Etherow Country Park situated in Compstall is one of my favourite places to visit, I spend a lot of time there. Apart from being one of the oldest country parks (established in 1968), it is also one of the nicest, with a wide variety of things to do and see. It has something for everyone, for people who just like to park up and feed the ducks and geese, to strolling round the park. There are different areas depending on your needs, River, Canal, Lake, Weir, Keg Woodlands and Pool, Bird Hide, Sailing, Angling, Model Boats, Ernocroft Woods (site of old coal mine). Etherow used to be the site of a cotton mill and there is still evidence of this, that you can see around the park. Coal Mining also played a part and you can see a rusty old barge and bits of bridges that used to bring the coal to the barges from Ernocroft Woods, parts of the woodland area was private and used for shooting by the Andrews Family who owned the land. This is a great place to walk round and very accessible to all, the woodland areas may be a problem for wheelchairs but other than that most areas are easy to get to. Perhaps the reason I enjoy it so much is that everytime I visit I see something new, I never get bored, there is plenty of flora and fauna all year round.

Throughout the year there is events and guided walks, staff led educational visits, community task days, picnicing areas, pond dipping, as well as all that there is a visitor centre with lots information and leaflets, a cafe and toilets, and not forgetting the Garden Nursery next door to the Visitor Centre.

Compstall Nature Reserve within Etherow Country Park is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), situated alongside the River Etherow and at Roach Wood, if you would like more information about this area and how you can visit, go to the visitor centre and ask someone. A appointment can usually be arranged, although be prepared it is not an easy place to get around and wellies or strong boots are best worn. For information about why this area is so special visit Cheshire Wildlife Trust website.

To the west of River Etherow is woodland made up of different types of trees, including Oak, Birch, Sycamore, Ash, with an abundance of flora and ancient woodland it makes this a Site of Biological Importance (SBI).

There are many varieties of Geese, Ducks, Grebes and Water Fowl and birds to see, some will look a bit odd or unfamiliar to you. I can't really count the variety of wild birds and birds of prey you will see as this changes throughout the year, there is also the usually wildlife like foxes, badgers and lots of small mammals and Bats, insect life is very varied as well. If you like wild flowers, grasses, fungi and trees then there is plenty for you, well over 200 species, dotted around Etherow are some interesting wooden carvings, look out for them. To be able to see the things I have mentioned may mean you will need to visit more regularly and at different times, either way you won't be dissapointed.

You can find out how to get to the park using the map below, use the controls to change the view and zoom.

 Etherow Country Park Cafe across small lake

Enterprise Dinghy on Sailing Lake at Etherow Country Park

Picnic Area  at Etherow Country Park

Sailing Lake  at Etherow Country Park

Kingfisher Sculpture overlooking the Keg Pool at Etherow Country Park

Weir on River Etherow at Etherow Country Park

Pond Dipping Pier at Etherow Country Park

Visit the Etherow Country Park website for more information.

Also visit Wikipedia for more about Etherow Country Park. Information about the River Etherow can be found here.