c

Dee Estuary at Parkgate

North west england  >  United Kingdom

The Parkgate reserve is a vast saltmarsh beside a former seaside promenade. A nice location for birding along the Dee Estuary.

Added* by Chris Miles
Most recent update 14 június 2022

Description

The estuary has receded in recent years leaving a large area of salt marsh which occasionally floods at high tide flushing the marsh inhabitants. The unique setting in Parkgate provides the perfect combination of rich wildlife and excellent eateries. Come at high tide if possible, when you can see the ducks, geese, wading birds and birds of prey up close. See the link to the tide table below.

Details

Access

Parkgate is reached from the A540 Chester to Hoylake road, via the B5135. The reserve is best viewed from the Old Baths car park at the north end of The Parade (B5135), accessed via Boathouse Lane from the A540.

Terrain and Habitat

Beach , Mud flats , Sea , River , Reedbeds , Scattered trees and bushes

Conditions

Flat

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

All year round , Winter , Summer , Spring , Autumn

Best time to visit

Winter , Summer , Spring , Autumn

Route

Paved road , Wide path , Unpaved road , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

On a tide of 10m or higher around the spring and autumn equinox the vast saltmarsh can be completely inundated, flushing small mammals from the grasses sparking a feeding frenzy for birds of prey. Meanwhile vast flocks of wildfowl and waders are forced upstream, heading for drier ground on the inner marsh or even Burton Mere Wetlands.

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

Show more birds Show less birds
Show more images Show less images

Comments & Tips

Give feedback
Rate this area