WIGAN FLASHES
This site guide is taken from the previous county birding website and was written by Judith Smith, a new, updated guide is currently in preparation.
A network of 7 subsidence flashes covering an area of 620 acres, partly
SSSI' d- Scotsman's Flash (used for sailing), Pearson's Flash, Westwood Flash,
Turner's Flash, Ochre Flash, Bryn Marsh and Horrocks' Flash. The Leigh
branch of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal runs through the flashes, providing easy
access but the existence of only one footbridge means that routes have to be
planned carefully, and parking even more, as some areas are prone to car
break-ins. Each flash has a different character and the area is probably too
large to cover in one day. Not suitable for disabled access away from the
canal towpath. No facilities or visitor centre.
The importance of the large reedbeds for Bitterns has attracted the interest
of conservation organisations, and in 1999 the Lancashire Wildlife Trust
appointed a Project Officer, as part of a partnership with Wigan MBC and
RSPB (see Clubs and Societies section for details). Over £250,000 has been
spent on reedbed management with major work completed in spring 2004 at
Horrocks’ Flash, creating 30 hectares of extra reedbed. Breeding birds
include Common Tern, Black-headed Gull, Water Rail, Gadwall and Tufted Duck,
and rarities in recent years include Purple Heron, Spoonbill, River Warbler,
Pectoral Sandpiper and Great White Egret.
Access is possible from a variety of points, but probably the best starting
point is Wellham Road, at the end of Carr Lane, off Poolstock Lane (B5238)
at the lights at St. Jude's RC Church. Poolstock Lane is accessed from the
A49 at the Goose Green roundabout, 1km N of the M6 slip road. Alternatively,
for the Horrocks’ Flash area, there is parking on Brampton Close, in the
housing estate at Bamfurlong. This is a cul-de-sac: at the end, turn left
down track alongside railway to canal towpath, then right under railway
bridge. About 100m along towpath, there is the option of turning right
across a metal bridge over ditch, onto path which circles Horrocks’ Flash
(best in mornings only and avoiding weekends). This gives views over
newly-created areas. Or carry on along canal towpath to view Horrocks’ Flash
main pool if time is short.
