England · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Cheshire

Explore these places for wildlife in Cheshire. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.

01 / 05

Burton Mere Wetlands

Near Burton, near Neston.

Habitat: Freshwater pools, reedbeds, wet grassland and woodland on the edge of the Dee Estuary.
Wildlife to look for: Avocet (especially spring and summer), lapwing, little egret, marsh harrier and kingfisher.

02 / 05

Near Hatchmere, near Norley and Delamere Forest.

Habitat: A lake surrounded by wet woodland, fen and drier woodland.
Wildlife to look for: Great crested grebe, bullfinch, speckled wood butterfly (spring to autumn) and large red damselfly (spring and summer).

03 / 05

Near Thornton-le-Moors, near Ellesmere Port.

Habitat: Floodplain grazing marsh with wet grassland, ponds, ditches and hedgerows.
Wildlife to look for: Water vole, otter (elusive), little egret, banded demoiselle (summer) and wheatear (spring migration).

04 / 05

Near Macclesfield.

Habitat: Lowland raised peat bog with pools, heathland and surrounding woodland.
Wildlife to look for: Black darter dragonfly (summer into autumn), green hairstreak butterfly (spring and early summer) and common lizard (warmer months).

05 / 05

Near Malpas.

Habitat: A wildlife-friendly working farm with hay meadows, wet grassland, ponds and hedgerows.
Wildlife to look for: Barn owl, buzzard, bullfinch, blackcap (spring and summer) and brambling (winter).
Access note: Follow the dedicated nature trail; check the official page for parking and facilities opening times.