Cecilly Brook
Location
Know before you go
Dogs
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.
When to visit
Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
April to SeptemberAbout 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.