Description
The main accessible area of the nature reserve is a wet woodland with tree species such as alder and birch. There is an unmarked footpath that does a short loop around the area, although it is uneven and can be wet at times. Typical birds for this habitat are present, flocks of tits Pițigoi albastru, Pițigoi mare, Pițigoi codat and Aușel cu cap galben are common as are Porumbel gulerat and thrushes. Ciocănitoare pestriță mare and Cojoaică de pădure are usually heard or seen, as well as other common birds such as Ochiuboului.
A public footpath can be taken to make a longer loop, from which neighbouring pasture/farmland can be surveyed. In the winter a flock of Cocoșar and Sturzul viilor is likely. Brumăriță de pădure and Sticlete are common. Fâsă de luncă is possible.
Taking the public footpath to the east also gives a view of a small flooded pond area in the field. It often hosts various waterfowl such as Rață mare, Rață moțată, Gâscă canadiană and Gâscă de vară and in the winter Rață fluierătoare and Pescăruș râzător. If you wanted to check for rings a long lens or telescope would be useful.
The Cranberry Bog and Black Mere part of the reserve is off-limits to casual visitors due to safety concerns, however Cormoran mare can often be seen perched in the trees that surround that area, but it likely attracts various other birds to the general area anyway.
Details
Access
Black Firs and Cranberry Bog is located 6 miles southeast of Crewe. A small but usually unused car park is available on the main road. Press P on the map for directions. It is free to use and is not access restricted. The circular route shown on the map is about 3 km.

