A former industrial wasteland is set to become one of England’s largest urban nature reserves, the Government has announced.
The Flashes of Wigan and Leigh – a 738-hectare area of species-rich wetland, meadows and woodlands – will join England’s network of National Nature Reserves.
The new protected reserve will create an oasis for nature, with Wigan also now recognised as one of the greenest urban boroughs in the United Kingdom.
The mosaic of shallow open water and wetland habitats supports a rich diversity of birds and other species. This includes over 52 pairs of willow tit, accounting for approximately 2% of England’s population, as well as the heron-like bittern, water voles and great crested newts.
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.’
