birding...

Chelmarsh Reservoir

Satellite View
The long narrow Chelmarsh reservoir attracts wintering duck and passing gulls and terns. The Shropshire Wildlife Trust and the South Staffordshire Water Company manage the marsh at the west end to attract waders on passage. There is a hide from which the reed bed and pools can be observed in comfort. Reed Warbler and Water Rail are among the wetland birds to be seen at this site.

Earl's Hill

Satellite View
The Shropshire Wildlife Trust's flagship reserve south of Shrewsbury near the village of Pontesbury. It has a wide range of habitats from grassland and scrub to deciduous woodland and the Habberley brook providing homes for a wide range of species. Meadow Pipit and Raven may be seen near the top of the reserve whilst the woodland holds warblers, tits, woodpeckers and Pied Flycatcher. Along the stream are Grey Wagtail and Dipper.

Ellesmere

Satellite View
Close to the town of Ellesmere, Ellesmere, is the largest of a number of meres in this area. With a small heronry on the island, visible from the visitor centre, the mere is worth a visit at any time of year. In the winter it is particularly good for gulls with a large roost often containing some of the rarer species, and usually has a range of wintering ducks including Goosander, Smew. Wintering Cormorants have a roost here but keep an eye open for the occasional diver.

Long Mynd

Satellite View
Dominating southern Shropshire is the upland mass of the Long Mynd. Some 13km by 6km, the National Trust largely owns it. Although the pressure of sheep grazing has influenced the varied habitats this is still a good area to see Red Grouse, Ring Ouzel, Stonechat, Whinchat and Wheatear. The steep valleys contain Grey Wagtail and Dipper whilst Raven and Buzzard are often seen overhead. For the lucky a fleeting glimpse of Merlin may be a bonus.

Stiperstones

Satellite View
To the west of the Long Mynd, the Stiperstones is another upland site, with more rocky outcrops and more heather among the boulder-strewn ridge. A National Nature Reserve with interesting geology and botany in addition to its upland birds. Attempts are being made to return this ridge to a continuous tract of heather moorland and many of the conifer plantations are being removed. For more information see the Shropshire Wildlife Trust Site (below).

Venus Pool

Satellite View
Situated just to the south of the A458 Shrewsbury to Bridgnorth road (about 5 miles SE of Shrewsbury) this shallow pool with gravel islands now has a public hide. There are two smaller hides that are reserved for members of the Shropshire Ornithological Society who own and manage the site. A good spot for passage waders, gulls and terns in season and it has a large Black-headed Gull colony.

Whitecliffe Common

Situated to the south west of the River Teme the common overlooks Ludlow but it is the woodland that covers the steep slope down to the river that holds a small flock of Hawfinches that are found under the Hornbeams most winters. There will also be flocks of tits and other finches whilst the river itself is a good place to see Kingfisher, Dipper, Siskin and Redpoll.

Wood Lane

This wetland is reclaimed sand and gravel workings and has been recently developed by the Shropshire Wildlife Trust; it is a good place for waders on passage. Access to the hides is by permission only. For more detail visit the SWT website. Local observers are developing a website for this site which is due to be launched later this year (2000) - watch this space!