Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve

About Us

Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve offers a variety of walks, including an easy access trail through the woodland with restful views over the lake. Look out for birds and butterflies on the way, including the bright yellow brimstones.

The park was once part of the Brereton Hall Estate and was planted with Scots pine trees. Most of these were felled during the First World War but some remain and provice valuable homes for wildlife. Silica sand was discovered in the 1950s and for the next twenty years up to 500 tonnes were extracted per day. Today the park is managed as a local nature reserve, recognising its importance for people and wildlife alike.

If you're feeling energetic, why not have a go at the permanent orienteering course? Maps are available from the Rangers at a small cost. Angling and canoeing are allowed on the lake, please contact the Rangers for details of permits. School visits are very welcome, again please contact the Rangers.

There is an on going programme of artists in residence, resulting in a variety of temporary and permanent artworks around the park.

Facilities:

Toilets are available on site, including an accessible toilet with a RADAR lock.
A refreshment van is sometimes available on site.
There is a rangers’ office and visitor centre on site from which leaflets are available.

Exploring further afield:

Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve is ideal for exploring the tranquil Dane Valley. Dane Valley walk is a 7km (4.5 mile) route from Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve crossing the River Dane through to Swettenham.

Crossroads around Congleton is a challenging 32km (20 mile) ride for casual and family cyclists around Congleton.

Accessibility:

The 1.3km long. Brimstone Trail is an easy access trail through the woods and around the lake. For more details, see the Walks for All – Brereton Heath.