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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 Fugaci pătat and Fugaci pitic 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 Sturzul viilor and Cocoșar in Winter. Ciocănitoare pestriță mare are also regular here, with Pitulice mică and the occasional Pitulice fluierătoare especially in Spring.
Continue along this path to a viewing screen (*2) overlooking the largest lake, depending on season Rață mică are regular here with Rață mare, Rață fluierătoare, Rață pestriță, Rață lingurar and Găinușă de baltă, sometimes in smaller numbers. Passage birds, sometimes staying for longer periods, include Fluierar de munte, Prundăraș gulerat mare, Prundăraș gulerat mic, Fugaci de țărm and Sitar de mal are regular especially in Autumn when water levels drop. More common are Scoicar, Fluierar cu picioare roșii and Nagâț.
Continue on the footpath that runs near the railway line (*3), the smaller lakes here have Lăcar mic and Lăcar de stuf. Găinușă de baltă and Corcodel mic are regularly seen and Stufărică (more often heard than seen of course) can also be found here.
(*4). Look for Șorecar comun overhead, Erete de stuf are occasionally seen and later in the year Egretă mare seem to favour this end of the reserve.
(*5). Trees and bushes around here have Cânepar sometimes in quite large numbers, on passage Silvie de câmp, Mărăcinar negru and Mărăcinar mare can be expected, in more open areas Ciocârlie and Vânturel roșu are regularly seen and in the morning and evenings Strigă are occasionally seen hunting.
On the way back to the car park (*6) check the large lake one last time, Ferestraș mare and Rață sunătoare can sometimes be seen. Along with the resident Corcodel mare, Corcodel mic, Rață moțată and Lișiță . Fluierar de zăvoi, Becațină comună, Becațină mică are regularly seen mostly later in the year. Both Pescăruș sur and Chiră de baltă 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 Buhai de baltă in the future, this work is due to be completed in six weeks, weather permitting.