HALE DUCK DECOY NR GUIDED WALKS
Hale Duck Decoy is on private property, leased to Halton Borough Council, and can only be accessed on a guided walk. For some years these walks were made available , to the public, by HBC and their Ranger Service. The Ranger Service was closed down some years back and the Friends of Pickerings Pasture and Hale Duck Decoy, some of whom are Hale Duck Decoy Voluntary Wardens and key holders, took on the task of offering to continue these walks, as part of their volunteer work. All walks must be booked.
The site is closed to the public, in the breeding season, between March and June. The FoPP try to offer walks in July and August and again in early winter, in suitable weather. The FoPP are also prepared to take a number of private groups, of around 15 to 20 people, on request and when volunteers are available to take them.
Walks either start from the Pickerings Pasture car park, taking about 3hrs, or from the Ramsbrook bridge , on Hale Road, taking about1hr 30mins.
The walks involve passing through a number of locked gates, crossing a farmers uneven ground and crossing a swing bridge, over a moat. The ground can be very muddy at times and when it is hot, horse flies can be a problem. Suitable foot ware and clothing, for the time of year, are important. Insect repellent is very useful in the summer.
There are no facilities, as such, on the decoy site. There is no drinking water and there are no toilets. There are toilets at Pickerings Pasture. It is always a good idea to carry a drink, and perhaps a snack, with you. Gates are locked behind us, as we walk, for the security of the farmer's field (this is not a right of way). All visiting groups members must arrive and leave together. Children are welcome, if accompanied by a suitable adult. No dogs are allowed on site or smoking. There is no disabled access. All visitors need to be fairly steady on their feet, to cope with the walk.
There are lots of photo opportunities and many visitors also bring binoculars. There are three hides, some out door seating and the gamekeepers cottage, where information on the history of the site can be found.
To book a walk or to ask for further information ring 0151 425 4483 or email garylynda_broad2@btinternet.com
The site is closed to the public, in the breeding season, between March and June. The FoPP try to offer walks in July and August and again in early winter, in suitable weather. The FoPP are also prepared to take a number of private groups, of around 15 to 20 people, on request and when volunteers are available to take them.
Walks either start from the Pickerings Pasture car park, taking about 3hrs, or from the Ramsbrook bridge , on Hale Road, taking about1hr 30mins.
The walks involve passing through a number of locked gates, crossing a farmers uneven ground and crossing a swing bridge, over a moat. The ground can be very muddy at times and when it is hot, horse flies can be a problem. Suitable foot ware and clothing, for the time of year, are important. Insect repellent is very useful in the summer.
There are no facilities, as such, on the decoy site. There is no drinking water and there are no toilets. There are toilets at Pickerings Pasture. It is always a good idea to carry a drink, and perhaps a snack, with you. Gates are locked behind us, as we walk, for the security of the farmer's field (this is not a right of way). All visiting groups members must arrive and leave together. Children are welcome, if accompanied by a suitable adult. No dogs are allowed on site or smoking. There is no disabled access. All visitors need to be fairly steady on their feet, to cope with the walk.
There are lots of photo opportunities and many visitors also bring binoculars. There are three hides, some out door seating and the gamekeepers cottage, where information on the history of the site can be found.
To book a walk or to ask for further information ring 0151 425 4483 or email garylynda_broad2@btinternet.com
