GCNAGG Heron's Rest (Traditional Cache) in North West England, United Kingdom created by Badger (adopted by gushoneybun: Aug 2007)

This cache has been archived.

Gushoneybun: Sadly time to let this one go. I struggle getting over nowadays. Pre the latest lockdown I came over a few times but the place was heaving so did not leave a replacement as I could not park close enough. Not many 16 year old caches out there but this had a good run, thanks to all who visited and to those who saw the herons, 727 visits over the years.

GCNAGG ▼

A cache by Badger (adopted by gushoneybun: Aug 2007) Message this owner

Hidden : 4/2/2005

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

Easy access, parking is next to the cache. The cache container is a magnetic key holder. The area can be quite busy, so caution may be needed when retrieving or replacing the cache.

By seeking this or any other cache placed by myself or maintained by me you accept responsibility for your own safety. Caching can be dangerous. Assess the risk for yourself before seeking this cache!.

There is no treasure in the cache, the treasure is the location.

Trentabank is the uppermost of four reservoirs which collect water from the hill catchment areas at the head of the River Bollin. Water from Ridgegate and Trentabank supplies Macclesfield with drinking water, while water from Tegg’s Nose and Bottoms is used to control water flow in the river. The water surface is approximately 860 feet above sea level. The main water area is deep, reaching 60 feet, but the south, east and north east banks have shallow margins. Based on the banks of the reservoir is the large heronry which is used each year from January to July by about 20 nesting pairs.

The speciality of this area is the Heronry in the larch plantation. This is active from March until June and up to twenty-four nests have been counted.

Birds which may be seen at any time of the year include the following: great crested grebe, Canada goose, mallard, teal, tufted duck, kestrel, pheasant, moorhen, coot, black-headed gull, woodpigeon, pied wagtail, wren, goldcrest, robin, blackbird, songthrush, treecreeper, linnet, chaffinch, greenfinch, goldfinch, and blue, great and coal tits.

Other all-year birds are the little grebe, mute swan, wigeon, shoveller, pochard, and goosander - but these are to be seen less regularly.

In the spring the following birds will join the regulars: Common sandpiper, swift and swallow, tree pipit, willow warbler and chiffchaff. Regular winter visitors are goldeneye on the water and siskin in the woods. Occasional winter visitors include Bewick's swan, smew, and crossbill.

The Trentabank Reservoir serves the water needs of the local area, but it is also home to nesting colony of Herons, the birds are very active early in the year preparing and looking after their young.