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 Γαλαζοπαπαδίτσα, Καλόγερος, Αιγίθαλος and Χρυσοβασιλίσκος are common as are (Κοινή) Φάσσα and thrushes. Πευκοδρυοκολάπτης and Βουνοδεντροβάτης are usually heard or seen, as well as other common birds such as Τρυποφράχτης.
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 Κεδρότσιχλα and Κοκκινότσιχλα is likely. (Κοινός) Θαμνοψάλτης and (Κοινή) Καρδερίνα are common. Λιβαδοκελάδα 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 Πρασινοκέφαλη Πάπια, Μαυροκέφαλη Πάπια, Canada Goose and Σταχτόχηνα and in the winter (Ευρωπαϊκό) Σφυριχτάρι and Καστανοκέφαλος Γλάρος. 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 (Ευρωπαϊκός) Κορμοράνος 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.

