Local Nature Reserves in East

A Guide to 15 Nature Reserves in the boroughs of with , , , Pendle, and Rossendale, with directions on how to get there and what you can expect to find

This front cover and other photographs were taken during a Summer Activities Programme with 23 children from Nelson & at Lomeshaye Marsh Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in September 2003 organised by the Pendle Women’s Forum and Pendle Pakistan Welfare Association.

2008 Edition 2 What are Local Nature Reserves ? 3

Since 1949 over 1,260 Local Nature So far 28 LNRs have been designated Reserves (LNRs) have been designated in Lancashire with others in the process in . They range from of designation in Lancashire. Collectively windswept coastal headlands, ancient these sites amount to over 375 hectares woodlands and flower-rich meadows (one hectare is 100 by 100 metres, to former inner city railways, long equivalent to a football pitch). abandoned landfill sites and industrial areas (see www.natural-england.org.uk) What Can I see when I visit? By nature we mean plants, animals and LNRs are not just for nature! They are the habitat or vegetation types in which not fenced off so people cannot get in they live. All the LNRs support a number and disturb the wildlife! In fact LNRs of habitat types varying from mature are just as much about providing woodland, young tree plantations, access for people and facilities to ponds or lodges, rivers & streams, encourage environmental education, marshy areas & heathland to different study and research. types of grassland and other vegetation. 2 3 The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside

A Local Nature Reserve, or LNR for short, is a site designated as a nature reserve by the County Council, the District Council or a Parish Council under the provisions of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949.

The site descriptions point out some Reserves for What? of the plants and animals you may see LNRs are nature reserves and are and the best times of the year to see managed to conserve and enhance the them. You can use the photographs habitats types and the variety of plants to help you identify the plant or animal and animals that live there including any but note that there is only one photo rare or important species. of each animal or plant even if it occurs at more than one site. So look LNRs are also statutory designations at the photos from the other LNRs to protected by law and the sites should check if the plant or animal you want appear on the Local Authority’s Local to see has a photograph included. Plan and have a policy affording them protection or exemption from The numbers of plants and birds development. recorded on each site is also given, where possible, together with other They are not only nature reserves but things to look out for. are also places for people to visit, enjoy and learn about. 4 Where are the Local Nature Reserves ? 5

LANCASTER Contents How to get there.....6-13 LANCASHIRE The Local M6 Nature Reserves...14-28 3 1COLNE 13 15 9 7 12 The Reserves PRESTON 10 BURNLEY BLACKBURN 5 1. Alkincoates 11 2 Woodland M654 6 14 DARWEN 2. The Arran Trail 8 3. Cross Hill Quarry ROCHDALE M6 M61 4. Darwen Parkway MANCHESTER 5. Deer Pond 6. Foxhill Bank MERSEYSIDE 7. Greenfield Road 8. Healey Dell 9. Lomeshaye Marsh There are 15 LNRs designated, or in the 10. Lowerhouse process of being designated, in East Lodges Lancashire (, 11. Old Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle, Ribble Valley & Hall Woods Rossendale) 12. Quarry Hill 13. Salthill Quarry The following site descriptions tell you how 14. Sunnyhurst Woods to get there on foot, by public transport, on 15. Upper Ballgrove a cycleway or bridleway, by car/motorcycle Lodge or by boat via the Leeds & Liverpool canal, where relevant.

For further details of how to get there on public transport you can ring the relevant information service or Tourist Information Centre:

Burnley Bus Station Pendle TEL: 01282 423125 TEL: 01282 698533 Clitheroe Rochdale/ Interchange Rossendale TEL: 01200 429832 TEL: 01706 244678 Bistort 4 5 The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside

Tourist Information Centres If you want to help

• Join in with practical conservation tasks throughout the year

• Have your say by attending management committee meetings

• Become a Volunteer Ranger photo: Bronwen Earnshaw photo: Bronwen

Sunnyhurst Woods Visitor Centre • Attend the guided walks and other events that are organised Accrington Clitheroe Town Hall, Corner of York Street • Send in your observations of Blackburn Rd. & Wellgate. flora and/or fauna to the Wildlife Trust Tel: 01254 872595 Tel: 01200 425566 [email protected] Pendle • Help with recording and The Bus Station monitoring work on the sites Blackburn Broadway Nelson 50-54 Church St Tel: 01282 698533 A manned Visitor Centre is Tel: 01254 53277 [email protected] present at Healey Dell, Healey Hall Mills, Shawclough Road. [email protected] Ribble Valley Rochdale. OL12 6BG. Tel 01706 [email protected] 350459 Burnley Rossendale Mechanics An unmanned Visitor Centre is 41/45 Kay Street Manchester Road present at Lomeshaye Marsh Tel: 01282 664421 but can be booked c/o Pendle 01706 244678 Community High School, Oxford [email protected] rossendale_leisure@ Road, Nelson compuserve.com

For further details of the cycleways and bridleways contact the relevant Local Authority’s Public Rights of Way Officer:

Burnley Pendle Rossendale 01282 425011 01282 661059 01706 874333

Blackburn Ribble Valley 01254 585585 01200 887220

Hyndburn Rochdale 01254 388111 01706 647474 6 How to get there 7

Alkincoates - Off Harrison Drive, . BB8 9SF On foot: There are access points from Alkincoates Park, Stag Lane, Red Lane (northeast and northwest entrances) and off the footpath along the eastern edge. Public Footpaths nos 150 & 151 pass through the site. photo: Chris Beaton Train: Nearest station is Colne at the end of the Preston to Colne line. The nearest entrance is 500m north of the station.

Bus: From Colne bus station Nos 94 and 94A at 15 and 45 mins past the hour.

Cycleway: The Lancashire Cycleway runs down Stag House Lane. Cycling is only permitted on the bridleways in the LNR.

Bridleway: Bridleways 152 and 229 pass through the site.

Leeds/Liverpool Canal: Approx 650m to the southeast of the canal from the southern end of the Tunnel.

Road: From the end of the M65 turn left onto Vivary Way and continue through a set of traffic lights to a roundabout. Turn left onto Harrison Drive and continue up to a mini-roundabout going straight on and take the right fork in the road up to the rugby club car park.

The Arran Trail - Off Arran Avenue or Shadsworth Road, Blackburn. BB1

On foot: Access off the east side of the Shadsworth Road (B6130), south of Bank Lane/ Road (A677), from Garsden Avenue and south of Arran Avenue

Train: Nearest station is Blackburn, approx 2km to the northwest of the LNR

Bus: From Blackburn Boulevard Nos. 8 or 9 (every 20 minutes) to Queens Park High School on Shadsworth Road or the community centre on Rothesay Road

Cycleway: From Blakewater College on Shadsworth Road to the junction of Fecitt Brow and Bank Lane

Road: Follow the Haslingden Road (B6232) from Blackburn centre or from junction 5 of the M65 towards Blackburn, taking the Shadsworth Road (B6130) north towards Shadsworth, the entrance being approx 500m on the right-hand/east-ward side

The LNR is approx. 1.5km to the photo: John Lamb Leeds/Liverpool Canal: southeast of the canal at Bennington Street/Lower Audley Street (A679) 6 7 The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside

Cross Hill & Salthill Quarries. Cross Hill - Off West Bradford Road, Clitheroe. BB7 4QF

On foot: From to Salthill turn left heading north & at the B6478 follow the road right to the 1st

photo: Phil Dykes roundabout, carry straight on to the 2nd roundabout on the A671 ( Road/Waterloo Road/York Street junction). Follow Waterloo Road south for a few yards then turn left onto Salthill Road which leads to a small playing field with the LNR at the far side.

From Clitheroe Interchange to Cross Hill, turn left heading north & at the B6478 turn left onto the Waddington Road (under the railway bridge) pass the cemetery on the left & enter Brungerley Park on the right. Follow the paths through the park to the LNR. Both LNRs are on the Clitheroe Geological Heritage Trail (leaflet available).

Train: To Clitheroe Interchange via Blackburn, Settle or Skipton (via Hellifield)

Bus: To Clitheroe Interchange from Preston - 280 (via the A59), 210 (via ). From Blackburn 225. From Accrington - X1, X2 & Z31. From Burnley 22, 27, 28 & 257.

Cycle & bridleway: No special routes hence use roads but note cycling & horseriding are not permitted within the LNRs.

Road: Follow the black industrial signs on the A59(T) towards Clitheroe. Turn onto the Pimlico Link Road (towards West Bradford). For Salthill take the first road on the left (Lincoln Way) & a parking area exists on the right at the start of the industrial estate. For Cross Hill stay on the link road, carry straight on at the roundabout, go over a railway crossing and as the road descends there are 2 entrances into the LNR on the left before the Castle Cement works on your right, but parking on the West Bradford Road is limited. photo: The Arran Trail John Ryden photo: The Arran Trail 8 How to get there 9

Darwen Parkway - Off Wolseley Street, Blackburn. BB2 On foot: There are access points from Wolseley Street to the north off the A666 Road near the Aqueduct pub, from the B6231 to the south & from Holmbrook Close on the Higher Croft estate past the Perpetual Succour School.

Train: Nearest station is Blackburn 2 kilometres to the north photo: Daveen Wallis Bus: From Blackburn Nos 1, 3 & 19 (), 30 & 225 (Bolton) to Ewood (Aqueduct Bus Stop). From Darwen Nos 1, 3, 330 & 225 (Clitheroe) to Fernhurst or Aqueduct pub Bus Stops.

Cycleway: To be completed through the site connecting Witton Park and and routes into the town centre.

Bridleway: The Pennine Bridleway passes through the northern tip of the LNR, but horseriding is not permitted within the LNR.

Leeds/Liverpool Canal: Less than 500m south of the canal at Hollin Bank.

Road: There is parking along the Bolton Road and in the Parkway car park. From the junction 4 on M65, follow the A666 towards Blackburn. Pass Ewood Stadium on the right and follow the one way system towards the town centre. On rejoining the main road, there are car parks on the left hand side before the River Darwen.

Deer Pond - Off Deer Park Road, Towneley, Burnley. BB11 On foot: From Burnley town centre head to the Todmorden Road (A671), enter by Towneley High School, fol- low the drive bearing left onto Deer Park Road & the LNR is on the right after the car park.

Train: Manchester Road, & Burnley Central Stations all within 3-4 kilometres of the LNR. photo: John Lamb

Bus: No. 8 bus, half hourly from Burnley Bus station down Todmorden Road.

Cycleway & Bridleway: Deer Park Road is a byway open to all traffic but note that cycling & horse riding are not permitted within the LNR itself.

Road: Follow the A671 (Todmorden Road) and enter Towneley Park by Towneley High School, follow the drive bearing left onto Deer Park Road & into the car park. The LNR is a short distance beyond. 8 9 The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside

Foxhill Bank - Off Mill Hill, . BB5

On foot: Follow Market Street/Union Road through Oswaldtwistle. There are entrances into the LNR down Mill Hill, Badge Brow & Foxhill Bank Brow.

Train: Hourly service to Church & Oswaldtwistle station on the Preston to Colne line. photo: Jean Grindrod Bus: Nos. 6 & 60 every 15 minutes from Accrington & no. 7 every 15 minutes from Blackburn.

Cycleway & bridleway: No special routes hence follow the roads but note cycling & horseriding are not permitted within the LNR.

Road: From the B6231, Union Road, through Oswaldtwistle turn into Mill Hill besides the Tinker & Budget pub, nearly opposite the cenotaph and follow the road downhill to the small car park by the reserve entrance.

Leeds/Liverpool Canal: Approx 500m south of the canal at Alleytroyds.

Greenfield Road - Off Whitewalls Drive, Colne. BB8 9QX

On foot: There are access points off Greenfield Road to the west of Whitewalls Drive. Internal footpaths are concessionary.

Train: Nearest station is Colne, approximately 750m east of the LNR.

photo: Andrew Laycock photo: Andrew Bus: From Nelson and Colne use the Greenline bus, which can be hailed. The nearest stop to the LNR is Boundary Mill

Cycleway: Greenfield Road is a highway but note that cycling is not permitted within the LNR.

Road: At the roundabout at the end of the M65 turn right onto Whitewalls Drive and turn right at the next roundabout, effectively doubling back on yourself, but take the 2nd left (after ) into Greenfield Road, before the M65 roundabout.

Leeds/Liverpool Canal: 150m southeast of the canal where it goes under the M65. 10 How to get there 11

Healey Dell - Off Shawclough Road, Rochdale. OL12 6BG

On foot: Entrances off Market Street (A671) at Whitworth or via Dell Road/Shawclough Road (B6377) at Lower Fold in Rochdale.

Train: Nearest station is at Rochdale (3km to south of the LNR)

photo: John Lamb Bus: No 464 every 10 minutes to/from Accrington & Rochdale via Rawtenstall & .

Cycleway: The railway line is part of the Healey Dell & Lobden Moor Cycle Route (leaflet available) from Shawclough Road. The National Cycleway passes through the northern tip of the LNR. Please note cycling is not permitted off the cycleway within the LNR.

Bridleway: The Pennine Bridleway passes through the northern tip of the LNR, but horseriding is not permitted within the LNR.

Road: Parking is available near the Visitor Centre or along Station Road, Broadley. Small car parks are situated off Station Road, at the head of the access ramp & off Market Street (entrance to Spodden Valley).

Lomeshaye Marsh - Off Kirby Road, Nelson. BB9 6RS

On foot: From Nelson or Brierfield town centres follow the A682 to the roundabout then cross over the M65 roundabout & follow Churchill Way before turning left onto Kirby Road which leads to the LNR.

Train: Hourly service to Brierfield or Nelson stations on the photo: Chris Beaton Preston to Colne line, then on foot as above (approx 1 mile).

Bus: Nos. 20-28 every 10 minutes from Burnley, Nelson or Colne & stopping at the Waggon & Horses pub.

Cycleway: Along the Leeds/Liverpool canal towpath with a link from Lomeshaye Road under the M65 & onto Churchill Way. Please note cycling is not permitted within the LNR.

Road: 300m from junction 12 of the M65. Follow the Lomeshaye Industrial Estate signs on the roundabout & follow Churchill Way before turning left onto Kirby Road which leads to the LNR.

Leeds/Liverpool Canal: 500m from the canal on the other side of the M65 between junction 12 and Whitefield. 10 11 The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside

Lowerhouse Lodges - Knotts Lane, off Lowerhouse Lane, . BB12

On foot: The main entrance is down Knotts Lane off Lowerhouse Lane.

Train: Hourly service to Rose Grove station on the Preston to Colne line.

Bus: No. 12, half hourly service from Burnley Bus station, photo: John Lamb down Lowerhouse Lane.

Cycleways: 1. Along Lowerhouse Lane to Knotts Lane; 2. Lower Rosegrove Lane/Molly Wood Lane; 3. Leeds/Liverpool Canal towpath; 4. Disused railway line from Padiham. Please note cycling is not permitted within the LNR.

Bridleway: Down Knotts Lane, to Molly Wood Lane and through to Liverpool Road (A646).

Road: From Jn 10 on the M65 take the A671 towards Burnley. At the roundabout turn right onto Accrington Road (A679). Turn right at the traffic lights onto Liverpool Road. Go over the railway, M65 and canal, then at the right hand bend in the road turn left onto Lowerhouse Lane & continue to the junction with Knotts Lane & Scott Street. Parking is limited.

Leeds/Liverpool Canal: A few 100m northeast of the canal at Molly Wood Bridge/Padiham Junction.

Pleasington Old Hall Woods - Off Tower Road, Blackburn. BB2

On foot: Access is off the Crematorium Road (Tower Road) to the east, or down Old Hall Lane from the Pleasington Road/ Sandy Lane to the west.

Train: Hourly service to Pleasington and Cherry Tree on the photo: John Haddon Preston to Colne line, then walk towards the crematorium.

Bus: From Blackburn Station stand L number 124 every 20 minutes along the Preston Old Road (A674) to Feniscliffe, Cherry Tree or Feniscowles stops. From Preston Station, stand 57 every 30 minutes along the Preston Old Road (A674).

Cycleway: Bicycles can use the Crematorium Road (Tower Road) or the Pleasington Road/Sandy Lane. Please note cycling is not permitted within the LNR.

Road: Parking in , off the Crematorium Road. Leeds/Liverpool Canal: 1.3km northwest of the canal at Cherry Tree. 12 How to get there 13

Quarry Hill - Off Waidshouse Road, Nelson. BB9 0SB

On foot: Walk from Nelson bus or train station as below. The site is just 600m from the .

Train: Hourly service to Nelson on the Preston to Colne line. Walk up Railway Street for approx 700m, turning right into Waidshouse Road and the main entrance is a short distance on

photo: Dean Carney your left through the car park.

Bus: Number 12A hourly service from Nelson or Burnley stopping on Waidshouse Road, otherwise numbers 20-28 every 10 minutes from Burnley, Nelson or Colne, stopping at Nelson Bus Station then follow the directions from the train station.

Cycleway: Along the Leeds/Liverpool Canal towpath, then to Nelson train station, then as above. Please note cycling is not permitted within the nature reserve.

Road: Just over 1km from junction 13 of the M65. Follow the A682 (Scotland Road) into Nelson town centre, bear right onto Broadway, then turn left onto Railway Street for approx 700m, turning right into Waidshouse Road and into the car park the main entrance a short distance on your left.

Leeds/Liverpool Canal: 1.2km to the southwest of the canal. Walk or cycle along the roads to Nelson train station, then as above.

Salthill Quarry - Off Lincoln Way, Clitheroe. BB7 (See Cross Hill Quarry) 12 13 The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside

Sunnyhurst Woods - Off Earnsdale Road, Darwen. BB3

On foot: Access from Earnsdale Road/Sunnyhurst Lane as well as from / to the west. The Witton Weavers Way passes through the LNR.

Train: Darwen station is 1.25km to the southwest.

photo: Bronwen Earnshaw photo: Bronwen Bus: Frequent service from Darwen Circus, Nos. 1 & 225 to Hollins Grove Street and walk up Earnsdale Road

Cycleway: Cyclists can use Earnsdale Road/Sunnyhurst Lane and Tockholes Road (Darwen) Please note cycling is not permitted within the LNR.

Road: From the A666 through Darwen take Earnsdale or Tockholes Road. Car park present down track at junction of Sunnyhurst Lane and Tockholes Road.

Leeds/Liverpool Canal: The LNR is 3km southeast of the canal at Moorgate or Stanworth Aqueduct.

Upper Ballgrove Lodge - Off Winewall Road, Colne. BB8

On foot: Option 1: from Colne follow the Keighley Road (B6250) to the roundabout then on the other side turn right to Cottontree. Head left onto Winewall Road, then left into Ball Grove Park before the bridge & follow the track past a play area, lake & cottages on your left and follow the footpath through a field to the LNR. photo: John Lamb Option 2: As above but do not turn right to Cottontree. Follow the A6068 for just over 1 km & head down Spring Grove turning left at the bottom onto the footpath leading to the LNR.

Train: Hourly service to Colne on the Preston to Colne line, then on foot as above (just over 2 miles).

Bus: Hourly service No. 25 (Keighley) from Colne to Spring Grove. Return bus Nos. 20, 21 or 23. Cycleway & Bridleway: No special routes hence follow roads but note cycling & horseriding are not permitted in the LNR.

Road: Option 1: 2.5miles from junction 14 of the M65 to Ball Grove Park then a walk of 1/2 mile (as above). At junction 14 turn left onto Vivary Way (A6068) straight on through traffic lights & at the second roundabout continue towards Keighley and then turn right to Cottontree. On the bend in the road turn left onto Winewall Road, then left into Ball Grove Car Park before the bridge.

Option 2: As Option 2 on foot, parking on the roadside opposite Spring Grove. 14 Site Information 15

ALKINCOATES WOODLAND LNR Size: 8 hectares, 19 acres Designated: October 2006 Alkincoates Woodland is largely a relatively recent broadleaved plantation but there is a mature stand of Beech trees alongside Red Lane on the northern boundary. A variety of trees and shrubs have been planted and small ponds, wetland areas and wildflower-rich rides provide a variety of habitats for insects, mammals and birds. A LNR leaflet and 4 circular walk leaflets are available.

Nearest Town: Colne Grid Reference: SD 881 411 (centre) OS Maps: Landranger 103 Blackburn (1:50,000) Outdoor Leisure 21 (1:25,000) Ownership: Pendle Borough Council Status: Important Wildlife Site (Pendle Local Plan) Nearest toilets: In the Rugby Club Other details: There is Alkincoates Woodland Nature Reserve group. No. of plants: 150 including Hornbeam, Aspen, Gorse, Wych Elm, Sneezewort, Heather, Pignut, Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Marsh Ragwort, Devil’s-bit Scabious, Wood & Heath Speedwell. No. of birds: 44 including Sparrowhawk, Heron, Redpoll, Siskin, Treecreeper, Brambling, Chiffchaff, Bullfinch Purple Hairstreak Willow Warbler, Goldcrest, Nuthatch, Tawny Owl, Blackcap and Great Spotted Woodpecker. Also look out for: Cinnabar moth, Orange Tip and Small Heath.

NOTES & ANY LOOK OUT FOR BEST TIME TO SEE SPECIAL STATUS

Purple Hairstreak Locally rare. Flies in the canopies Mid July - mid August butterfly of mature oak trees

Of National All year on the Bullfinch Conservation Concern bird feeding tables

April-May for young leaves, Some fine specimens are present autumn/winter for brown in the plantation alongside Red Beech cigar-shaped buds, all year for Lane silvery-grey bark One of the corvid family, i.e. the All year but tend to be crows, but a very colourful & Jay secretive during the breeding beautiful bird season 14 15 The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside

THE ARRAN TRAIL LNR Size: 16.5 hectares, 41 acres Designated: 2007 The Arran Trail at Shadsworth is a wildlife corridor associated with Knuzden Brook and supports a range of habitats including hedges, broadleaved plantations, tall and short grassland areas, patches of heather and three ponds, which have developed into a significant wildlife area. The Wildlife Trust has worked with the local community to improve the area and encourage use by local schools.

Nearest Town: Blackburn Grid Reference: SD 710 270 (centre) OS Maps: Landranger 103 Blackburn (1:50,000) Outdoor Leisure 287 (1:25,000) Ownership: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council Status: Protected Open Space and a Wildlife Corridor in the Borough Local Plan. Local Nature Reserve Nearest toilets: Shadsworth Neighbourhood Center on Rothesay Road. Public house on Fecitt Brow/Old Bank Lane Facilities: Entrance features, benches, paths suitable for pushchairs and bicycles No. of plants: At least 135 including Spindle, Heather, Lemon-scented Fern,Hard Fern, Common Spotted-orchid, Common Toadflax, Sneezewort, Teasel Purple and Yellow Loosestrife. Both Yellow and White Water-lilies are found in the ponds. No. of birds: Details being recorded, records welcome Also look out for: Molehills (and even the mole that lives in the hole), dragonflies and damselflies

NOTES & ANY LOOK OUT FOR BEST TIME TO SEE SPECIAL STATUS Purple flowers in July - August The seeds are eaten by birds such Teasel but its distinctive seed heads can as Goldfinch persist all year Flowers April – May One of the best willows for basket- Osier Long thin leaves with inrolled making edges June - September Many different species, difficult to Hawkweeds June – August on the spoil heaps identify – if you can work them out (Hieracium species) below the ponds do let us know! Feeds mainly on insects over the Dunnock or Hedge All year summer but switches to seeds Sparrow over the winter 16 Site Information 17

CROSSHILL QUARRY LNR Size: 8.5 hectares, 20 acres Designated: May 1989 A limestone quarry abandoned in the early 1900’s. Habitats include a variety of woodland and scrub, a riverside section and flower-rich grassland habitats which are buzzing with life. A LNR leaflet is available.

Nearest Town: Clitheroe & West Bradford Grid Reference: SD 745 433 (centre) OS Maps: Landranger 103 (1:50,000) Outdoor Leisure 41 (1:25,000) Ownership: Leased to Wildlife Trust from Ribble Valley Borough Council Status: County Wildlife Site (Biological Heritage Site), Regionally Important Geological Site. Nearest toilets: On the Waddington Road. From Crosshill follow the Ribble Way south to the B6478. Also present in Clitheroe Town Centre. Other details: Part of the Brungerley Park Sculpture Trail & on the Ribble Way. No. of plants: 270 plus 78 mosses & liverworts. Plants include Cowslip, Sanicle, Moschatel, Lady’s Mantle, Bryony, Twayblade, Hart’s-tongue fern Burnet Saxifrage, Betony. No. of birds: Over 60, including Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Spotted Flycatcher, Grey Wagtail, Heron, Kingfisher, Bullfinch. Also look out for: Orange Tip, Large Skipper and Wall Brown

NOTES & ANY LOOK OUT FOR BEST TIME TO SEE SPECIAL STATUS

Of National Bullfinch March - April Conservation Concern

Flowers in April - May Distinctive plant of Cuckoo Pint Berries in August - September woods & hedgerows

Marjoram & Thyme July - September Sweetly-scented native herbs

Long blade-like leaves, its name Hart’s-tongue fern All year means ‘deer’s tongue!’ 16 17 The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside

DARWEN PARKWAY LNR Size: 31 hectares, 80 acres Designated: 2005 The River Darwen Parkway is a large open space within an urban setting, rich in industrial history and now a haven for wildlife with a mosaic of habitats including woodland, scrub, heath, and grassland with ponds and marshes.

Nearest Town: Blackburn Grid Reference: SD 682 254 OS Maps: Landranger 103 Blackburn (1:50,000), Outdoor Leisure 287 West Pennine Moors (1:25,000) Ownership: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council Status: County Wildlife Site (Biological Heritage Site in Lancashire) Nearest toilets: Ivy Street Community Centre No. of plants: 161 including Heather, Meadow Crane’s-bill, Great Water Dock No. of birds: 56 (29 recorded breeding), including Peregrine, Snipe, Merlin, Yellowhammer. Also look out for: Palmate Newt, Smooth Newt and Common Blue butterfly.

Harebell

NOTES & ANY LOOK OUT FOR BEST TIME TO SEE SPECIAL STATUS Underwater leaves feathery. May – June Water Violet Floating stems produce lilac - pink flowers Delicate drooping blue flowers on Harebell July - September a thin stalk. Called Bluebells in Scotland

Pale sky blue/lilac flowers similar Sheep’s-bit May - August to a scabious

Migrates from south of Whitethroat Mid May - mid September the Sahara desert

Late March - October One of the earliest migrants, Sand Martin especially at dusk flies from West Africa 18 Site Information 19

DEER POND LNR Size: 1.3 hectares, 3.1 acres Designated: 1997 A pond and surrounding habitat in the grounds of Towneley Park supporting frogs, toads and newts, dragonflies and damselflies. The pond is fringed by a good example of marginal vegetation which includes Bulrush, Water Horsetail & Reed Canary-grass together with forget-me-not, Brooklime, Yellow Flag & Water Mint. A variety of trees & shrubs are also present. Nearest Town: Burnley Grid Reference: SD 860 313 (centre) OS Maps: Landranger 103 Blackburn (1:50,000) Outdoor Leisure 21 South Pennines (1:25,000) Ownership: Burnley Borough Council Status: County Wildlife Site (Biological Heritage Site) Nearest toilets: Towneley Holmes car park No. of plants: 61 including Marsh Bedstraw, Lesser Spearwort, Angelica, Marsh-marigold, bird’s-foot-trefoil, Meadow Vetchling. No. of birds: 40+ including Snipe, Meadow Pipit, Swallow, Mallard, Moorhen, Heron, Coot, Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler & Kingfisher. Also look out for: Roe Deer and Brown Hare in the vicinity

Tufted Duck

NOTES & ANY LOOK OUT FOR BEST TIME TO SEE SPECIAL STATUS

Dragonflies Sunny spells throughout Common & Brown Hawker (wings outstretched) the summer Common Darter dragonflies Damselflies Sunny Spells throughout Large Red, Blue-tailed and Azure (wings folded back) the summer damselflies. Newt larvae leave the water in a Smooth and Most active from terrestrial form called an eft and Palmate Newts April - August in ponds when mature return to the pond to live or to breed A wild Veronica with spikes of Brooklime May - September in wet places bright blue flowers

Adults feed on fresh-water Tufted Duck A winter visitor mussels & snails 18 19 The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside

FOXHILL BANK LNR Size: 9 hectares, 22 acres Designated: April 1999 Hidden away in a shallow valley in the heart of Oswaldtwistle, Foxhill Bank LNR is historically linked to past industry involving a Calico Print Works, as well as providing an excellent urban site for wildlife and people. The LNR boasts young and mature woodland, scrub, two lodges, Tinker Brook and grassland. A LNR leaflet is available.

Nearest Town: Oswaldtwistle, near Accrington Grid Reference: SD 740 278 (centre) OS Maps: Landranger 103 Blackburn (1:50,000), Explorer 287 (1:25,000) Ownership: Leased to Wildlife Trust from Status: County Wildlife Site (Biological Heritage Site) Nearest toilets: On the B6231, Union Road, opposite the Tinker & Budget pub. Other details: The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 and byelaws apply to the LNR. There is a Friends of group. Accessible to the disabled. No. of plants: 200 plus 65 mosses & liverworts. Plants include Wood Anemone, Butterbur, Bulrush, Yellow Flag, Oxeye Daisy, Knapweed,Lady’s Mantle, Ragged Robin, Bird’s-foot-trefoil, Meadowsweet. Nuthatch No. of birds: 40+, including Heron, Little Grebe, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Tree Creeper, Bullfinch, Grey Wagtail, Long-tailed Tit, warblers, Siskin, Reed Bunting, Blackcap. Also look out for: Dragonflies and damselflies, butterflies eg. Peacock, Common Blue and Brimstone.

NOTES & ANY LOOK OUT FOR BEST TIME TO SEE SPECIAL STATUS

Of National Kingfisher All year Conservation Concern

Can swim under water in rivers Dipper All year and walks along the bed looking for food

A pink torpedo of flowers - similar to Bistort June - August one of the liquorice allsorts

First recorded Sept 2007 Nuthatch All year and bred in May 2008 20 Site Information 21

GREENFIELD ROAD LNR Size: 3.2 hectares, 7.7 acres Designated: October 2006 Situated on the slopes and floodplain of Colne Water. A mill leat and pond are surviving features from its past industrial use in supplying water to a large cotton mill downstream (west). Today the site supports woodland & scrub, grassland, wetland and tall ruderal vegetation. A sewage treatment works on the other side of the river attracts a variety of birds, which also visit the LNR or can be seen from the site. A LNR leaflet is available.

Nearest Town: , Nelson & Colne Grid Reference: SD 872 396 (centre) OS Maps: Landranger 103 Blackburn (1:50,000) Outdoor Leisure 21 South Pennines (1:25,000) Ownership: Pendle Borough Council Status: Important Wildlife Site (Pendle Local Plan) Nearest toilets: Town centres or nearby shopping centre Other details: Habitat and species boards are on site. There is a Friends of group. No. of plants: 182 including Burnet Rose, Wild Angelica, Marsh-marigold, Meadow Crane’s-bill, Ground-ivy, Purple Loosestrife, Butterbur, Zigzag Clover & Tufted Vetch. No. of birds: 61 including Bullfinch, Dipper, Goldfinch Heron, Kingfisher, Tawny Owl, House & Sand Martins, Pied, Grey & Yellow Wagtails, photo: John Lamb Wayfaring Tree Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Blackcap, Tree Sparrow, Song Thrush & Reed Bunting. Also look out for: Goosander on Colne Water; Flowering Rush, Mare’s-tail & Water-soldier in the pond.

NOTES & ANY LOOK OUT FOR BEST TIME TO SEE SPECIAL STATUS

A native shrub to southern & In flower: May – June Wayfaring Tree central England. A member of the Fruit: August - October Honeysuckle family

April - July, on the banks Like the wagtails, this bird bobs its Common Sandpiper of Colne Water tail up & down A member of the dead-nettle Marsh Woundwort July - September family. Grows in damp places. Has pinky-purple flowers

All year. Its call is a high-pitched The UK’s smallest bird. It has a Goldcrest “see-see-see” gold streak on its head. 20 21 The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside

HEALEY DELL LNR Size: 40 hectares, 96 acres Designated: April 1976 Healey Dell is one of the most important clough woodlands in the area, situated along the steep-sided valley of the . Other habitats include heathland, grassland and scrub along the river, former mill lodges and part of the disused Rochdale to Bacup railway line. There is a Friends of group.

Nearest Town: Whitworth, Rossendale in Lancashire, Rochdale in Manchester Grid Reference: SD 879 156 (Visitor Centre) SD 881 168 (Spodden entrance) OS Maps: Landranger 109 Manchester (1:50,000), Outdoor Leisure 21 South Pennines (1:25,000) Ownership: Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council & Rossendale Borough Council Status: County Wildlife Site (Biological Heritage Site in Lancashire, Site of Biological Importance in Manchester). Nearest toilets: Visitor Centre. Public toilets with facilities for the disabled are present at Healey Corner (junction of Shawclough Road B6377 and Whitworth Road, A671). No. of plants: 200+, including Bluebell, Violet, Wood Anemone,

photo: John Lamb Stone Viaduct Heather, Bilberry, Crowberry, Devil’s-bit Scabious, Yellow Flag, Marsh-marigold, Helleborine & orchids. No. of birds: 60 including Sparrowhawk, Tawny Owl, Green Woodpecker, Wood Warbler, Nuthatch, Treecreeper and Bullfinch.

NOTES & ANY LOOK OUT FOR BEST TIME TO SEE SPECIAL STATUS One of several railway bridges built Railway Trestle Anytime in the late 1800’s. Bridge & Viaduct The railway closed in the 1960’s Small white flowers above Sweet Woodruff May - June whorls of 6 - 8 leaves. Smells sweet when dried Yellow star-shaped flowers, Bog Asphodel July August flat spiky leaves

Bilberry flowers April - June, Both grow on acidic soils. Heather & Bilberry fruits July - August Bilberries are used to make Heather flowers August - October pies and wine 22 Site Information 23

LOMESHAYE MARSH LNR Size: 2 hectares, 2.8 acres Designated: February 2005 A mosaic of habitats including ponds & swamp, trees & scrub, species-rich grassland & riverside banking, on the site of a former sewage works. A timber building with a turf roof & a bird hide has been constructed but is only open by prior arrangement c/o Pendle Community High School, Oxford Road, Nelson. Surprisingly for such a small site, a Bittern roosted in the swamp in winter 1997. A LNR leaflet is available.

Nearest Town: Lomeshaye, Nelson Grid Reference: SD 846 376 (centre) OS Maps: Landranger 103 Blackburn (1:50,000), Outdoor Leisure 21 South Pennines (1:25,000) Ownership: Pendle Borough Council Status: County Wildlife Site (Biological Heritage Site) by Jean Grindrod Nearest toilets: Town Hall, Market Street, Nelson Other details: Part of the Tackler’s and Water Power Trails. No. of plants: 166 including Cowslip, Oxeye Daisy, St John’s-wort, Lady’s Bedstraw, Ragged Robin, Bulrush, Marsh-marigold, Celery-leaved Buttercup & Yellow Flag. No. of birds: 51 including Swallow, Jack Snipe, Sedge & Reed Warblers, Reed Bunting, Water Rail, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Tawny Owl, Grey Heron, Moorhen, Bullfinch, Tree Sparrow & Kingfisher. Meadow Crane’s-bill Also look out for: Frogs, toads & newts

NOTES & ANY LOOK OUT FOR BEST TIME TO SEE SPECIAL STATUS

Meadow A blue-flowered native June - September Crane’s-bill Geranium

Snipe Winter months Up to 30 birds roost on site

12 species recorded - one of the Dragonflies and Summer months best sites in damselflies East Lancashire

Flowers May - July seed heads Produces a massive Goat’s-beard August - September dandelion head 22 23 The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside

LOWERHOUSE LODGES LNR Size: 11 hectares, 26.5 acres Designated: September 2000 A diverse site comprising two lodges (one of which is used for angling), swamp and marsh vegetation, riverside habitats, plantations, wet willow woodland, scrub, tall herb and grassland areas and a hay meadow. A brochure and leaflet are available for the LNR.

Nearest Town: Padiham, Burnley Grid Reference: SD 807 325 OS Maps: Landranger 103 Blackburn (1:50,000) Outdoor Leisure 21 South Pennines (1:25,000) Ownership: Leased by Burnley Borough Council Status: County Wildlife Site (Biological Heritage Site) Nearest toilets: No. of plants: 200 including Lady’s Mantle, Knapweed, Water-plantain, Large Bittercress, Wild Teasel, Meadowsweet, Marsh Woundwort, St John’s Wort, Gypsywort, Common Valerian. No. of birds: 60 including Snipe, Jack Snipe, Water Rail, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Goldeneye, Coot, Linnet, Sparrowhawk, Willow Warbler, Kingfisher, Grey Heron, Goldcrest Also look out for: Dragonflies and damselflies (eg. Brown and Reed Bunting (male) Common Hawkers, Common Darter, Common Blue Damselfly); Butterflies (eg. Orange Tip, Wall, Large and Small Skippers).

NOTES & ANY LOOK OUT FOR BEST TIME TO SEE SPECIAL STATUS Favours upper lodge and Kingfisher Winter visitor Green Brook

Mute Swan March - October The chicks are called cygnets

Orchid seeds need a Common Spotted-orchid June - July fungus to germinate

Reed Bunting April - August Of National Conservation Concern

Its song is a drawn out “churr” Sedge Warbler May - August but more abrupt and not as rhythmic as the Reed Warbler Semi-parasitic species Yellow Rattle May - August feeding on plant roots 24 Site Information 25

PLEASINGTON OLD HALL WOODS LNR Size: 3.5 hectares, 8.4 acres Designated: 2007 The LNR is a narrow strip of mixed woodland with streams running through northwest to southeast. In the northwest corner, a Victorian walled garden was redesigned as a wildlife garden in the late 1980’s.

Nearest Town: Blackburn Grid Reference: SD 646 270 (centre) OS Maps: Landranger 103 Blackburn (1:50,000) Outdoor Leisure 287 West Pennine Moors (1:25,000) Ownership: Owned by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and managed by the Wildlife Trust since 1987 Status: County Wildlife Site (Biological Heritage Site) Nearest toilets: Witton Country Park Visitor Centre No. of plants: 156 native species in the walled garden alone Birds include: Goldfinch, Hawfinch, Song and Mistle Thrushes, Nuthatch and Lesser-spotted Woodpecker. Also look out for: Butterflies and moths, 11 species including: Touch-me-not Balsam Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Comma, Large Skipper and Meadow Brown

NOTES & ANY LOOK OUT FOR BEST TIME TO SEE SPECIAL STATUS

Touch-me-not Yellow-flowered and native, unlike July - September Balsam its pink flowered Himalayan relative

Garden & Willow Two of the five species of warblers Mid April - May Warblers recorded in the LNR

A purple-flowered broomrape that Toothwort April - May is parasitic on shrubs

Climbs up the tree trunk then flies Nuthatch All year down to the base of another tree in search of insects 24 25 The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside

QUARRY HILL NATURE RESERVE Size: 6.5 hectares, 15.7 acres Being designated: 2009/2010 Quarry Hill was landscaped in 1989 following its use as a quarry up to the 1950’s and then a landfill site from 1962-82. Over 6,000 trees and shrubs were planted. The nature reserve now supports a range of habitats including woodland and scrub, wildflower meadows, mown grassland, the top of a quarry face, ditches and marshy areas. A nature reserve leaflet is available.

Nearest Town: Nelson & Brierfield Grid Reference: SD 865 368 (centre) OS Maps: Landranger 103 Blackburn (1:50,000) Outdoor Leisure 21 South Pennines (1:25,000) Ownership: Lancashire County Council Status: Important Wildlife Site (Pendle Local Plan) Nearest toilets: Nelson Town Centre Other details: Cloverhill Residents Action Group (CRAG) is involved in management and fundraising No. of plants: Over 150 including Crab Apple, Lesser Celandine, Bistort, Yellow Rattle, Meadow Crane’s-bill, Oxeye Daisy, Knapweed, Ragged-Robin, St John’s Wort, Cowslips and Field Scabious. No. of birds: Nearly 20 so far including Greenfinch, Song

Betony Thrush, House Sparrow, Starling, Kestrel, Tawny Owl, Woodpecker, Jay and Lapwing. Also look out for: Views to and

NOTES & ANY LOOK OUT FOR BEST TIME TO SEE SPECIAL STATUS Member of the rose family, its orange-pink flowers hang down Water Avens May - August towards the ground. It grows in damp places

This attractive member of the Betony July - September dead-nettle family has red-purple flowers, which resemble orchids

National Conservation Concern - House Sparrow All year UK populations of both birds have & Starling decreased by over 50% since 1980

Cowslips April - June Leaves like Primroses 26 Site Information 27

SALTHILL QUARRY LNR Size: 8 hectares, 19 acres Designated: May 1989 Of special importance for its geology with an abundance of fossils that are over 340 Million years old & show that Clitheroe used to be under the sea and close to the equator! The LNR is located around a former limestone quarry, the middle of which is now Salthill industrial estate. Salthill is also brilliant for wildflowers, in particular limestone-loving species which are rare in Lancashire. A LNR leaflet, Geology Trail booklet and leaflet are available.

Nearest Town: Clitheroe, Chatburn, West Bradford Grid Reference: SD 755 427 (centre) OS Maps: Landranger 103 (1:50,000) Outdoor Leisure 41 Forest of Bowland (1:25,000) Ownership: Leased to Wildlife Trust from Ribble Valley Borough Council Status: Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) County Wildlife Site (Biological Heritage Site) Nearest toilets: Clitheroe Town Centre No. of plants: 180 plus 80 mosses & liverworts. Plants include Betony, Milkwort, Bird’s-foot-trefoil, Wild Strawberry, Knapweed, Lady’s Bedstraw, Agrimony, Harebell, Green Figwort. No. of birds: 40+, including Whitethroat, Linnet, Goldfinch, Kestrel, Long-tailed Tit. Also look out for: Other butterflies, burnet moths, grasshoppers photo: Peter Madeley NWNG Crinoid Fossils & fairy rings of toadstools.

NOTES & ANY LOOK OUT FOR BEST TIME TO SEE SPECIAL STATUS Crinoids - sea lily fossils Anytime SSSI for its geology Cowslip April Abundant in meadow areas Common Blue May - June, August - September Low-flying butterfly with blue wings Bee-orchid June ‘Sensitive’ in Lancashire Autumn Gentian August - September Pale purple flowers with pointed leaves Low-growing, spiky & yellow- Carline Thistle July - September orange flowers Flowers in May - June Spindle (shrub) ‘Sensitive’ in Lancashire Fruits in September - October Robin’s pin-cushion Like a tangled ball of September (a plant gall) red wool on Dog Rose 26 27 The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside

SUNNYHURST WOODS LNR Size: 35 hectares, 84 acres Designated: 2005 Sunnyhurst Woods support mature broadleaved woodland and patches of coniferous woodland together with specimen trees, wet woodland, acidic grassland and streamside habitats in a steep clough on both sides of Sunnyhurst Brook. Much of the woodland is ancient semi-natural and it is one of the most accessible ancient woodlands in Lancashire.

Nearest Town: Darwen Grid Reference: SD 677 226 (centre) OS Maps: Landranger 103 Blackburn (1:50,000) Outdoor Leisure 287 West Pennine Moors (1:25,000) Ownership: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council Status: County Wildlife Site (Biological Heritage Site in Lancashire) Facilities: Visitor Centre with cafe & toilets Other Details: There is a Friends of Sunnyhurst Woods group No. of plants: 135 including Ramsons, Marsh-marigold, Heather, Bluebell, Meadowsweet, Bilberry and Common Valerian. No. of birds: 34 including the following Birds of Conservation Concern: Song Thrush, Starling, Grey Wagtail, Dunnock, Mistle Thrush, Willow Warbler, Ramsons Meadow Crane’s-bill by Jean Grindrod Goldcrest and Lesser Redpoll

NOTES & ANY LOOK OUT FOR BEST TIME TO SEE SPECIAL STATUS One of the earliest migrants Tree Pipit April - May to arrive. It spends the winter in Africa

Green Hairstreak The female lays her eggs on April - July butterfly Bilberry bushes

A tall thistle with large purple Melancholy Thistle July - August flowerheads

Also known as Ramsons April - May Wild Garlic 28 Site Information 29

UPPER BALLGROVE LODGE LNR Size: 2.1 hectares, 5 acres Designated: April 2004 Located on the floodplain of Colne Water, a lodge was constructed for use in a leather tannery downstream, in what is now Ballgrove Park. The lodge has partially silted up and is locally dominated by Bulrush, Yellow Flag, Reed Canary-grass and Amphibious Bistort. Daubenton’s Bat

Nearest Town: & Cottontree, Nr Colne Grid Reference: SD 906 405 (centre) OS Maps: Landranger 103 Blackburn (1:50,000) Outdoor Leisure 21 South Pennines (1:25,000) Ownership: Pendle Borough Council Status: Important Wildlife Site (Pendle Local Plan) Nearest toilets: Ball Grove Park Other details: Part of the Ferndean Way, a 3 mile walk from Waterside in Colne to , linking into the Pendle Way. There is a Friends of group. No. of plants: 150 including Knapweed, bird’s-foot-trefoil, Meadowsweet, Wild Angelica, Marsh-marigold, Lesser & Greater Spearwort, Yellow Water Lily & Harebell. No. of birds: 51 including Bullfinch, Goldfinch, Redpoll, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Sand Great Spotted Woodpecker Martin, Swallow, Swift, Grey Heron, Tawny Owl, Reed Warbler & Kingfisher. Also look out for: Newts, snails, leeches, Brown Hare, deer, dragonflies & damselflies.

NOTES & ANY LOOK OUT FOR BEST TIME TO SEE SPECIAL STATUS

Flower heads from July which Also called Reedmace & Bulrush disintegrate over the winter used in dried flower arranging

Flowers March - May, leaves ap- Used to wrap butter in before we Butterbur pear after the flowers and last all had fridges hence its name summer

Great Spotted Anytime but especially Drills nest holes in Woodpecker February - October trees, often birch

Warm evenings between early Contrary to popular myth Bats Spring and late Autumn they are not blind 28 29 The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside

WHAT IF I WANT TO SEE SOMEWHERE ELSE BECOME A NATURE RESERVE?

Natural England has challenged the Local Authorities to provide one hectare (ha) of LNR per 1,000 people! Hence with a population of over 517,000 East Lancashire should boast at least 518 hectares of LNR but the LNRs in this leaflet amount to 159 hectares; a shortfall of 359 hectares! The table below identifies the situation for each District:

Area of LNR Recommended District Population Shortfall Hectares Area of LNR Blackburn 137,000 81 137 56 Burnley 89,542 12 90 78 Hyndburn 81,496 9 82 73 Pendle 89,248 15 90 75 Ribble Valley 53,960 17 54 37 Rossendale 65,652 25 66 41 TOTAL 517,368 159 519 360 The Wildlife Trust wants to help the Local Authorities work towards this target and in February 2003 launched a public consultation exercise for people to nominate local sites which they would like to see become LNRs.

70 sites were nominated and these have been assessed and scored against selection criteria specially developed for LNRs in East Lancashire. Since 2003 The Wildlife Trust has been working with the local communities and the Local Authorities to designate more sites as LNRs, improve access, provide informal recreation, encourage environmental education and manage them to benefit wildlife and people.

If you would like to see another site become a LNR, please bring it to the attention of the relevant Local Authority and the Wildlife Trust, but bear in mind that the site should be under the control of a Local Authority (County, District or Parish Council) and Natural England advises that LNRs should be....

• Of high natural interest in the local context (SSSI or near equivalent) • Of some reasonable natural interest and of high value in the District/Borough context for environmental education or research • Of some reasonable natural interest and of high value in the District/Borough context for the informal enjoyment of nature by the public • Any combination of the above criteria, and... • Be capable of being managed with the conservation of nature and/or the maintenance of special opportunities for study or research as a priority concern

Even if your site does not meet the criteria or it may not be possible for it to become a LNR then there are still other ways of it being a nature reserve. 30 An Introduction to the Wildlife Trust 31

• Formed in 1962 as the • Publishes its membership Lancashire Naturalist’s Trust. magazine ‘Lapwing’ three times a year. • Registered as a charity (No. 229325) and company limited by • Is a member of The Wildlife Trusts, guarantee (No. 731548) a partnership of 47 individual County Wildlife Trusts, who’s • Covers the old county of collective membership exceeds Lancashire, i.e. modern Lancashire half a million and manages over plus Greater Manchester and 2,500 nature reserves. North Merseyside (north of the River Mersey). • Employs around 90 staff.

• Has a membership of over • Administers the Lancashire 18,000 people plus 50 corporate Environmental Fund landfill tax members. credit scheme.

• Its Headquarters are in • Operates Environmental Valley Country Park, Task Force teams offering NVQ but it also has training in environmental offices and staff based in management. Blackburn,Bolton, Burnley, , Liverpool, , • Operates an acclaimed Wildlife Preston, Rufford and Wigan. Sites System (Biological Heritage Sites) in partnership with • Runs an Environmental Education Lancashire County Centre in partnership with Council and Natural England. National Grid at Penwortham, providing facilities for school visits, • A key partner in the implementation outreach work, conferences and of Lancashire’s Biodiversity Action Plan. training. Through various projects officers promote recycling, • We spend over £4 Million allotments and community each year on protecting wildlife, composting schemes. yet receive no core funding from government. If you would like to • Facilitates Wildlife Watch, the junior make a donation or join the Trust arm of the Wildlife Trusts, of which Call 01772 324129 or there are 10 groups in the area and email: [email protected] runs Wildlife After Schools Projects (WASP) with schools in Bolton, The Barn Clitheroe, Liverpool, Preston and Berkeley Drive Wigan. Bamber Bridge Preston • Manages 35 nature reserves, PR5 6BY covering over 2,000 acres. email: [email protected] www.lancswt.org.uk 30 31 The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR LOOKING AFTER LNRs? LNRs are designated by the Local Authority and unless the site is leased to another organisation (Foxhill Bank, Cross Hill Quarry & Salthill Quarry are leased to the Wildlife Trust) then the Local Authority is responsible for managing and promoting them, usually through the Parks Department involving local community groups and volunteers. The Wildlife Trust relies on volunteers to help For details of other volunteering with much of the work but uses contractors opportunities contact the following: for bigger or technical works. The Trust has to apply for grants to help pay for managing Council for Voluntary Services (CVS) the LNRs it leases. Offices in Blackburn with Darwen 62/63 James Street, Blackburn 01254 694113 HOW CAN I HELP? Burnley, Pendle & Rossendale There are a number of ways in which you 62/64 Yorkshire Street, Burnley 01282 433740 can get involved: Hyndburn • Practical conservation tasks are held at 21 Cannon Street, Accrington 01254 422995 most of the LNRs throughout the year Ribble Valley • Some LNRs have a management 1 Swan Mews, off Castle Street, Clitheroe committee that meets 3 or 4 times a 01200 422995/422721 year and which you could join or help by Pendle Environment Network taking and/or typing up the minutes c/o Pendle Community Network, 11 Cross • Opportunities exist for becoming a Street, Nelson, website: www.penviro.org.uk, Volunteer Ranger/Warden; please contact email: [email protected] the relevant organisation Heritage Trust for the NorthWest • You can help by sending in your c/o , Barrowford observations of flora and/or fauna, or 01282 661852 helping with recording and monitoring work The Wildlife Trust: on the site East Lancashire Office • You could take photographs of the site, the 62/64 Yorkshire Street, Burnley 01282 704605 variety of habitats and scenes throughout the Headquarters, The Barn seasons and some of the plants and animals 01772 324129 Bolton If you witness a wildlife crime contact the 01204 663754 relevant Police Wildlife Liaison Officer: British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV): For Lancashire 01772 618393 or 01772 office in Preston 614444 (24 hour switchboard) 01772 250286 If you see water pollution or dead fish For Rochdale (Healey Dell LNR) report it to the Environment Agency 01706 350459 Emergency Hotline 0800 80 70 60 32 PB

Text by John Lamb 2008 • Design ~ Gaia Graphics: 07773664635 www.gaiagraphics.co.uk Printed on recycled paper using vegetable inks