The Wigan Flashes already rank among the most important wildlife areas in the north of England.
Now, our “most significant wetland development yet” is open. At Three Sisters near Ashton, an area of colliery spoil-turned derelict BMX track has been reclaimed by Mother Nature – with a little help from her friends at Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust.
Wildlife and Countryside Services Manager, Graham Workman, explains: “This is really important for attracting waders and mud feeding species. All kinds of birds have flown in to take a look and already many of them are making it home.
“One of the visitors was a green sandpiper, a wader which in flight looks like a large house martin. Five hundred to a thousand of these turn up around England and Wales between July and March, but only one or two pairs actually breed here. Hopefully, this is just the beginning.
“We’re expecting wood sandpiper, avocet, egret, harrier, hobby and a host of others as well. Three Sisters is looking absolutely fabulous and really living up to its ‘wetland’ title.”
“Next, we want to develop a regional ‘Wetland Centre’ at the Three Sisters, where we can tell the story of Wigan’s wetlands and demonstrate how and why they are now so important. It will be a ‘gateway’ for visitors into the Greenheart regional park and the wider Flashes area.”
Also involved in the project are Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Natural England, Environment Agency, BTCV, the Friends of Three Sisters and Wigan Council.
