STAFFORDSHIRE
Explore a diverse mix of river, canal and farmland
MAX MILES ON FOOT: 4.5 MIN TIME: 2 HOURS
The River Trent runs through this site, with the Trent and Mersey Canal adjacent, and a farmland mix of birds can be seen at any time of the year. The flood plain bordering the River Trent offers a chance of waders after high water levels, especially at times of spring and autumn migration, when seasonal pools occur.
WHERE TO WATCH
1 From the small parking area opposite the church, follow the road down, with the small fishing pool on the right. House Martins, Swallows and Swifts hawk around the canal during summer. Butterflies gather in good numbers on surrounding buddleia.
2 Go over the canal bridge and follow the path, crossing a stile which leads to the small pool. Water levels vary through the seasons, with the chance of wintering ducks such as Teal, Gadwall, Wigeon and Shoveler. Snipe and Jack Snipe are present in the marshy surrounds, while Lapwing and Green Sandpiper utilise the muddy margins. Mandarin, Greenshank, Redshank and Wood Sandpiper have been recorded. Sedge Warblers, Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs and a few Willow Warblers arrive here to breed. The area may still hold the odd Willow and Marsh Tit.
3 Open fields hold good numbers of Pheasants, Linnets, Sky Larks, Meadow Pipits, Jackdaws and Ravens, which are very common here. Whitethroats arrive in good numbers, while Yellowhammer breed in hedgerows. Kestrel, Little and Barn Owls are also to be seen. A probable Montagu’s Harrier was seen here one August.
4 Follow the loop trail along the Trent and Mersey Canal towpath. Check any seasonal pools for Curlew, Redshan
