Mere Sands Wood Nature Reserve

Mere Sands Wood is a 42 hectares (100 acres) nature reserve between the villages of Holmeswood and Rufford in west Lancashire, England, managed by the The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester & North Merseyside. Nestled in the stunning nature and woodland areas is a brand new cafe, shop and visitor centre, perfect for relaxing in after a walk, and surrounded by amazing views. Spring and summer see new life bloom in the form of marsh orchids and broad buckler fern, while the air buzzes with dragonflies and birdsong. Keep your eyes peeled for species like bullfinches, tree sparrows, great spotted woodpeckers and even sparrowhawks as they fly to and from their nests in the woodland. Other water birds like little grebes, kingfisher, and bittern have all drawn crowds in recent years, while the lakes and reedbeds also support water rail, reed buntings, goldeneye, pochard, gadwall and more. In all, over 170 bird species have been seen on the reserve, and 60 are known to have bred.