Moore Nature Reserve

My favourite local patch. Every visit is different and the reserve is large enough (200 acres of woodland with five large lakes), and has a large enough number of species, to keep me happy for a whole day.

The reserve claims to have all five British Owls. It also has all three species of woodpecker (I can confirm this). There are many bird hides - most of which are without a roof - and a feeding station with hide, which is also uncovered.

It is best to visit the feeding station in the morning when the sun is behind you (if there is a sun, of course). Spend a little time here, and with a 400mm or greater lens, you're almost guaranteed good shooting opportunities, including Reed Bunting, Robin, Wren, Great Tit, Chaffinch and Dunnock.

Great Spotted Woodpecker is a regular visitor, although rarely gets very close to the hide, so a 500 to 600mm lens is ideal. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is sometimes seen behind the feeding station. Other visitors to the feeding station are Willow/Marsh Tit and Sparrowhawk!

Elsewhere on the reserve, a lens in the 600mm plus range (and 1.4x extender perhaps) is needed for reasonably close shots.

Close to a large landfill site, Moore Nature Reserve is managed by wardens for the Waste Recycling Group Limited. The website contains annual bird lists and sighting reports - link below.

From the A56 (from Warrington of the M56 J11) turn at the traffic lights opposite the Walton Arms public house, following the sign for Moore. From Moore village turn right into Moore Lane. Follow this road over the swing bridge to arrive at Moore Nature Reserve.

Visit the Waste Recycling Group Moore Nature Reserve Web page

My images from Moore Nature Reserve

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