Park up on the rhs before the Man U barrier at SJ749920 and take the public footpath on the right adjacent to the Shell Pool fence. At this time of year you can get views through the vegetation but this will only last until approx April/May (go around this time and you may be lucky and get good views of the sites speciality from the first break in the vegetation). The rest of the year you have little chance of any sitings on the pool due to the plant growth. Other areas that are fruitful at this time are the hedge line at SJ742912 - Corn Bunting, 100+ Yellowhammer, 50+ Reed Bunt, good flocks of Mipits and Skylarks. Follow the path around and view the berry bushes at SJ737917 for Redwing and other berry feeders. Then turn left and then right at the crossroad to the bushes at SJ735915 for more Buntings, Finches, Fieldfare and in the adjacent field there should be large numbers of Corvids with a handful of Stock Dove and the odd Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel. Whilst on the Moss keep a look out for Raven (they are in the area) and Stonechat (there has been a pair about). There are other good areas (and birds) in the summer but will post when the time comes.
If you see a bloke shouting at a hyperactive black spaniel without any success then that will just be me !!!!!
Thanks for all the info Judith, I'll definately be returning for yellow wags, and quail next summer. I had no idea the shell pool has hides! A closely kept secret me thinks... Anyway, thanks again
You can apply for a permit to join Shell NR (tel Chris Neild on 0161 436 7551) - there is a charge (I think it is £20 a year) but there are hides and some surprising breeding birds there! Much better views than trying to see through the fence!
Otherwise, the best areas at present are the field systems south of the Shell Pool, as far as Sinderland Lane. Altrincham sewage works can still be rewarding, and in the summer the field to the W of Dark Lane had several Quail and Yellow Wagtails. Best at this time of year are stubble fields. There have been good numbers of Yellowhammers and Skylarks recorded near Swiss Cottage. (Assume you have a Manchester A-Z!)
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Judith Smith
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Lightshaw hall Flash is sacrosanct - NO paths please!
Carrington Moss is the nearest site of interest to me in Hale Barns and I've tried to find some of the better areas a few times but have never managed decent views of the shell pond in particular as the path was overgrown last time. Can anyone help with a few directions or hints. Thanks
