Astley Moss Nature Reserve
Astley Moss is ideal is one of the largest remaining fragments of the Chat Moss complex, most of which has been lost due to being cut-over for peat or being drained for agriculture.
Invertebrates recorded on the moss are specially adapted to the acid environment. Ponds between the moss hummocks provide the ideal conditions for the aquatic stages in the lifecycle of many species of dragonfly. Ten species have been recorded on Astley and, of those, five are known to breed.
Willdife Highlights: Apart from the dragonflies, Astley Moss is also important for a number of birds, particularly wintering raptors such as Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl and Merlin. It supports breeding species including Curlew, Willow Tit, Tree Pipit and Whinchat. Many of the native British mammals occur here with Common Shrew, Rabbit, Bank Vole, Short-tailed Vole and Long-tailed Fieldmouse all included as prey for the hunting birds.
Location: Astley Moss is 7km south of Leigh. Turn off the A580(T) onto Higher Green Road, which is signposted as a no-through road, and go through Higher Green, Astley Green and Lower Green. After Lower Green, the road bends sharply to the left and then right and the Moss is accessible from the second track on the right, approximately 150m before the railway crossing. There are no parking facilities but vehicles can be left on the Rindle Road providing they do not obstruct the farm and railway maintenance vehicles that use it.
Access - NB restrictions
A permit is required for visiting the reserve. This can be obtained from the Trust office. The site has difficult access due to the numerous drains and tussocky vegetation on the site, so care must be taken.
Astley Moss is owned and managed by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust.
These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.