About the reserve

One of the best bird-watching sites in Shropshire, Wood Lane Nature Reserve has been developed in recent years on worked-out industrial land, Tudor Griffiths Group’s old sand and gravel workings near Ellesmere. Several large lagoons with islands and surrounding wetland make up the reserve, which is surrounded here by a working landscape with mountainous heaps of sand providing a backdrop – and also the perfect nesting opportunity for hundreds of pairs of sand martins- 500 pairs have been known!

More than 180 species of birds have been recorded at Wood Lane since the nature reserve was established in 1999. Pumps control the water levels, so that optimum amounts of mud and water are available for wading birds such as greenshank and curlew; islands have been created for safe roosting; hundreds of trees have been planted and scores of nest boxes installed. Birds such as godwit and whimbrel, drop in to feed up on their migration journeys in spring and autumn.

The reserve is a rare and much valued haven for breeding lapwing, tree sparrow and yellow hammer, while little ringed plover is another speciality. There are around 40 breeding bird species on the reserve.

There are two large hides facing the lagoons and school groups regularly visit. We welcome group visits to Wood Lane but please book in advance with Ellie Larkham on EllieL@shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk  

A permit is required to access the bird hides- please apply using the form below.

Getting to Wood Lane

From the A528, just south of Ellesmere, take the Colemere road at the Spunhill crossroads. The car park is ¾ mile down on the right.