An exciting new wildlife location has been born in Shaw after a farmland 'monoculture' is showing signs of thriving.

On Cocker Mill Lane, a new ecological site has been discovered on the area of land traditionally known as Cowlishaw Moss.

The wetlands were created recently as part of the new Redrow Bishop Meadow housing estate which a local ecologist has said is "already buzzing with wildlife".

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The Royton-based ecologist, James Walsh, also known as the Mancunian Birder, said: "This particular area has seen a transformation from a grass farmland monoculture to a thriving wetland ecosystem with a pond and wet meadow.

"The site was abuzz with bees, dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies in the summertime.

"From my observations and research of this site, there is clear evidence of biodiversity net gain."

He said it's a new site to add to the list of Oldham's growing wildlife locations.

Other sites include Snipe Clough, Northern Roots, Alexandra Park, Daisy Nook Country Park, Tandle Hill Country Park, Thornham, Strinesdale, Beal Valley, Dovestone, Castleshaw Valley, Chadderton Hall Park, Pots and Pans, Chew Valley,Higher Crompton Park, Crompton Moor, Oldham Edge, Salmon Fields, Dunwood Park and Royton Park.

James added the sites present plenty of opportunity to see some stunning animals in their natural habitats.

He said: "The tawny owl represents the Oldham borough, an area of upland, lowland and urban habitats.

"The roe deer is a beautiful mammal to really look out for.

"Up on the moors, if you are lucky, you can see red grouse and mountain hare.

"We even have a large flock of northern lapwings on the Higginshaw Lane industrial estate from late summer to early springtime.

"Why not dare to be wise and see what you can see?"

The keen bird watcher also said autumn is "the most magical time of the year for bird migration" and two North American duck species have arrived previously in Oldham.

The drake cinnamon teal was spotted in Daisy Nook Country Park in October 1991 and the drake North American wood duck made an appearance in Alexandra Park in September 2021.

James said: "Both these birds liked the Greater Manchester environment so much, they made protected stays.

"The cinnamon teal paired up with a female mallard at Elton Reservoir and the wood duck also initially paired up with a female mallard, and then a drake mallard joined up with them.

"All three birds stayed together in spring/summer in Medlock Valley, very similar habitat to wood ducks' natural habitat in North America.

"If you are looking for North American vagrant birds, the ducks are the first, and best, place to look, especially amongst the tufted ducks on Alexandra Park.

"Ring-necked duck and lesser scaup are the North American species most likely to occur.

"Already in September in Greater Manchester, there have been some super birds - yellow-browed warbler in Delph, garganey on Pennington Flash Country Park, shag and yellow-legged gull in Salford docklands and wood sandpipers on the Salford mosslands."

Got a story? Email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk