Trentabank Reservoir | Reserves and species

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. Perhaps best known for its heronry (thought to be the largest in the Peak District with over 20 breeding pairs), the reserve is also a great place to seek out ravens and birds of prey. Stately red deer are shy residents of the forest, but can often be seen drinking from the reservoir in early morning. Changing water levels occasionally expose the reservoir banks, which become a popular feeding ground for small wading birds including common sandpiper, green sandpiper and little ringed plover. Flocks of crossbills are regularly seen feeding in the tree tops whilst in winter visitors including goldeneye and goosander join the resident water birds.

Reserve details

Trust:

Cheshire Wildlife Trust

Trust Website:

http://www.cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

Size:

17.20

Short Description:

Species rich coniferous plantation surrounding Trentabank reservoir with a large heronry

Smartphone Description:

Found in Macclesfield Forest, this reservoir and its associated coniferous plantation supports a variety of species, including a heronry of about 22 pairs. The reservoir was opened in 1929 and forms part of the water supply for Macclesfield.

Location

Address:

In Macclesfield Forest, partly in the Peak District National Park

Town:

Macclesfield

County:

Cheshire

Postcode:

SK11 0NS

Grid ref:

SJ 962 713

Facilities

Visitor centre:

Shop:

No shop

Picnic Area:

Opening hours:

The reservoir can be viewed all year round. A visitor centre operated by the local ranger service may be open on selected weekends. The reservoir itself can only be accessed by permit only

Toilets:

Yes Toilets

Disabled toilet:

No disabled toilet

Baby changing facilities:

No baby changing facilities

Access:

Yes

Access info:

There is access to the small woodland trail and heronry viewpoint along the forest road

Parking:

Yes

Parking info:

Please park in the main visitor centre car park, the short woodland trail and reservior viewpoint is directly opposite

Walking information:

Apart from the small woodland trail and viewpoint at the reserve, the wider area can be accessed via the forest roads and there are public footpaths onto the adjacent uplands

Contact details

Reserve manager:

Cheshire Wildlife Trust

Reserve phone number:

01948 820728

Photos

Photo:

Admission

Admission fee?:

Admission amount:

Location type:

Wildlife or nature reserve