Arriva 22 (not Sundays) from Swadlincote to Burton-on-Trent serves Rosliston Forestry Centre
Facilities
The site is run by the National Forest
Toilets, a restaurant and shops can be found at the Visitor's Centre.
What to see
Birds of prey regularly haunting the area are Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel, with Hobby being possible from mid-summer. Water birds are restricted by the small size of the original pools and by fishing on the larger, new pool, but there is usually a pair of Mute Swan, a few Mallard and Tufted Duck, along with Moorhen and Coot. Water Rail is also a possibility.
Owls are well represented by Tawny and Little Owl as well as Barn Owl. There is usually Green and Great spotted Woodpecker around and occasional Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in area of Caldwell fishing pond. Summer migrants that are regular are Reed Warbler in the reed fringed new pool, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Cuckoo.
In the older wooded areas there should be Coal Tit, Goldcrest, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Jay and Mistle Thrush.
Some irregular flocks of finches occur from time to time including Siskin and Redpoll in the extensive conifer plantations. Linnets previously bred and probably still do along with Yellowhammer in the perimeter hedges. Reed Bunting can also be found around the ponds.
The maturing habitat is probably no longer suitable for lingering Stonechat and Whinchat but may still pass through on migration along with Sedge Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and Redstart.
Scarce birds that have occurred here include Short-eared Owl, Woodlark and Waxwing.
DOS Verdict
A new site with a very good range of habitat and something for everyone.
(Thanks "Syd" Garton for the information and photographs)
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