Going to a nature reserve like Brockholes, makes me feel relaxed and happy

I just love it!

I was really excited to go to Brockholes because of recent sightings of a bittern (read about it here) and of course it’s a guaranteed wildlife haven too. I did see the faintest glimpse of a bittern back in January, I wrote about it in my blog #boom

Brockholes was once an old gravel pit, in fact there’s still a working one around the corner. Over time the pits have filled up with water, to create a nature reserve. It’s a great place for wildlife, as there’s a mixed habitat – water, woodland, grassland – attracting different types of wildlife. The water is managed well; there are lots of tall reed beds for birds to shelter in and iris too – we bought ours from there this summer. There are lots of oxygenators in the pond, which makes the water fresh and clear – in the past we have seen pike, perch, roach or rudd. You can read more about the landscape and wildlife here

When we arrived, the car park and visitor’s area was really busy, but once we were on the main path towards the river it went really quiet. The first stretch along the river was really calm and peaceful, there was no noise, no wind and it was great to watch different waterfowl flying up and down. There was a flock of winter migrant thrushes on the other side of the river – not sure which type – but they must have been feasting on an abundance of red berried hawthorn bushes. It was here that we saw a kingfisher darting back and to; I felt like this had set the day up and I was already satisfied!

On a previous visit, there had been a lot of rain and certain areas were still flooded – the staff and volunteers must work very hard on the land to maintain water levels; the water level at meadow lake seemed quite high on this visit. I really enjoy the short walk through the woodland, there’s always small birds and mammals to see. Today I enjoyed watching the remaining leaves falling from the trees. Click here for the reserve map

So, we didn’t get pictures of all the sightings – wildlife doesn’t tend to stick around long enough to get a great shot! But here’s what I did see:

• Goosander
• Coot
• Kingfisher
• Buzzard
• Heron
• Kestrel
• Cormorant
• Golden eye
• Perch/Fry (small fish)
• Roe deer
• Teal
• Stonechat
• Shoveler
• Thrush
• Gadwall

After the walk, we had something to eat and drink at the Crafty Vintage Fair; it was just a nice place to relax and reflect on the day.

I didn’t see the key things I wanted to see – a bittern – but it was still an amazing day. I was really happy whilst I was there and I remain……