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Description
The Joey the Swan area contains many very old oak trees and other deciduous species which support most of the familar woodland birds such as Great Spotted Woodpecker, Eurasian Nuthatch, Eurasian Treecreeper, and Eurasian Jay. Although the paths and grassy areas in particular are frequently used by dogwalkers, scrub and bushes have been allowed to grow around the edges and along paths and borders between habitats such that bramble, hawthorn and blackthorn provide plentiful forage for thrushes such as Blackbird and Song Thrush but also Redwing and even Mistle Thrush are reasonably common here. Common Wood Pigeon are of course plentiful but listen out for Stock Dove singing as they are also frequent here. Tawny Owl can be heard at night.
Wistaston Brook runs along the lowest point and a greenway alongside can also be followed further northwest from the north carpark which then turns east on towards Queens Park for a longer walk. Willow, Alder and Birch in this area support flocks of common tits and finches, with Lesser Spotted Woodpecker likely breeding somewhere in the vicinity as well. The stream is quite shallow so does not support a large number of waterfowl but there is usually a Eurasian Moorhen or Mallard to be found and perhaps a Common Kingfisher, particularly in the winter when they move away from their breeding areas.
Further large open areas can be found by taking the footpath towards Nantwich across fields. A pair of Common Buzzard are often present, perched together on trees or wires. Sparrowhawk can also be seen from this vantage looking back towards the canopy of the woodland.
The area is regularly birded by a number of people and recent sightings for the month are posted on one of the notice boards.
Details
Access
Joey The Swan is located in Wistaston, near Crewe in Cheshire. There are two small carparks here, free of charge and usually not locked, however overnighting is prohibited. The larger carpark at the north-west end holds about 12 cars and the smaller one on the eastern corner about 6 cars. Press a P on the map for directions t a carpark.
The Woodside pub on the road at the eastern end has a large car park as well and serves food and drink. Further along the brook to the west is another pub The Rising Sun which also serves food and drink.
There are several public buses that can get you to the vicinity, but are probably not considered convenient or fast by most.
The area is well connected to public footpaths and cycle paths.