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Description
Tucklesholme Nature Reserve is a relatively new reserve. The former gravel pit was acquired by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and first opened in 2019. The area has already proved productive for birds with both jespák skvrnitý and jespák šedý being found shortly after it's opening. BE AWARE with the River Trent running alongside the reserve the site is prone to flooding following periods of prolonged rain.
(*1) (press STAR on map). From the car park take the footpath on the Left the open areas, trees and hedges here have drozd cvrčala and drozd kvíčala in Winter. strakapoud velký are also regular here, with budníček menší and the occasional budníček větší especially in Spring.
Continue along this path to a viewing screen (*2) overlooking the largest lake, depending on season čírka obecná are regular here with kachna divoká, hvízdák eurasijský, kopřivka obecná, lžičák pestrý and Slípka zelenonohá, sometimes in smaller numbers. Passage birds, sometimes staying for longer periods, include pisík obecný, kulík písečný, kulík říční, jespák obecný and břehouš černoocasý are regular especially in Autumn when water levels drop. More common are ústřičník velký, vodouš rudonohý and čejka chocholatá.
Continue on the footpath that runs near the railway line (*3), the smaller lakes here have rákosník proužkovaný and rákosník obecný. Slípka zelenonohá and potápka malá are regularly seen and cetie jižní (more often heard than seen of course) can also be found here.
(*4). Look for káně lesní overhead, moták pochop are occasionally seen and later in the year volavka bílá seem to favour this end of the reserve.
(*5). Trees and bushes around here have konopka obecná sometimes in quite large numbers, on passage pěnice hnědokřídlá, bramborníček černohlavý and bramborníček hnědý can be expected, in more open areas skřivan polní and poštolka obecná are regularly seen and in the morning and evenings Sova pálená are occasionally seen hunting.
On the way back to the car park (*6) check the large lake one last time, morčák velký and hohol severní can sometimes be seen. Along with the resident potápka roháč, potápka malá, polák chocholačka and lyska černá . vodouš kropenatý, bekasina otavní, slučka malá are regularly seen mostly later in the year. Both racek bouřní and rybák obecný are occasional visitors in Spring.
Details
Access
The long distance A38 main road from Lichfield to the South West and Burton-upon-Trent to the North East, passes just to the North West of the site. On the A38 (Northeast bound), near Barton take exit signed Barton-upon-Needwood/Walton-upon-Trent/B5016, at roundabout take first exit signed Station Road B5016, at next smaller roundabout take second exit into Station Lane, the car park is on this road on the Left.
On A38 main road Southwest bound, near Barton take exit onto B5016 signed Barton-upon-Trent/Walton-upon-Trent/B5016, at next roundabout take second exit onto B5016, at next roundabout take third exit onto Station Lane, the car park is on this road on the Left.
NOTE: the car park (free) has height restriction barrier, the car park is LOCKED PROMPTLY AT NIGHT, opening hours are , Winter 1st October - 31st March 0800-1700hrs, Summer 1st April - 30th September 0800-1900hrs.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Valley , Pond , Lake , City/village , Reedbeds , River , WetlandConditions
Flat , High water possible , WetCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
Winter , SpringBest time to visit
Winter , SpringRoute
Paved road , Wide path , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
***IMPORTANT PLEASE DO NOT STRAY FROM MARKED PATHWAYS***. Birds have been seriously disturbed by people NOT STAYING ON marked footpaths.
Late Summer 2024, some paths may be closed/diverted whilst work to improve the Northern Lake is under way, it is hoped the improvements will attract bukač velký in the future, this work is due to be completed in six weeks, weather permitting.