Compstall Nature 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. 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.

Reserve details
Trust Website: 
http://www.cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
Size: 
15.40
Short Description: 
Various habitats including reed-bed, open water and woodland supporting a large number of bird species
Smartphone Description: 
Contains a variety of habitats including open water and reed swamp as well as deciduous woodland on the slopes above the River Etherow. It is of considerable ornithological interest
Location
Address: 
North east of Compstall Village within the Etherow Country Park
Town: 
Compstall
County: 
Cheshire
Postcode: 
SK6 5JQ
Grid ref: 
SJ 974 915
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Yes
Access: 
Yes
Access info: 
Access to some parts of the country park and to the bird hide on site.
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Car parking available in Country Park car park
Walking information: 
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.
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Cheshire Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01948 820728
Photos
Photo: 
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve