There are almost one hundred sites across the borough designated for their wildlife importance. These range from internationally important through to locally important and cover a whole range of habitats from woodlands and grasslands to wetlands and mosslands.
However, important wildlife is not restricted to these sites. Protected species such as Great crested newts are found in many ponds in Wigan and a number of bat species use buildings, trees and other structures across the borough. Many local residents contact us to report interesting sightings in their gardens and local area and a number of specialist groups such as Leigh Ornithologists keep records of local wildlife.
The council work in partnership with a number of organisations to protect and enhance the wildlife in the borough. The Biodiversity Partnership has been set up as part of the commitment to implementing the Council’s Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans. Links to this information are shown below.
How can I get out and see wildlife in my local area?
There are many events run at a number of sites across the borough. The Leisure and Culture Trust produce the Green Spaces leaflet quarterly which includes guided walks and other practical sessions run by the Ranger Service and Lancashire Wildlife Trust.
