macclesfield forrest

lewiso · #1 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 10:52 AM

hi im going to macclesfield forrest 1day in the week, has anybody else been there and what did they see as i have never been there before?

pegasus · #2 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 07:08 PM

hi--- I go quite regularly--some great walks and more importantly A good pub 'The Leather Smithy' at the bottom of the forest.There are three reservoirs around the forest though not a lot on the water this time of year, Little Grebes maybe.Tufties,mallards[though wierdly saw a mandarin duck a couple of weeks ago]Kingfishers about if you've got the patience of a saint or are Jammy by nature.There are several walks in the forest depending on your lung and leg power.I've seen tawnies and little owls but depends on luck and time of the day.Literally bumped into a peregrine savouring a woodpigeon as i turned a corner in the forest last month.I think we both needed councelling afterwards.-Concerning other feathered friends ,the Forest can be earily quiet though there are the usual suspects about, Nuthatch and crossbills are there,the latter being particularly evasive[ A ranger may advise location] Big Heronry on the middle Res. Oh and there are deer in the forest too-.Should you venture up Teggs nose[ not the barmaid at the Smithy]--a local landmark on a hill--Plenty up there.
Have a great day out

lewiso · #3 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 07:37 PM

thanks a peregrine would just about top the day i think,

what deer are they? looks like wednesday we will be going if the weathers any good.

ChrisJB · #4 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 07:53 PM

Never been myself, but stuff like roding woodcock, wood warbler, redstart and pied flycatcher can be found at one place there I've read, and ring ouzel on the mooredge perhaps.

Regards, Chris

pegasus · #5 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 08:55 PM

I think they are roe deer-only seen them once,at dusk. Rumour has it there are wallabies about too! Some basis of truth historically but perhaps now more legend and too much time spent in 'the leather smithy'.I 've heard about the roding woodcock-supposed to be lurking near the trentabank car park.But i guess it's the right place/right time thing. Saw a redstart a couple of years ago ,--Ring Ouzel niet.! Curlews seem to have buggered off in recent times no doubt cheesed off by the constant rustling of hikers anoraks and the influx of mountain bikers.Not seen or heard wood warbler but then again[ being bird song illiterate ] i 'm pleased if i can distinguish a bittern from a chiff-chaff. The forest is mainly pine but i think the water authority[ who own it]are replanting bits. No doubt a expert on the forest will chip in. Anyway it's nice spot, fresh air, good hilly walks and cheerful honest northern folk------- But don't leave valuables in your car!