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Catchdale
Moss
Access
Catchdale Moss is the area of farm
land to the north west of St. Helens, bordered by Eccleston Mere,
Prescot Reservoirs, Knowsley Safari Park and the A580 (East Lancs
road).
The best way to see the area is to walk along Green Lane, which starts at
Carmelite Priory in Eccleston, and ends at Rainfords Farm on Catchdale
Moss Lane.
Birds
This is a good place to see many farmland species, including Corn
Bunting, Tree Sparrow, Lapwings, and Skylarks. Buzzards are increasingly
common in the area, and Ravens and Peregrines are regular visitors. In
spring there are flocks of Golden Plover, and Shelduck visit the area in
small numbers.
In winter, an increasingly large flock of Pink-footed Geese, often
numbering more than 2000 birds, can be seen feeding on the fields by
Rainfords Farm, and the air is full of their calls, as skeins often pass
over.
Rarities over the years have included Little Bunting and Corncrake.
Mammals
Brown Hares are still quite common in the area, though best seen in
spring. Weasels and Stoats are also regularly seen.
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