Exploring Risley Moss Nature Reserve in Cheshire
One thing I think we all did in 2020 is to get outside more and explore the area near to where we live. For me, this area is Warrington in Cheshire, situated half way between the big northern cities of Manchester and Liverpool. Surrounding Warrington are some lovely landscapes and excellent opportunities to explore the great outdoors. One of those is the beautiful and peaceful oasis of Risley Moss.
Table of Contents
What is Risley Moss?
Risley Moss is a mossland and peat bog habitat located to the east of Warrington, near Birchwood. It is a remnant of the boggy land created when the last ice age ended. While the peat bog at Risley Moss covers a large area, there is only a relatively small woodland section that is open to the public. Due to the fragility of the mosslands, these are only occasionally accessible through Ranger-led guided walks.
There are some fantastic documents on Warrington’s Council website that details the importance of peat bogs and how they formed.
Peat bogs can be up to 12 metres deep; however the ones at Risley Moss vary now between 2 and 5 metres, as the top few metres were removed through peat extraction.
The importance of the landscape at Risley Moss has now been recognised and the area has been made a landscape and wildlife SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) as well as an SAC (Special Area of Conservation). In addition, it has been designated a Local Nature Reserve and has achieved a Green Flag award annually since 2004. This is a recognition given to the best managed green spaces in the country.
History of Risley Moss
There is a fascinating history surrounding Risley Moss. It’s really amazing what you find out when you do a little research.
Risley Moss was considered too wet and boggy to be successfully reclaimed during the Industrial Revolution, but following the discovery that peat could be turned into litter to substitute straw animal bedding, peat extraction started on a large scale.
In 1939 the Government acquired Risley Moss and the area around it to build a giant bomb filling plant. All manner of explosive devices from small bullets to gigantic ‘Grand Slam’ bombs were filled at Risley. Risley may not have been suitable to be built on, but it was the perfect site for testing smoke bombs and dumping ordnance waste. Post war when the factory fell into disrepair, Risley formed one of the largest derelict land sites in Europe. Hard to believe when you look at how tranquil and attractive the woodlands are now.
How is Risley Moss Managed?
The landscape at Risley Moss is managed by a team of rangers who have been developing the site since the early 1970’s. Alongside Natural England and a team of volunteers, they are responsible for the day to day running of the reserve, whilst maintaining the woodland and mossland habitats to ensure wildlife flourishes and the site is kept a safe and enjoyable place to visit.
In spring and summer grass cutting and strimming will be top of the jobs list whilst continually recording and monitoring wildlife. Through autumn and winter, woodland areas are thinned where required and mossland restoration is carried out, a process that can’t be done during the breeding season.
More information on what the rangers get up to at Risley Moss can be found over on the Warrington.gov.uk website.
What to See and Do at Risley Moss
Woodland & Nature Walks
The woodland area at Risley Moss was specifically designed for recreational use and a great job has been done by the rangers. There is a lovely circular woodland walk and nature trail about a mile in length, with a few intersecting paths at various points allowing for different length walks.
The woods are mainly made up from oak, ash and hazel and there are also lots of fungi and wildflowers to spot depending on the time of year. Orchids are amongst the more unusual flowers to bloom at Risley, alongside the more popular red campion and foxglove.
The paths are very well maintained and fully accessible to all. There are regular benches and seats dotted along the paths and my favourite part is the addition of some woodland sculptures.
Sculpture Trail
Trust me to find a sculpture wherever I go! I was not expecting to see this many at Risley Moss, so I was pleasantly surprised. In fact you could go as far as to call it a sculpture trail. My favourite would have to be this little bear sat on the bench. He is so cute and immediately calls for a selfie.
These wooden sculptures created by chainsaw carving are a relatively new addition to the woodland landscape. Done in 2018, the project is known as the Boggart and friends trail. A boggart is an ancient mythical creature said to inhabit peat bogs. There are a few of these boggarts (which to me look like they’re dressed as Scouts) as well as various animals that reside at or visit Risley Moss, from insects and dragonflies to owls and foxes.
Wildlife and Orienteering Trails
You can also follow wildlife and orienteering trails around Risley Moss. Normally, you would be able to pick up the trail leaflets from the visitor centre. However, with the centre currently being closed due to Covid-19 – pop online to find out more about the trails here. You will find links to information on all the main animals, birds, insects, mosses and flowers that you can see at Risley Moss.
The Boardwalk
Although you can’t under normal circumstances head out onto the mosses, there is a boardwalk section which enables you to walk across Risley’s mini moss and bog area to experience this part of the landscape.
This is accessible only via steps at the moment as the boardwalk has been made one way during Covid-19 to ensure social distancing can be maintained.
Observation Points
There are two hides at Risley Moss. Unfortunately, both woodland and mossland hides were closed when I visited for the first time during the initial Covid-19 lockdown (Spring 2020). However when I revisited during the second English lockdown period, the mossland hide was open. The woodland hide still wasn’t open, but a note on the door said this was a result of vandalism, so hopefully normal order will be restored to this soon.
I was also gutted to learn that the observation tower is no longer there. There are signs which still point to it, but don’t expect to find anything when you get to the excellent look out point. You will see the remains of charred timbers from where it used to be, but I learned from a chap who was stood nearby that the tower was destroyed during a fire as a result of arson in 2017. Plans are in place to build a replacement observation point (though not in the same place) but obviously everything is on hold for now during Covid. Time will tell…
Wildlife at Risley Moss
If you want to explore Risley a bit beyond the woodland walk, make sure you bring a pair of binoculars as these are some of the residents you might be lucky enough to see.
As well as the typical garden and woodland birds, some of the scarcer visitors to Risley Moss include bramling, reed-bunting and yellowhammer. In a good year, as many as 60 species of breeding birds and 50 additional visiting species can be observed on the moss.
It is also home to many protected species such as the great crested newt, the water vole and the common lizard as well as 11 species of dragonfly.
Risley Moss Visitor Information
Opening Hours
Winter: 1st October – 31st March
- Saturday – Thursday: 9am – 5pm
- Friday: Closed.
- Also closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day
Summer Opening Hours – 1st April – 30th September
- Monday – Thursday: 9am – 5pm
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday – Sunday: 10am – 6pm
Parking & Location
Risley Moss is located near junction 11 of the M62.
There is free car parking available onsite, however the car park is gated and does get locked promptly at the times listed above.
On nice days, Risley Moss can get very busy and should you find the car park full, there is another on the opposite side of the road just along from the entrance back towards the motorway. This is the car park for the recreation ground of Birchwood Forest Park.
Dogs at Risley Moss
While it is not required to have dogs on leads at Risley Moss and most I saw weren’t, it is encouraged to keep your dog on a lead should they be the type to roam, so as to preserve the delicate habitats as best possible.
Accessibility
The surface of the circular trail is flat, largely gravelled and well-maintained so it is suitable for prams, buggies and wheelchairs. The boardwalk section however is narrow and only accessible via steps (downwards) on a one way system.
Risley Moss During Covid-19
The visitor centre is not currently open due to the coronavirus and the toilets are also closed. In the absence of the visitor centre, keep an eye out for information and interpretation boards which are dotted around the site and remember you can find out more online at Warrington.gov.uk.
Pre Covid, Risley Moss Rangers worked with local schools and clubs to educate on the wildlife, habitats and peatbog ecology of the area. There is a meeting space / classroom available on site to hire under normal circumstances.
As previously mentioned, the boardwalk section used to be open from either end, but is now currently operating a one way system.
So if you’re looking for a lovely location for a peaceful and easy short walk near Warrington, Risley Moss is definitely the place to go.
Get in Touch!
Have you previously discovered Risley Moss, or have I convinced you to add it to your visit list? Drop me a line in the comments below and let me know.
I’m in the process of writing about many more local walks to the Warrington & St Helens area in North West England. So keep checking back for more great walks, or sign up to receive notifications of new posts in the side bar to the right (if on a mobile – scroll down to find it below my profile.)
If you’ve enjoyed reading this, please subscribe to my blog via email over on my profile page or through Bloglovin’. Then head on over to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter to keep up with all my travel related news. Hope to see you there.
Further Reading on Walks in North West England:
Walking to the Dream Sculpture at Sutton Manor Woodlands
Exploring Clock Face Country Park between Warrington and St Helens
Discover Wigg Island in Runcorn, Cheshire
Pennington Flash in Greater Manchester – the winter edition.
Walking amongst Anthony Gormley’s iron men (Another Place) at Crosby Beach, Merseyside
Walk from Southport to Ainsdale Sands, Merseyside
The Ingleton Waterfalls Trail in North Yorkshire
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Nina Deakin | 9th Feb 21
When it first opened we went on a guided tour and one of the fascinating things the guide told us was that during the nineteenth century ‘night soil” was brought to Risley Moss from Manchester.It came by rail and was dumped into the bog.
The guide pointed out to us the remnants of the old railway line.
Tilly Horseman | 10th Feb 21
Sounds like a fascinating tour. Thanks for the details. I’d love to go on one myself when they are running again. 🙂
Renée Hatton | 29th Dec 20
Do you have any photos from 1983/4 when I 1st went there?
Tilly Horseman | 11th Jan 21
I only have images from my recent visit. I bet it was a bit different back in the early 80’s. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Kath | 3rd Dec 20
As always, your photographs of Risley Moss bring the area you describe to life. Love the sculpture trail – particularly the animal on the seat!
It always amazes me what interesting venues there are hidden away in the English countryside, and often, right on your doorstep.
Looking forward to your next article.
Tilly Horseman | 3rd Dec 20
Thank you!! You’re so right re the hidden gems in our countryside! Oooo, now where shall I write about next?! xx
Eunice Ratcliffe | 2nd Dec 20
Looks like a nice place for a dog walk, I might get over ther next summer. I love the fox sculpture and the bear on the bench 🙂
Tilly Horseman | 2nd Dec 20
It is perfect for a dog walk. Unfortunately I lost my pooch before we had chance to take him earlier this year. He would have stopped and cocked his leg at each sculpture! 😉 Bless!