With that in mind, throughout the year there are some beautiful sights to see around some of Cheshire’s nature reserves. So, whether you’re reading this in the depths of winter or the height of summer, you’ll get some great tips to see some flora and fauna.

The best time of year to see your local wildlife

When it comes to trying to spot animals, insects or plants, you can make your attempt at any point in the year – so long as you know what you’re looking for! Here are some tips across each season to get you started.

Spring

Spring often brings with it new life and fresh starts, typically lasting from March until May. Look out for flowers blooming, such as bluebells that are at their best in late April and hawthorn with its white blossom that appears in April to May. One of the biggest signs that spring has arrived is the emerging bees. The first ones out will be the queens who have survived the winter, looking for pollen from some of the early flowers.

Frogspawn can be seen in local ponds as both frogs and toads start their breeding season. They typically travel through the night and find ponds to breed in.

Summer

Bats are at their most active during the evenings, especially in warmer weather. It’ll be tricky to tell which species are flying past, but it’s most likely to be the pipistrelle. Summer is also a great time to look out for butterflies, including the most common garden butterflies like the comma, red admiral  and meadow brown.

Poppies bloom throughout the summer, typically found along road verges and field edges. They usually flower throughout May and June.

Autumn

Throughout autumn you’ll see the world change colour. Start looking out for conkers, also known as horse chestnuts. You can collect these and play a classic kids’ game! You might also spot blackberries which come into fruition in early autumn. You can also see other berries such as elderberries and hawthorn berries, all of which are great food sources for birds, squirrels and hedgehogs.

If you live in area where deer are present, you might find deer ruts. Autumn is usually when the stags develop antlers and will likely fight other males for female attention.

Winter

Despite the colder temperatures, there’s still a lot to see in winter. Any snowfall or ice can provide the perfect canvas for tracks and footprints, so keep an eye out for these! You might see the prints of a fox or a badger.

Wildfowl are at their best in the winter, including ducks, swans and geese. Male ducks are at their brightest during this season, and if you look up you might see flocks of migratory geese too.

Nature hotspots in Cheshire

Cheshire is home to an incredible array of wildlife and nature hotspots. It’s important to remember that if you are out and about, you should be mindful of any wildlife and be sure to keep your distance.

Delamere Forest

This is a large wood in the heart of Cheshire, covering over 900 hectares which makes it the biggest area of woodland in England. You can see a whole host of wildlife here, including woodland birds like tawny owls and woodpeckers, as well as dragonflies and even common lizards.

Red Rocks Nature Reserve

The Red Rocks Marsh is Cheshire’s only coastal reserve, home to sand dunes and marsh. Located on the Wirral, you’ll find special plants that have evolved to survive in the dry, sandy conditions. Look out for orchids, sticky stork’s bill and fairy flax, as well as animals like Natterjack toads.

Gowy Meadows

158 species of bird have been recorded at Gowy Meadows, which is a larger site for showcasing Cheshire’s biodiversity. You might spot the likes of great white egrets and merlin if you keep a keen eye out!

This area is also known for its aquatic invertebrates, including the lesser known silver water beetle and dragonfly and butterfly species.

Warburton’s Wood

This ancient woodland on the edge of the River Weaver is home to an incredible amount of blooming flowers, including bluebells, primrose and common violet. You’ll likely be able to spot the dawn chorus of birds here at the right time of year too.

See nature up close at Blue Planet Aquarium

Here at Blue Planet Aquarium you have the chance to walk through an open-air exhibit to see some of the diverse flora and fauna. We teamed up with local conservation groups to offer an incredible habitat for this wildlife, which can include hedgehogs, moorhens, insects and more.

Our Nature Walk exhibit is the perfect place to enjoy a green space and the good old English weather! Book your tickets today to come and see it for yourself.

Whether you’re a bunch of adventurers or you’d prefer to stay close to the city, we’ve got just the guide to give you some inspiration.

Go back in time in Chester

Chester is a truly unique city, absolutely brimming with heritage and history. In amongst the modern bars and restaurants that line the streets are some of the most interesting sites, from the Roman amphitheatre (which is the largest in Britain!), to the 1,000-year old cathedral.

Whether you’re visiting for the day or for a short break, it’s the perfect place to go back in time. No matter the weather, you can walk the city walls and enjoy the views of Chester, or take shelter under the 700-year old shopping Rows that still stand today. You’ll be walking the very same steps that the Romans, Vikings and Normans took!

Of course if Chester’s history isn’t enough, there’s also plenty of modern shops, cafes and restaurants to while away your afternoon.

Wander through Delamere Forest

There’s something quite magical about being outside in the winter, being able to listen to the birds chirping and spotting some of the seasonal flowers starting to come through. You can do all of this and more at Delamere Forest, with plenty of woodland walks and wildlife on offer.

Enjoy a bike ride to keep warm, stop by the café or simply just walk and enjoy the stunning environment around you as you breath in the crisp, wintry air.

Be inspired at Jodrell Bank

If science is more your thing, you won’t be disappointed with a trip to Jodrell Bank. For over 75 years, this observatory has been at the forefront of research and ground-breaking discoveries in the field of astrophysics. It’s an inspirational place to visit whether you’ve got the kids with you or not. Giving you the chance to learn more about its telescopes and findings over the years.

Including both indoor and outdoor exhibitions, not to mention a working model of the solar system. There are also extensive grounds here for the whole family to explore.

Visit a medieval site at Beeston Castle

With truly spectacular views, Beeston Castle sits atop a rocky crag, boasting a 4,000 year history. It’s an incredibly dramatic medieval site, on a clear day you might even be able to see the Welsh mountains. The castle well is said to be the hiding place of Richard II’s lost treasure. The exhibition tells the castle’s story dating back from the Bronze Age.

The castle is also surrounded by unspoiled woodland, which is home to a whole host of wildlife. Don’t forget your coat and binoculars, and who knows what you might see.

See the sharks at Blue Planet Aquarium

Of course, no visit to Cheshire would be complete without a trip to our very own aquarium. Our exhibits are home to one of Europe’s largest collection of sharks. You can see them swimming up close thanks to our underwater tunnel and daily dive shows!

But don’t forget, it’s not all about the sharks – even though they’re really cool. At Blue Planet Aquarium we’ve got a brilliant array of animals to discover, from turtles and snakes to clownfish and piranhas. Complete with café, gift shop and children’s play area, it’s set to be a perfect family day out.

For more inspiration on what to do in Cheshire throughout the year, Visit Cheshire have an extensive list of attractions and activities. You can book your tickets to Blue Planet Aquarium right here!

Blue Planet Aquarium is the North West’s biggest aquarium, teeming with marine life and more. Visit different habitats from around the world, watch our divers in an aquatheatre display, listen to our aquarists talk about Giant Pacific Octopuses. Then, travel along the ocean floor in a huge underwater tunnel. Stare in wonder at the largest collections of sharks in the UK!

With numerous different zones, a play area for children and a restaurant with a view – Blue Planet Aquarium is a trip to remember!

Located next to Cheshire Oaks Outlet Village, Blue Planet Aquarium is easily located with ample parking facilities onsite.

Dive with Sharks Experience

The ultimate experience is for adults & juniors, suitable for complete beginners, or even if you’re a qualified diver looking to introduce a friend to diving!

Get up close to the UK’s largest collection of sharks in our tropical tank, with no cage and no boundaries! Walk along the sand at the bottom of the tank as you meet an array of colourful fish, friendly Rays and, of course, some HUGE Sharks! No experience needed. We have everything you’ll need, so you’ll have a jawsome time! We have an adjusted experience for junior dives for younger adventurers.

If you are an experienced diver, you can enjoy a dive with guaranteed close encounters with some incredible shark species in crystal clear, warm waters right here in the UK!

Day Tickets

If you purchase day tickets online, they’re valid any one day within 6 months from purchase. No need to select a date to visit. A great, hassle-free, Christmas gift!

Take note of the unique booking reference starting BPA-COL

Simply write this booking reference into a Christmas card and that’s it! – All we need is the unique booking reference to redeem the tickets on arrival to the aquarium.

Annual Membership

Buy a membership once and visit as many times as you like within 12 months! Certainly a thoughtful gift of memories they’ll treasure for a lifetime.

At Blue Planet Aquarium, we’re big fans of Animal Crossing, and not just for its conservation and educational themes. Whether taking lessons from the game’s museum and aquarium curator, Blathers or diving the depths of the sea to make exciting discoveries of underwater creatures; the game is a must for animal and nature lovers young and old, and it’s fair to say we’re rather addicted.

To celebrate the huge success of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, we’re taking a look at some of the stats and data behind the game, to reveal its best-loved characters and colourful highlights.

Collecting keyword data, we’ve analysed Google searches for every villager, furnishing, houseware and clothing item in Animal Crossing: New Horizons to find out the most (and least) popular villagers among players, most-sought after items, and to understand how players are spending most of their time in-game.

Take a look at what we discovered below.

Quick Navigation

• Most Popular Villagers
  • Who is Marshal?
• Least Popular Villagers
• Most Popular Activities
• Most Popular Clothing
• Most Popular Furniture

Most Popular Animal Crossing Villagers

With a collection of 391 unique villagers throughout the New Horizons world, including 35 animal species and 8 personality traits, there are a massive range of options when it comes to who you allow to live on your island in Animal Crossing. But which of these characters are sought-after? And which have won ours heart the most? Let’s take a look.

Squirrel villager Marshall was far and away the most popular character, trumping the next most popular villager by 81,000 avg. monthly searches. And, while a handful of the most popular villagers are male, 60% of the most sought-after characters are female – including Coco and Marina, who each rack up some 150,000+ Google searches every month.

In terms of the most popular animal species within the game, cats (25%) were the most popular, followed by deer (15%). Octopus, dogs and ducks were next – each accounting for 10% of the top list.

Interestingly, of the different character traits within the game, normal and lazy personalities ranked highest, suggesting that players prefer a laid back vibe when it comes to their island neighbours. Other personalities that made the top 20 include smug, snooty and peppy.

Who is Marshal? Meet the Most Popular Villager

Meet Marshal, the no.1 villager overall. Garnering over 246,00 average monthly searches in Google, this sassy squirrel’s Amiibo card is regularly sold on eBay for anywhere between £40-85 – despite packs originally retailing for just £3.49.

Marshal regularly tops fan tier lists, and is exchanged for millions of Bells between players. With one in a few hundred chance of happening on him when visiting a mystery island, he is difficult to encounter naturally and hard to acquire without huge sums of in-game wealth.

This, mixed with hype generated around him online, have made him a hugely popular villager among Animal Crossing’s player community. But why is Marshal so sought-after? Well, there are a number of reasons:

• His cute appearance
• A charming, if sassy, way of talking – his off-kilter comments have spawned numerous fan memes
• He chatters away to himself, even when the player is nearby
• His keen interest in fashion, and the fact he will pay the player regular compliments
• The first and only squirrel in the Animal Crossing series with a ‘smug’ personality type

Least Popular Villagers

Not every villager in Animal Crossing is as beloved as the likes of Marshal, Bob and Coco. Whether through their cranky personality or the sheer prevalence of their species, some islanders are less popular than others in the world of New Horizons. Here, we take a look at those villagers at the bottom of the pile.

Poor Clyde. He’s far and away the least popular Animal Crossing villager, with an average of just 530 Google searches a month. A lazy horse with a penchant for food, Clyde is known to enrage both his snooty and jockey neighbours, who disagree with his idle lifestyle.

Elsewhere in the least popular villagers list, frogs were, unfortunately, ranked the least popular species – accounting for 25% of the game’s least desirable animals. Birds, pigs, bears and horses didn’t fare well either, highlighting a clear player preference towards more traditionally ‘cute’ characters, like cats, squirrels and rabbits.

As you might expect, abrasive personality traits were common in the least popular villagers list. Cranky, jock and snooty all ranked as undesirable qualities within the Animal Crossing community, showing players prefer a more idyllic, neighbourly island vibe.

Most Popular Activities

One of the main draws of Animal Crossing is the huge wealth of creative activities available within the game – ranging from bug catching and shopping to fishing, swimming, exploring and landscaping. But just how do Animal Crossing players spend time within the game? We analysed and grouped together related keyword searches for in-game information to find out.

We were delighted to see that one of the most popular in-game activities was adding new discoveries and exhibits to the museum and aquarium. Co-operating with Blathers, the museum’s wise old owl curator, players spend 20% of their time donating fish, creatures, fossils and art to the museum and aquarium – making it the standout activity within the New Horizons universe.

Meanwhile, proof of the dedication of Animal Crossing players is evident by the popularity of landscaping – an activity that’s only possible once the in-game Island Designer App is unlocked. Gardening, DIY and decorating also proved popular – showing that players value the game’s creative freedom.

Most Popular Clothing & Accessories

Clothing and customisation is a big part of Animal Crossing’s appeal for many players. As we’ve already established, shopping for new items is one of the game’s most popular activities, while players can also discover clothing items in hidden locations as they explore the world. But which items of clothing and accessories are the most popular?

It seems Animal Crossing players have a taste for bling, with the Crown and Royal Crown (purchasable for the kingly prices of 1,000,000 and 1,200,000 bells respectively) being the most sought-after items in New Horizons. Elsewhere, the Gold Armour suit also proved popular, though this can only be crafted using 8 of the game’s Gold Nuggets.

Judging by these showy dress-up options, it’s fair to say that, perhaps, many players aren’t happy with their role as humble Resident Representatives, but wish to become the ruling monarchs of their own private islands. Well, if you can’t give it a go in a video game, then when can you?

Most Popular Furniture & Housewares

Upgrading, personalising and reinventing your island home is by far one of the most popular activities within Animal Crossing – particularly among older players. But of the hundreds of furniture and houseware items within New Horizons, which are the most sought-after?

Large statement items like the Rocket, Lighthouse, Robot Hero, Moon, and Pool, are a clear trend within the list – suggesting players are getting into some heavy theming on their islands. The joy of Animal Crossing is being able to incorporate crazy items into the overall design of your home – bring a touch of enchantment to your personalisation efforts.

That said, value, size and rarity doesn’t always equal popularity. Players also seek out more simple, everyday furniture and items with which to decorate their interiors (and exteriors), from dressers and panels to cushions, lighting and dressers.

So, there you have it – a complete breakdown of some of the most popular characters, activities and customisable options within the wonderful world of Animal Crossing. With its animals, species, flora, and commitment to promoting the value of conservation, this is a must play game for animal and nature lovers alike – and one we’re proud to endorse here at Blue Planet Aquarium.

For more fun content, features and information about visiting the Blue Planet Aquarium, head to the homepage or give our team a call on 0151 357 8804.

Game imagery sourced from Animal Crossing Wiki and Nookipedia, adapted within fair use guidelines under the CC-BY-SA license.

We’re in full Christmas mode here at Blue Planet Aquarium. Our very own Scuba Santa is diving in our tank at 12:00 every day (13:00 on weekends). Plus there’s a Christmas storytime every weekend. Join our trail the Twelve Days of Christmas and follow the clues for the chance to win an annual pass.

We’re open until 5 pm on weekdays and 6 pm at weekends, see our homepage for our Christmas opening times.

Can’t decide on your perfect holiday destination? Why choose when you can visit Blue Planet Aquarium this summer for The Great Oceans Getaway!

Pick up your passport and collect stamps as you travel the world in search of remarkable creatures and diverse habitats:

Northern Streams

Visit the northern hemisphere and get up close to the inhabitants of the freshwater rivers and streams of the British Isles.

Coral Cave

Explore the mysterious darkened coral cave to find a stunning, natural coral reef teeming with tropical fish species as well as rays and puffer fish. 

Lake Malawi 

Discover Africa’s third-largest lake, formed millions of years ago. Our Lake Malawi is home to 100 species of native fish. Look out for our cichlids who have two sets of teeth!

Flooded Forest

Immerse yourself in the sounds of the rainforest with buzzing insects, a frog chorus, and a symphony of birdsong. Keep your eyes peeled for piranhas!

And there’s more…

• Feeds and talks take place all day throughout the aquarium including our diver presentations with the sharks in the main Aquatunnel.
• Relive Shakey the Shark’s around the world trip with his spectacular Aquatheatre shows, daily at 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm. 
• Be a border controller and check the luggage! You’ll be shocked to see what’s being imported! 

Whatever the weather, we’ve got you covered for your staycation!
 

Love is well and truly in the air this February at Blue Planet Aquarium. Experience our SEAS OF LOVE event on Valentine’s Day. Hold your sole mate’s hand and take a trip through the waves of love. Make the most of this exclusive-to-adults evening (16 and over).
For two hours – starting at 5:30 pm. Be whisked away to the depths of the ocean. Where you can enjoy dazzling underwater views, romantic lighting, and a stroll hand-in-hand through a kid-free aquarium.

BOOK ONLINE TODAY

You’ll learn all about the romanticists that dwell beneath the waves and discover lost love notes around the aquarium.
Flirt your way through the Shark Tunnel. Become heart-eyed at the sight of divers finding you your very own love note. Kept safely in a bottle deep under the ocean. Do you want a love note hidden in the shark tank? Here’s what to do:

1. Get your Valentine’s Day tickets here
2. Send us an email with your name, ticket code, and the message you want to send to your date
3. When you arrive at Blue Planet Aquarium collect your “love number” from the reception.
4. Show your “love number” to the divers. They will find your love note and display it to your special someone.
5. Watch your loved one’s surprise at having their own message in a bottle. What better way to tell someone you love them or even bend the knee?

We’ll be treating the most romantic couple to a delicious meal for two at Chiquitos on Coliseum Park, Cheshire Oaks. So you can extend your date into the evening. Want to be in with a chance of winning? We’ll search for the loveliest message (in a bottle) from all those submitted. That lucky sender – and their loved one – will sail on over for a romantic meal after their aquarium experience. 
Enjoy the romantic atmosphere, with carefully selected love songs and mood lighting. Setting the scene for a Valentine’s Day date like no other. Book your tickets now for an unforgettable evening.

BOOK ONLINE TODAY

Unleash your dangerous side this February half term as we show you the PREDATORS of Blue Planet Aquarium. From 16th-24th February, it’s time to face your fears and come face-to-face with some of the world’s most feared predators.

Feeling jumpy? Prepare yourself for the sight of poisonous dart frogs, as their vibrant colours may catch you off guard. The bright patterns of the dart frog are a way to warn other animals of their poisonous nature – be sure to stay on the right side of these deceivingly cute creatures. Their secret – deadly venom!
Wander through the predator trail and feast your eyes on an array of predators, who are known to be some of the most dangerous animals in the world. From the poisonous Lionfish to the snapping Caiman crocs, Blue Planet Aquarium is the hotspot for thrillseekers this half term.
We’re home to the largest collection of sharks in Europe, and the underwater giants will be waiting for you at the special shark finning awareness event to highlight how humans are the scariest predators under the waves. Don’t forget to get your selfie stick, at the ready because you’ll have the opportunity to stand in the jaws of the HUGE Megalodon shark – the largest shark that ever lived (make sure you show us on Instagram!).
The jawsome fun doesn’t stop there, either. Explore our interactive shark wall and learn all there is to know about the fins that glide through the waves.
Running throughout half term between 10-6 pm, the Predators Showcase is something you and the family certainly don’t want to miss. Exciting feeds take place daily at 12pm, where we’ll talk you through the fascinating feeding frenzies and predatory habits of our caimans, piranhas and sharks.
Grab your tickets now and prepare yourself to confront the dangers that lurk beneath – and above – the ocean waves.

So, what are you waiting for? Half term is nearly here! Get booking those tickets because you don’t want to end up with a trick instead of a treat this Halloween.

It’s love at first bite this February because our ocean-cool Shark Squad can’t wait to meet you. Grab the family and come for an unforgettable underwater walk through one of Europe’s largest shark tunnels.

You’ll have the chance to meet the hippest squad in town: Sarge the nurse shark, Finn the blacktip reef shark, and Sandy the sand tiger shark. What more could you want?

You don’t just have to meet them: you also have the chance to swim with them! Nothing can beat a half-term spent swimming with the Shark Squad!
That’s not all that’s happening this half term, either. Spend the holidays having a splash of a time with starfish, and even treat yourself to a trip to the theatre – our Aquatheatre, that is! It doesn’t stop there; take a look at our fun and educational talks and feeds – which take place daily:
Nursery Talk
Crustacean Feed
Starfish Talk
Rockpool Talk
Ray Feed
Aquatheatre Show
Flooded Forest Talk
Daily Feeds

So, what are you waiting for? Grab those flippers, even out those goggles, and get your half term off to a swimmingly fun start! If you’re diving on by, don’t forget to let us know on Facebook or on Twitter @BluePlanetUK.