Wigan Flashes
Wigan Flashes is a highlight in a visit to Greenheart. The area is truly countryside on the doorstep for the surrounding communities and visitors to Wigan and offers a chance to enjoy the wildlife within easy reach of Wigan’s town centre.
There are eight shallow wetlands or ‘Flashes’ in the area which were formed as a result of mining subsidence. Over the years and with careful maintenance the industrial landscape has developed in to a mixture of beautiful habitats including open water, reedbeds and mossland.
Today the area has an abundance of wildlife enjoying these habitats. This includes water vole, willow tit and the very rare and shy bittern. A lot of work has already taken place and Wigan Flashes will continue to develop as one of the most important wildlife sites in the North West.
There are plenty of walks where you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the area and see the wildlife, as well as regular activities arranged on site such as Health Walks.
Directions
By Car: Leaving the M6 at J25, take a left at the roundabout heading north on the A49. At the next roundabout turn right onto Poolstock Lane (B5238). At the next traffic lights turn right onto Carr Lane, follow this road until you reach Hawkley Hall High School, turning left onto Welham Road where limited parking is available.
View on Google Maps
Is there disabled access
Paths are suitable for wheelchair use. LWT are in the process of making gates accessible throughout the site.
Facilities
Nature
There is no formal car park or facilities on the Flashes site at present.
Wigan Flashes has six bird hide screens
There are 10 km of paths around the site
Opening Times
Wigan Flashes are open 24 hours a day, 360 days a year.
Contact
Contact Lancashire Wildlife Trust on 01942 233976 or wiganflashes@lancswt.org.uk
