Please take care with young children as there are several
deep ponds within the nature park.
Please remember to Cache In , Trash Out.
The Anderton Nature Park is located next to the historic
Anderton Boat Lift. The park was once home to several large salt
works. Today the area has been transformed from an industrial
wasteland to a wildlife haven.
You can hunt for wildflowers normally found by the coast, Wild
Celery, Sea Spurrey and Stiff Salt Grass Would normally be found at
the coast. So why are they found at Anderton? Salt, which is found
in the soil here quite naturally, creates the conditions that these
plants need. So they can survive quite happily even though they are
many miles from the sea, On the Ash Banks you will find plants such
as the Mugwort and Weld, Liquid lime-rich waste like toothpaste was
created by the local soda industry during the early 1900's. Large
areas of land were enclosed with ash clinker walls and filled with
the waste. Gradually the toothpaste mixtrue solidified and lime
loving-plants began to move in flowers such as the Marsh Orchid,
Birdsfoot Trefoil and Creeping Willow can be seen in these areas.
Along the Riverbank you can see plants such as Common reed, Great
willowherb, Butterbur, Figwort, Hemlock, and Marsh marigold. In the
grassy areas you will see plants such as the Selfheal, Common
centaury and Pennyroyal. In the Woodland glades plants such as the
Dog rose, Wild angelica, Dog violet and Fragrant orchid can be seen
(dependent on the time of year).There is actually a Wildflower
trail signposted around the park.
Visit the Wildlife Pond where there is an identification chart
and pond-dipping platform where you may see Damselflies,
Demoiselles, Chasers and Darters, Hawkers and even rare species
that flourish in the pond that is too salty for fish to survive
in.
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Combine your visit with a lovely walk in nearby Marbury Country
Park which was part of a large country estate from the early 1200's
until the 1930's.
In Spring Blackcaps, chiffchaffs and garden warblers herald the
arrival of spring while lesser celandines, wood anemones and
bluebells carpet Big Wood. soon the smell of wild garlic drifts
through the air in Hopyards Wood as the green canopy closes over
the woodland.
Summer is a busy time for nesting birds, collecting caterpillars
and other food for their hungry young. Great crested grebes,
mallards and coots raise their chicks on the Mere. Meadows around
the park hum with insects while butterflies enjoy the warmth of the
woodland edge.
Autumn brings fieldfares and redwings to feast on the berries.
Harsh weather in winter often bring rarities such as bittern or
smew to Budworth Mere
Enjoy a stroll down magnificent lime avenues, search for the
Green Man in the arboretum
While in the area take a short walk to visit the newly restored
Anderton Boat Lift which was the first and only one of its kind in
Britain. Made unique by the fact that it was the first commercially
successful boat lift which, with various modification through its
life, was kept in service for over 110 years. The lift which had
been inoperable since 1983 was re-opened in March 2002 following a
£7 million restoration programme.
Original cache contents:-
Spikey Starfish Travel Bug.
Zero Zero one travel Bug.
Handmade Card by Joan.
Handmade Card by Joan.
New First Aid Book.
New Encyclopedia of Dog Care Book.
Note Book,Pencil & Sharpener (trade item).
Rimmel Lilac Nail Varnish.
5 Tea Light Candles.
Log Book & Pencil.