Bateswood Nature Reserve — Attraction in Newcastle-under-Lyme

We took an afternoon stroll here with our dog after a friend told us about this hidden gem. Although the trees were still fairly bare, there were plenty of birds calling as we left the small parking area and headed westwards along the path towards Cloggers Pool. This stretch is flat and open to the views across the open moorland.

After ten minutes or so you will come across the gravelled pathway that leads around the pool, as well one that passes up alongside the wood on the far side. We chose the circular route around the scenic pool. There's also access to the woods as you travel around the pool. We spotted some greylag geese and a few coots as we walked around.

Looking forward to revisiting when the bluebells are out in the woods. A lovely spot to stretch...

This is, as ever, an excellent place for a walk on a quiet afternoon. Lots of the great outdoors to see, including a lovely lake. All credit to Audley Angling club who seem to have taken on looking after it. Edit: Went for another walk at the very top by the bird sanctuary. Muddy, but great. Edit: Feb 24; another lovely walk, around the smaller lake in Podmore woods. Very muddy, still, but invigorating. You can see so much more...

Former mine now a nature reserve lots of lakes nice woodlands lots of seat everywhere you can walk for miles and get to silverdale site from here. Lots of wildlife lapwings, ducks, grebe, lots of birds of prey, snakes, bats ,badgers, hares. Fishing is allowed some areas protected for ground nesting birds but a look out is on site. So much to see and...