a small area of woodland with commanding views across the reservoir.

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A medium sized wood for the south Manchester fringe, the wood extends to both sides of the Sinderland brook in part and has a small number of ponds through it. The canopy has had poplar in it which has reach maturity and now is being thinned out to make way for a more native mix of species. Also of note is a stand of bamboo which is being monitored to ensure it does not spread too widely. The ponds hold species such as marsh marigold and the long thin nature of the site next to a stream makes the site good for woodland birds.
 

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A tiny meadow with scrub woodland patches, this site can be accessed along a public footpath. A stream runs through the site and the meadow and water voles can be seen if the visitor sits quietly. The meadow has both wet and dry areas and shows meadowsweet. The surrounding scrub has hawthorn and blackthorn amongst it providing nesting and feeding for a wide range of birds.

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.

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Saltersley Moss is a small remnant of lowland raised bog, largely dried out due to commercial peat cutting on the adjacent Lindow Common. The reserve was established in 1965 to preserve a small sample of the peat surface. Unlike its surroundings, Saltersely Moss has not been cut for peat, however it no longer exhibits typical bog habitats due to its damaged hydrology. As peat exploitation continues, the water table lowers and the moss becomes drier. This allows birch, oak, alder, buckthorn and bracken to colonise.

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Note - this is no longer a Cheshire Wildlife Trust reserve. The management of the site is now with the owners, the Prince Albert Angling Society.
 

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This SSSI reserve lies on the edge of the extensive Dee Estuary, looking out towards Hilbre Island, and just a short walk from Hoylake or West Kirby.

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