Tucklesholme is a working gravel pit, bordered by the River Trent, on the Staffordshire side. it is across the river from the attractive village of Walton-on-Trent.
One day in the not too distant future it is destined to become what we hope will be a major wetland reserve - managed by the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. As the gravel workings gradually come to an end the Trust will be creating a large expanse of reedbeds, which will hopefully be able to bring back booming Bitterns into Staffordshire also have the ping of Bearded Tits - the largest in Staffordshire's Trent valley.
It is, however, already an interesting area for birds, and birders.
We thought it might be of interest to provide a regular update of bird sightings - and other wildlife - as the transition from its current use to a Staffordshire 'Lakenheath' evolves.
The habitat comprises - scrubland and hedgerows, isolated tress, a small wet woodland area, a new plantation, grazing meadows, two gravel pits with pools and channels and the River Trent. The river connects with other nearby sites such as Barton Gravel Pits, Branston Water Park to the North-East, and the many lakes and pools bordering the A38 towards Alrewas.
Finding Tucklesholme
Tucklesholme can be accessed by parking in a small car park by the river Trent right next to the traffic lights, the car park is in a village called Walton on Trent which is on the Derbyshire side of the river Trent. To access the site its self you walk back over the river and walk down the road until you come to a little layby with white bollards, this is where you get in to Tucklesholme.
When in Tucklesholme take the path that goes straight on towards the fence line this will give you access to look over the main pit from the southern end. Then you follow the path going north which takes you along the west site of the main pit, then you reach a patch of woodland which stills follow the river Trent and will lead you to the second pit. Follow the path alongside the pit until you reach a hedge line which will give you access to a plantation, fields and more woodland.
When in Tucklesholme take the path that goes straight on towards the fence line this will give you access to look over the main pit from the southern end. Then you follow the path going north which takes you along the west site of the main pit, then you reach a patch of woodland which stills follow the river Trent and will lead you to the second pit. Follow the path alongside the pit until you reach a hedge line which will give you access to a plantation, fields and more woodland.
No comments:
Post a Comment