Risley Moss Local Nature Reserve

Wild and mysterious even today, the 220 acres that
make up Risley Moss are a last remnant of the boggy wastelands that once
dotted much of the Mersey Valley. Shallow lakes created at the end of
the last Ice Age gradually filled with layer upon layer of spongy
Sphagnum moss. Over many thousands of years, this waterlogged vegetation
built up to form raised peat bogs of which Risley Moss is now an
important surviving example. Although once described as ‘useless’, most
of the Mersey mosses were eventually drained for agriculture. But,
Risley Moss, which was wetter than the surrounding areas, remained an
untouched wilderness until the early 1800’s. The Industrial Revolution
meant huge amounts of peat were needed for horse and cattle bedding in
the rapidly expanding towns. And so, by hand, the peat was stripped and
the fragile mossland changed forever. The Second World War brought
further changes. A vast munitions factory took shape on the edge of the
bog, hidden from enemy bombers by mists off the Moss. Here, labouring
day and night, 30 000 (mainly women) workers produced a staggering one
million mines and 500 000 high explosive shells. Though the German air
force targeted the supposedly secret site, only one enemy bomb fell
anywhere close. When the War was over, the site fell into dereliction.
By the 1970’s the factory complex had been demolished to make way for
new houses. Thankfully Risley Moss and its high wildlife value were
recognised. Today Risley Moss is a Site of Special Scientific Interest
and a designated Local Nature Reserve

This is a wonderful place on a good day. As another reviewer has said, it isn’t great on a wet day, but the paths are well made and can be used in most weathers. It really is full of excellent views and chances to photograph nature.
The visitors centre is full of useful information, including the many organised events.
There is plenty of space to park just off the main road.

Some great walks — a little hidden gem!

A great place for a walk round regardless of the time of year.
Plenty to keep the kids entertained if they like nature and the outdoors.
Bird hides, loacal history. Boots or wellies recommended.

A good place for an afternoon out on a dry day. Risley Moss is very accessible from the M62, and parking is plentiful too. There’s an excellent Visitors’ Centre with all sorts of information, and quite s few Special Events in holidays and at weekends too. Quite a few walks are signposted throughout the Reserve, one of which leads to a hide about 40ft in the air — even if you’re not an ornithologist it’s worth climbing up just for the view! I wouldn’t go on a wet day though — I can imagine it would get rather muddy. But on a dry day — a great place to visit.