About the Book
The Birds of Sandbach Flashes (1935–1999) is the definitive historical foundation of ornithology in South East Cheshire. Co-authored by expert local birders Andrew Goodwin and Colin Lythgoe, this 128-page work serves as the primary baseline study for the region’s avian history throughout the 20th century.
Published by the South East Cheshire Ornithological Society (SECOS), the book bridges the gap between industrial history and modern ecology. It synthesises over six decades of amateur field sightings and professional observations—starting from the very first systematic surveys conducted in 1935 by pioneer ornithologist R.B. Sibson—making it an invaluable resource for researchers, conservationists, and local historians.
Key Features
- The 20th-Century Systematic List: Meticulously details the status, seasonal counts, and historical records of 225 distinct bird species logged at the site over a 64-year span.
- Industrial & Geological Context: Explains the fascinating origin of the Flashes, documenting how intense brine pumping and inland salt extraction caused land subsidence, creating a unique network of 14 distinct waterbodies.
- Inland Saline Habitats: Explores the unusual brackish ecology of the pools, explaining how underlying salt deposits attract marine life and coastal vegetation, turning the site into a vital inland refueling stop for migrating shorebirds and wildfowl.
- Maps and Custom Artwork: Features four dedicated pages of maps illustrating regional access routes and viewpoints, alongside over 30 custom field sketches beautifully drawn by renowned county bird recorder Tony Broome.