About the reserve

Eastwood is a hidden gem of a woodland, nestling in a stunning clough valley just a stone's throw from Stalybridge town. The reserve was gifted to the RSPB by a private family (the Cheethams) in 1931 and was one of their first reserves, with the charity then leasing it on to Cheshire Wildlife Trust. During 2012, an extensive renovation supported by a Biffa Award grant project took place, introducing a series of new pathways, boardwalks, bridges, steps and wildlife information boards - improving overall access to the best parts of the reserve.

Highlights include a blanket of bluebells in the spring as well as wood sorrel and wild angelica. Woodland birds are here in good numbers, especially those who thrive on the deadwood habitats here like treecreeper, nuthatch and woodpeckers. Warblers arrive in spring, along with summer butterflies and dragonflies, whilst the tumbling brook and pool at the heart of the reserve welcome dippers and occasional kingfishers in winter. A great place to get away from it all!

The reserve adjoins Cheetam park with a play ground and other attractions.