Description
One of the best bird-watching sites in Shropshire, Wood Lane Nature Reserve has been developed in recent years on worked-out industrial land, Tudor Griffiths Group’s old sand and gravel workings near Ellesmere. Several large lagoons with islands and surrounding wetland make up the reserve, which is surrounded here by a working landscape with mountainous heaps of sand providing a backdrop – and also the perfect nesting opportunity for hundreds of pairs of Ластівка берегова - 500 pairs have been known!
More than 180 species of birds have been recorded at Wood Lane since the nature reserve was established in 1999. Pumps control the water levels, so that optimum amounts of mud and water are available for wading birds such as Коловодник великий and Кульон великий. Islands have been created for safe roosting, hundreds of trees have been planted and scores of nest boxes installed. Birds such as Грицик великий and Кульон середній, drop in to feed up on their migration journeys in spring and autumn.
The reserve is a rare and much valued haven for breeding Чайка чубата, Горобець польовий and Вівсянка звичайна, while Пісочник малий is another speciality. There are around 40 breeding bird species on the reserve. There are two large hides facing the lagoons and school groups regularly visit.
Details
Access
Entrances are all open or gates. Bird hides are fully accessible, but require entrance code. Generally hard flat surfaces with the odd muddy spot. This is part of a working quarry, so vehicles will occasionally cross tracks.
