Acornfield Plantation Local Nature Reserve

Acornfield Plantation Local Nature Reserve - Spinney Road, Knowsley, Merseyside L33 7XY

Shown on a map of Kirkby in 1769, Acornfield Plantation is one of the few remaining woods of the original Manor of Kirkby. Oak, birch and alder trees form the major part of the wood along with beech and scots pine which were planted for timber production during the last century. The lowland basin mire in the centre of the site is dominated by sphagnum moss and soft rush and is typical of how the pre-agricultural Kirkby mossland must have been. The site, which is rich in wildlife, forms part of the Mersey Forest and is managed as a Local Nature Reserve by The Sustainability and Environmental Development Division. As a Local Nature Reserve the site is a valuable resource for schools and colleges in the local area, many of which work alongside the Site Ranger on environmental projects throughout the year. Acornfield Plantation Local Nature Reserve is also enjoyed by local people and visitors, and is the starting point for the Kirkby Mossland Walk, a walk through the agricultural mossland of Kirkby and Rainford Parish. Details of this walk can be found in Walks in Knowsley Leaflet No.5 available from The Sustainability and Environmental Development Division. For more information please visit the website.