Nature and Wildlife

Marbury Country Park

Comberbach, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 6AT

Tel: 01606 77741

Marbury Country Park was once part of a large country estate whose history dates back to around AD 1200. Marbury itself means a fortified or stockaded dwelling by the mere or water. The first family took the name Marbury and lived there until 1684. When the last male heir died the estate was bought by Richard Earl Rivers who never lived there. On his death in 1714 it was bought by his son-in-law James, the 4th Earl of Barrymore. It was the Barry family who shaped the park with extensive landscaping and the building of the hall.

A succession of owners and uses then followed, culminating in the hall being demolished in 1968 due to rot. In 1975, 196 acres was leased from the owners, ICI, by Cheshire County Council and restoration work was begun. Further land was later aquired and today it is managed by the Countryside Management Service to benefit wildlife and visitors.

Each habitat is carefully managed to encourage different plants and animals, so there is always plenty to see at all times of the year. In spring the woodland is covered by a spectacular carpet of wildflowers and willow warblers, chiffchaffs and blackcaps herald the arival of summer. Autumn shows the colours of the trees off to their best and in winter, the Mere becomes a focus for many birds including goldeneye and greylag geese.

Guided walks and activities in and around the park are organised throughout the year.

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