“Rivers are motorways for wildlife, providing corridors down which species can travel between habitats.” – Cheshire Wildlife Trust
Our river is a haven for all forms of wildlife. Visitors can expect to see various bird species, including swans, ducks, great crested grebes, cormorants and herons. Bright darting kingfishers are often spotted along the water’s edge. The paths and walking routes provide excellent points to stop, so bring your binoculars and look out for .
In the water itself, common fish species such as Bream, various breeds of Carp, Chub, Perch, Roach, Rudd and Tench live, along with the occasional Eel and Pike, attracting anglers and nature enthusiasts alike. The stillness and tranquillity of these fishing spots can sometimes make it easier to spot shy creatures like water voles and kingfishers, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
And, on the river banks, the collection of life is just as diverse. The marshy and reed-filled areas create ideal conditions for amphibians like frogs and toads and for nesting birds. During the warmer months insects and butterflies make their homes here too.
“Paddleboarding upstream from the Leigh Arms, just before the bungalows, I heard a splash in the water and saw a Kingfisher emerge with a tiddler in its beak. I stopped paddling and drifted past while it perched on a branch. It made my day.” [RWNS Member]