Hogswood Covert

A damp, deciduous woodland containing several ponds. Dominant trees are oak and hazel. Ground flora includes wood anemone, bluebell and wild garlic.

Location
The reserve is about 2 miles (3.2km) north west of Altrincham. It is on the opposite side of the lane to Broookheys Covert (O.S. Grid Ref.: SJ745904).

Access
As for Brookheys Covert. The lane to Brookheys farm can be approached either from the A56 at the Bowden traffic lights via the B5160 (Charcoal Lane) and north for approximately 1.5 miles (2.5km) through Dunham town and past the crematorium, or from the A56 at Broadheath along SInderland Road for 1.75 miles (2.7km). The reserve is on the right of the lane to Brookheys Farm just before Sinderland Brook. The reserve is kept locked and to visit members must obtain the key from Cheshire Wildlife Trust HQ.

Status
The reserve has been managed under licence from the National Trust, Dunham Park Estate, since 1979. It covers approximately 5 acres (2 ha).

Topography
The reserve is on the south bank of Sinderland Brook and is damp, low lying, deciduous woodland which contains several pools (former marl pits).

Flora
The dominant tree is oak with ash, crack willow and alder also present. The understory contains holly and hazel. The ground flora includes wood anemone, lesser celandine, bluebell and ramson. Yellow flag, marsh marigold, water violet and great reed mace grow in the wetter areas.

Fauna
Nesting birds include great spotted woodpecker, tawny owl, kestrel and treecreeper. Management work by Cheshire Wildlife Trust has included planting hawthorn hedges, hazel coppicing, planting oak, alder, rowan and holly and also pond clearance.