Axle Lane (SK5083-5183)

 

How to gate there:

From Junction 31 of the M1 take the A57 to Worksop, in South Anston take the 1st right onto Sheffield Road, right to West Street and then take Axle Lane, a cul-de-sac. From here follow the wall path, returning left across the field and onto main path, visiting the two small private ponds at Canal Plantation and the small wood at Whin Covert, leading to the disused quarry, following the main path to the the cul-de-sac.

Rarities:

Spring rarities have included Black Tern, Osprey, Dotterel and Black Redstart, Honey Buzzard and Montagu's Harrier.

Autumn rarities included American Golden Plover in 1995 and 1996, Dotterel, Marsh Harrier, Goshawk and Black Redstart, Buff-breasted Sandpiper.

Resident Birds: Corn Bunting, Skylark, Jackdaw colony and local Rookery, Little Owl, Bullfinch, Stock Dove, Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Axle Lane By Seasons:

Winter: (November to March) Wintering Golden Plover number up to 4,000 birds, which represent over 1% of the entire UK wintering population, Merlin and Peregrine Falcon hunt the fields and passage Pink-footed Goose are regular. More recently Snow Bunting has been recorded. Grey Partridge can reach 100+ birds

Spring: (April to May) Passage migrants include Wheatear, Whinchat, Redstart and Grasshopper Warbler.

Summer: Feeding Common Terns and Hobby, with Yellow Wagtails, Sedge Warblers, Whitethroat, Willow Warblers and Spotted Flycatcher all staying to breed. Perhaps best known for breeding Corn Bunting.

Autumn: (July-October) Good numbers of Wheatear, Whinchat and Golden Plover.

A group focused on recording the bird life of a single 10km square between Sheffield, Rotherham & Worksop

content & design by Andy Hirst