Bateswood

Bateswood: 61 acres of grassland and pools with impressive views over the Cheshire plain.

The small pools and wet areas provide habitats for insects and amphibians. One pool supports a colony of newts, including great crested newts which are an important species and are protected by law. With the absence of fish in many of the pools there are relatively few predators of the diverse aquatic insects and their larvae.

The reserve is perhaps most notable for its population of skylarks, and this site represents a stronghold for the species in Staffordshire. Their song is unmistakable during spring and summer. Other birds are beginning to use the site too and dash lapwings have begun breeding in small numbers.