Wildlife

Wildlife is plentiful around Barstobrick. From Lapwing nesting on open hilly areas, Mallard Duck in the ponds and brightly coloured dragonflies darting through the wetland. We are now part of the Red Kite Trails and birds can be often seen using the up draughts on Barstobrick Hill (the Red Kite Feeding Station is less than 3 miles away).

The wetland areas and ponds are amongst the most valuable of wildlife habitats. They support some rare and endangered species of plants, mammals, birds, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles.

The wetland comes alive in spring and summer with an area of brightly coloured flowers - Ragged Robin and Common Heath Orchids thrive in the damp acidic conditions. The flowers attract an abundance of butterflies - the Orange Tip, Green Veined White and Common Blue can all be seen fluttering around the marsh.

Several species of waterbirds including Moorhen, Coot, Grey Heron and Water Rail can all be spotted nesting and feeding around the ponds. The network of wetlands also provide an excellent breeding habitat for other birds such as Reed Bunting and Sedge Warbler.