Former industrial sites to become urban nature reserves

Following a declaration by Natural England, the Flashes of Wigan and Leigh are now one of the UK's largest urban nature reserves.

The 738-hectare area, which is a former industrial wasteland, is now a nationally important site for rare wildlife including willow tit and bittern.

The species-rich wetland, meadows and woodlands of the Flashes of Wigan and Leigh will now join England's networks of National Nature Reserves. This is the first such designation in the Greater Manchester Area.

The announcement recognises the transformation seen in the Flashes over the last 100 years, where lakes formed from mining subsidence and became home to wildlife such as the booming bittern.

As well as for protecting wildlife and natural capital, the area has been recognised for its recreational value to the community. It is hoped the site will provide opportunities for sustainable tourism and visits including fishing, cycling, nature walks and birdwatching.

Natural England Chief Executive, Marian Spain said: "National Nature Reserves help reconnect people with our natural world, providing much needed opportunities to explore our incredible landscape for our health and wellbeing.

"A healthy natural environment and economic growth go hand in hand. By working together to build strong partnerships such as those we see here in the Flashes of Wigan and Leigh, we can provide space for rare species and provide vital greenspace. That will make Wigan and Leigh great places to live and great places to do business in, so helping to attract inward investment.

"The unique wetlands in Wigan and Leigh were forged by nature reclaiming former industrial land. Today’s designation demonstrates how it is possible to reverse the decline in nature."

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