There is an established Friends of Cecilly Brook and Hales Hall Pool group, who help to look after the 1.25km nature reserve following Cecilly Brook in Cheadle.
Situated in the centre of Cheadle the nature reserve surrounds a 1.25km stretch of Cecilly Brook, home to wild flower meadows and one of the most important sites for water voles in Staffordshire.
Ancient flower rich meadows occur at edge of the brook near Thorley Drive. Mature hawthorn and blackthorn hedges surround the fields with dog rose, elder and hazel. Ivy and honeysuckle provide rich nectar sources for insects.Grass buffer strips adjacent to Cecilly Brook are cut on a rotation to benefit water voles. Existing hedges are laid and new ones have been planted. The species rich grassland is managed as hay meadow to maintain the wildflower interest. New areas of species rich grassland have been created by spreading green hay on former amenity grass areas. Nest boxes are provided for bats and birds.
Location
The site can be accessed via the valley walk footpath from Ullswater Drive, Oakamoor Road, Ashbourne Road and Rakeway Road. Other footpaths from Bittern Lane, Dale Close, Maple Close, Cedar Close and through Thorley Drive Playing Fields.
Hales Hall Pool is a local Nature Reserve with a man made lake dating back to 1846. The pool edges are a designated Site of Biological Importance with Marsh Marigold, Flag Iris, Greater Tussock Sedge and Bulbous Rush growing. Look out for birds such as kingfisher, heron, tufted duck, coot, moorhen and great crested grebes. Fishing permits are also available.
Location
The pool is located off Oakamoor Road, Cheadle ST10 4QR