Marchwiel Marsh Nature Reserve

There is not a more exciting project regarding conservancy than Marchwiel Marsh. Over a few short years an unwanted bog has been developed into an area of wild retreat. The site is all marshland, but has raised boardwalks for easy access.  Young and old alike can enjoy the wildlife at their leisure without getting their feet wet. The boardwalks are 1.2m wide and have kick boards on either side, allowing access for wheelchairs, although the lane leading down to the main gate can become quite muddy in the winter months. There are no steps. The site was created and is now managed by Marchwiel Environment Group as a millennium project for Marchwiel Community Council.

Confirmed bird sightings within the reserve include: Mallard, Moorhen, Pheasant, Snipe, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Stock Dove, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Woodlark, Fieldfare, Redwing, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Robin, Dunnock, Starling, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Wren, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Twite, Bullfinch, House Sparrow, Reed Bunting, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Magpie,

There are more species to confirm and record, but will require both time and change of season to enlarge the list. Many species have also been confirmed constantly over flying the marsh, or are in the surrounding areas which are either hedged, meadow or woodland. These include: Mute Swan, Canada Geese, Little Grebe, Heron, Coot, Lapwing, Little Ringed Plover, Buzzard, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove, Barn Owl, Tawny Owl, Swift, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Swallow, House Martin, Jay, Raven, Rook.

To present day, a combined total of sixty two species are recorded either in or around the marsh.

This information was prepared by Mr Graham Flathers of Marchwiel Environment Group. Please contact our secretary, Jude Greenwood, for further information: Tel: 01978 311256