Dark Lane
Scrub woodland with hawthorn and elder that attracts a wide variety of bird species.
Location
The reserve lies 150 metres to the north of Brookheys Covert Nature Reserve, bordered on the southern margin by the Sinderland Brook (O.S. Grid Ref.: SJ739906).
Access
Turn north west off the A56 (Altrincham/Manchester road) into Sinderland Road at Broadheath. After approximately 1.5 miles (2.4km) opposite a road to the left with directions to the 'crematorium', there is a track leaving Sinderland Road on the right which leads to Dark Lane reserve. This track is blocked at the entrance from Sinderland Road by a farm gate. Park cars outside this gate and walk to the reserve (approx. 400m).
Dark Lane continues to pass through the nature reserve, after crossing the Sinderland Brook. Access to the reserve along the footpath is open to all; to move away from the footpath, please obtain a permit from Cheshire Wildlife Trust.
Status
Dark Lane Reserve, which formerly was a rubbish dump, is held by agreement from Shell UK Ltd. The reserve area covers approximately 10 acres (4ha).
Flora
The area is covered with scrub woodland consisting of elder Sambucus nigra and hawthorn Crataegus monogyna. In places Japanese knotweed Polygonium cuspidatum and Himalayan balsam Impatiens glandulifera have become established. Through reserve management, these two species are being slowly removed and pelaced with various native tree species. The ground flora is characteristic of rough grassland.
Fauna
The area attracts a wide variety of bird species, many of which breed on the reserve. On sheltered days during the summer, the site is well frequented by butterflies and other insects.
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