Cecilly Brook

Situated in the centre of Cheadle the nature reserve surrounds a 1.25km stretch of Cecilly Brook

Location

Ullswater Drive, Oakamoor Road, Ashbourne Road and Rakeway Road.
Other footpaths from Bittern Lane, Dale Close, Maple Close, Cedar Close and through Thorley Drive Playing Fields.

Cheadle

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Know before you go

Size

2 hectares

Entry fee

Free

Parking information

Parking is available at the South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Allen Street, Cheadle. Cecilly Brook runs below the sports grounds at the back of the leisure centre.

Grazing animals

Walking trails

A surfaced path suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs covers three quarters of the length of the site.

Access

Park at South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Allen Street, Cheadle. Cecilly Brook runs below the sports grounds at the back of the leisure centre. It can also be accessed via the valley walk footpath from Ullswater Drive, Oakamoor Road, Ashbourne Road and Rakeway Road.

Dogs

Under effective control

Please don't let your dogs swim in the brook to avoid disturbing water vole. Dogs must be under effective control. Put all dog waste in the bins where provided or take it home. Keep your dog under control - do not let it chase or worry wildlife.

Facilities

Accessible trails

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

April to September

About the reserve

Situated in the centre of Cheadle the nature reserve surrounds a 1.25km stretch of Cecilly Brook. This nature oasis is home to rare water voles and wildflower meadows.

Cecilly Brook is one of the most important (and few) sites for water voles in Staffordshire.

Near Thorley Drive the brook is bordered by ancient flower-rich meadows. Mature hawthorn and blackthorn hedges surround the fields with dog rose, elder and hazel. Ivy and honeysuckle provide rich nectar sources for insects.

In summer 2015 after preliminary surveys were carried out, selected areas of the nature reserve were cut and harrowed. Green hay taken from Rod Wood, another SWT managed reserve and the donor Coronation Meadow, was baled and spread over these areas which totalled almost two hectares. This enhanced the mix of species in the meadows.