Our Reserves

Broadhurst Edge Wood

(Grid reference SJ999875)

Nearest Town:  New Mills

Grid reference:  SJ 999875  (OS Landranger 109 Manchester)

How to get there: Park on Pole Lane and enter via the gate near the reservoir.

Access: Open at all times. Beware of shafts from old coal mining activities, which occur throughout the wood.

This exposed reserve in the north of the county lies at just over 900 ft, its oak and birch woodland providing welcome refuge to a variety of wildlife. Birds in particular take advantage of the trees here as there are so few other areas of woodland in the vicinity.

In just 14 acres, an impressive 64 bird species have been recorded, and we know that 41 of these have bred on the reserve. They include kestrel, tawny owl, whinchat and redpoll. Birds such as woodcock overwinter in the undergrowth, while the bilberry glades also provide sheltered habitat for invertebrates.

Near the entrance, a small pond has been colonised by frogs and palmate newts as well as many invertebrates. It provides a valuable food source for many birds and mammals - brown hare, pygmy shrew, hedgehog and bank vole have all been seen here.