The meres and canal of this very attractive area make for good birding in early spring.
Shropshire is a beautiful county and The Meres must surely rate high in the order of lovely places to visit. Ellesmere is a natural focal point and we shall meet there at The Boathouse Visitor Centre and café. Shropshire Wildlife Trust monitor the Heronry on the nearby Moscow Island with live pictures screened in the café.
Before lunch we will take a walk through the many fine specimen trees along the lakeside footpath with its sculpture trail. This will give us the opportunity to spot a variety of duck species and other waterfowl on the lake whilst also seeking out the woodland birds. In the afternoon, depending on weather and preferences we can visit the Wood Lane Reserve and Colemere together with the Shropshire Union Canal which runs past more, smaller meres.
There are toilet and refreshment facilities at Ellesmere but not elsewhere. Conditions underfoot are generally reasonable. Hiking boots or shoes should prove adequate.
Directions – Take the M53 out of Wirral. It becomes the A55. Take the exit for the Wrexham road (A483). Continue on A483 to J1 (Ruabon) then take A539 to Erbistock and Overton. At Overton take A528 to Ellesmere. Entering Ellesmere carry on past the town following signs for The Mere. The Mere will be seen on the left. All parking is Pay and Display. Roadside parking is limited to 2hrs. If you don’t want anxiety, carry on to the long stay car park (The Moors), again on the left, where you can stay all day for £2.20. Walk back to The Boathouse. Meeting, as usual at 10.00 am
Post Code for SatNav SY12 0PA
Non-members are very welcome to come along.