Brockholes near Preston

Thanks Bob,it does seem to have a rather complicated way of charging for car parking looking at the web site.Found it odd that there is no sightings page on the web site,still may be worth a look,could be restful after the Northumberland adventure last weekend.

Well it was an interesting visit,a little quiet bird wise (although our "lister" noted 35 species in our 4 hour visit)it seemed to me that it should improve when it settles down,it has only been open a couple of years.Some of the woodland/scrub area looked ripe for warblers in the spring and there are areas around the lake that should attract waders.The paths seemed fairly good for walking and mostly suitable for buggy or chair and the area is certainly suitable for families and the cafe was good,very important for those who have eaten up their packed lunch.It was less than 2 hours travel for us and we hope to have another visit next year.

I missed this thread originally. Brockholes is only 20 minutes from me. We've been a few times and each time found it quiet, but as you say, it needs to settle down and the reeds need to establish properly. It is very easy to walk round with the proper paths etc. I find the management seem more interested in attracting families than bird watchers. Immediately opposite, on the other side of the M6 they are making another one. It is currently being landscaped.

Must look out for that one Linda,many of us today were interested in the floating village aspect of the centre.It was just about my standard of walking after last weekends Northumberland epic.

The floating village is brilliant! Worth going just for that. I haven't been for over 12 months. I must make the effort and see how it is developing.

I think it still needs a bit of weathering to fit in better but it will get there I am sure.The new car park charging system using number plate recognition was easier to use than seemed when reading the web pages although some may consider the charges a bit steep.

They use that car registration recognition system at our local hospital, where you pay at a machine before you leave for the exact time you have been there. So I am an expert!