Wigan Flashes
Wigan Flashes habitats include large areas of open water, reedbed, fen, rough grassland, wet woodland and scrub. Over 200 species of bird, 15 species of dragonfly and 6 species of orchid have been recorded.
The Flashes (Large pools) were formed as a result of mining subsidence caused by the old mines that closed many years ago. The Reserve is part of a large network of important wetland habitats, running for approximately 9km along the Leigh branch of the Leeds Liverpool Canal. These include Hey Brook, Abram Flashes SSSI, Pennington Flash Country Park and Hope Carr Nature Reserve.
The Wigan Flashes cover 260 hectares of land with the northern boundary just a short walk from the centre of Wigan. Much of the area is now designated as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) and contains Two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and 7 sites of biological importance grade A. The site is owned by Wigan Council.
Wildlife highlights: Bittern are recorded regularly in winter; Grey Heron, Tufted Duck, Coot, Pochard, Goldeneye, Gadwall and Great Crested Grebe all over winter here. Breeding birds include Reed Bunting, Willow Tit, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Common Tern and Water Rail.
The Flashes provide very important feeding areas for bats and support large numbers of Noctule and Daubenton's Bat.
Location: Leave the M6 at junction 25 head north on the A49, turn right on to Poolstock Lane (B5238). There are several entrances to the site; at the end of Carr Lane near Hawkley Hall School, one off Poolstock Lane itself, opposite St James Church, and two on Warrington Road (A573) and is accessible from the banks of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
Access: Free 24/7 public access with six hide screens across the site. The 610 bus Hawkley Hall Circular runs from Wigan Town Centre and stops near Hawkley Hall School near the entrance to the reserve.
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.
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