Rostherne is the largest of the Cheshire meres and also the deepest, with the original basin having been deepened by salt subsidence. Main habitats: open water, woodland Features of interest Rostherne Mere is primarily of importance for its wintering wildfowl populations, particularly pochard. Mallard, teal, pintail and shoveler are also regular visitors and in cold weather ruddy duck, gadwall and goosander often visit the site. The surrounding reed beds support a large breeding population of reed warblers and bittern is a regular visitor during the winter months. Birds of the surrounding woods include all three native woodpecker species together with tawny owl, sparrowhawk and kestrel. Scrub areas are home to reed bunting, willow warblers and whitethroat. After being absent for many years, otter have returned to the area. The reserve supports a population of harvest mice which are uncommon in Cheshire. The reserve supports a number of butterfly species, most notably white-letter hairstreak, purple hairstreak and common blue. Rostherne Mere is an extremely important site for freshwater research and has been used by many local universities for several decades. Directions We encourage the use of sustainable transport whenever possible. The reserve is 3 miles from Knutsford, close to Tatton Park. Rostherne is on regional route 70 (Cheshire Cycleway) of the Sustrans National Cycle Network. The nearest train station is Ashley. Bus services run along the A556, stopping at Bucklow Hill (a mile from the NNR). See the Traveline website for details. A public footpath crosses a portion of the western boundary of the NNR. A circular path leads around the southern part of the reserve, linking back to the car park across Tatton estate land. The reserve can also be visited via the A.W Boyd bird observatory. Information on access and permits can be found on the Cheshire and Wirral Ornithological Society website, who manage the observatory. Contact Telephone: 0300 060 6000