Overview

South East from Southport in the area between Formby and Ormskirk are the South West Lancashire Mosses. This is an area of peat mossland put to agricultural and Horticultural use. Three seperate Mosses make up the area. Plex Moss which runs between Woodvale and Halsall. To the south of this is Downholland Moss which runs between Freshfields and Downholland Cross. Further south again is 'The Withins' area to the south east of Great Altcar. The eastern side of Plex Moss also contains Haskayne Cutting Nature Reserve a small reserve in a disused railway cutting.

Access

Plex Moss is best viewed by driving along Plex Moss Lane either from Woodvale or Halsall and by following Heathy Lane which runs south east from Plex Moss Lane.

Downholland Moss is best viewed from Old Moss Lane which runs from Freshfields to Haskayne.

'The Withins' is accesible by following the B5195 until you get to Rye Moss Lane following this south to Middle Withins Lane and then south east to Withins Lane itself.

Haskayne Cutting Nature Reserve is accessible from Station Road, Barton.

A good circular route can be taken starting at Woodvale following Plex Moss Lane to its junction with Heathy Lane. Following Heathy Lane until it turns into Gorsey Lane and then Station Road where you can stop off at Haskayne Cutting Nature Reserve. Then continuing east to arrive at the A5147. Travelling north briefly and then heading back along the entire length of Plex Moss Lane.

Birds

Flocks of Pink-footed Geese feed on the fields in autumn and winter and these can contain rarities such as Barnacle, Bean, Brent, Snow and White-fronted Geese. Raptors can include Buzzard, Peregrine, Merlin and even Hen Harrier in the winter months as well as Long eared and Barn Owls. Game birds include Pheasant, Red- legged Partridge and Grey Partridge. Whimbrels pass through in April and Dotterel in May. Corn Buntings can be seen on telephone wires on calm days( late March to mid May).

Haskayne Cutting Nature Reserve has 60 recorded species 37 of which are thought to breed. March and April are good for Meadow Pipit, Wheatear, Yellow Hammer and Yellow Wagtail. Whitethroat and Willow Warbler are also present. Winter sees Fieldfare and Redwing.