Risley Moss — Attraction in Birchwood

Wild and mysterious even today, the 220 acres that make up Risley Moss are a last remnant of the boggy wastelands that once dotted much of the Mersey Valley. Shallow lakes created at the end of the last Ice Age gradually filled with layer upon layer of spongy Sphagnum moss. Over many thousands of years, this waterlogged vegetation built up to form raised peat bogs – of which Risley Moss is now an important surviving example.

Although once described as ‘useless’, most of the Mersey mosses were eventually drained for agriculture. But, Risley Moss, which was wetter than the surrounding areas, remained an untouched wilderness until the early 1800’s.

The Industrial Revolution meant huge amounts of peat were needed for horse and cattle bedding in the rapidly expanding towns. And so, by hand,the peat was stripped and the fragile mossland changed forever.

The Second World War brought further changes. A vast munitions factory took shape on the edge of the bog, hidden from enemy bombers by mists off the Moss. Here, labouring day and night, 30,000 (mainly women) workers produced a staggering one million mines and 500,000 high explosive shells. Though the German air force targeted the supposedly secret site, only one enemy bomb fell anywhere close.

When the War was over, the site fell into dereliction. By the 1970’s the factory complex had been demolished to make way for new houses. Thankfully Risley Moss and its high wildlife value were recognised. Today Risley Moss is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a designated Local...

My wife and I have been coming to this country park off and on for years and we still love the place, the scenery and wildlife are beautiful, although we were sorry to see that the viewing tower that gave you spectacular views across the moss was burnt to the ground by youths last year 😕. The wardens are however trying to raise funds so they can get the tower rebuilt, but I think it's probably going to take some time, none the less this is still a lovely place to spend an hour or two strolling the the woodland. I'm not a bird watcher myself, but I imagine this place is an ornathologist delight. There is plenty of public parking and the wardens always seem to be on hand to answer any questions, and there is a nice information centre that provides an interesting insight into the history of the area. Thankfully there are public conveniences if you are...

Risley Moss Warrington is a lovely place for a walk and to watch the birds in the hides.The paths are fairly flat suited to prams and wheelchair ♿️ users. The carpark isn't massive, but it's free . There is a steep ramp up from the car park, but I can manage on crutches. There are importantly toilets in the Rangers' hut and plenty of information about Risley in there too.There is a pond with newts in there and several carvings out of wood, an owl, a newt, a bear. There are several routes to go on through the Moss. Some are less accessible for disabled, but there is an easy path to take 😉 which is good . Lots of birds and wildlife to see, dragonflies and Mayfly .But remember, insect replent if you get bad reactions to bites. They seem to be biting early this year, as...