Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve

The Local Nature Reserve has over 50 acres of mainly silver birch and oak woodland surrounding a 15 acre lake as well as areas of heathland, a wildflower meadow and wetland areas. There is a wealth of bird life, particularly in the woodland. Great spotted woodpeckers, nuthatch, treecreepers, kingfisher, heron, great crested grebe, goldfinch are just a few of our regular sightings.

For more information on Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve and the landscape and wildlife that it has to offer, please see here 

Please ensure your visit doesn’t disturb wildlife or damage trees and other habitats. For this reason den building is not permitted in the woodland. Dogs are welcome but must be under close control at all times.

Orienteering at Brereton Heath

A permanent orienteering course is available.

Maps are available for purchase, as a downloadable file or waterproof print, from the Greater Manchester Orienteering Activities website.

Canoeing at Brereton Heath

Annual canoe permits are available for groups only, costing £13.20 per year, per canoe. Canoe permits can be applied for by completing the Canoe Permit application form (PDF 99KB).

Paddleboarding is not permitted at Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve.

The Macclesfield Canoe Club utilise the lake for training. For more information visit the Macclesfield Canoe Club website.

Read the General Conditions for lake use at Brereton Heath LNR prior to use, general lake use conditions (PDF, 185KB).

Angling at Brereton Heath

Only Wheelock Angling Society members are allowed access to the lake for angling. No day ticket fishing at the present time.

There is currently no closed season for fishing at Brereton.

Educational visits to Brereton Heath

Self-guided educational visits to the reserve can be made by appointment.