Birch Moss Covert

Birch Moss Covert is a small birch-dominated woodland on relic mossland. Alder and willow occur in the wetter areas. There are several small glades dominated by bracken.

Location
Birch Moss Covert lies on Carrington Moss (now mostly reclaimed for agriculture) north of Sinderland Lane which runs off the A56 (Chester Road) at Broadheath and south of the Shell Carrington Works (O.S. Grid Ref.: SJ749908).

Access
This is by means of a farm track which leaves Sinderland Lane at SJ 748902 and leads to Birchhouse Farm. Drive past the farm on the right and cross the Sinderland Brook. The track then crosses the railway by means of a manual level crossing. Please take care at all times. Continuing driving due north, Birch Moss Covert is the woodland on the right, park your car at the BP petrol station 400m further north. Access to the reserve is by means of a permit obtainable from Cheshire Wildlife Trust.
The reserve is entered via a stile in the field boundary close to the farm track on the southern edge of the woodland.

Status
Birch Moss Covert is part of Shell UK Ltd's Carrington Moss estate. It is held by agreement and covers approximately 15 acres (6ha).

Flora
The reserve is dominated by birch woodland which has developed since 1957 when a fire destroyed an older pine/birch woodland. The area of Carrington Moss was formerly a raised peat moss which has suffered from drainage and subsequent agricultural reclamation. The ground cover of the woodland is dominated by bracken which is currently being managed to reduce its potential fire risk. The woodland is being diversified by the planting of sessile oak and Scots pine.

Fauna
Within the birchwood, partridge and pheasant nest. together with greater spotted woodpecker. The large small mammal population, especially woodmice, attract both kestrels and sparrowhawks. Fox, stoat and weasel are often seen, together with the occasional badger.