In the heart of Wigan and Leigh, there is a place called Wigan Flashes. Made up of a variety of habitats. These clusters of Sites of Special Scientific Interests (SSSI’s) and Local Nature Reserves (LNR’s) make up this vital piece of nature. On the doorstep of thousands of people, the Wigan Flashes is a wildlife haven for some very important species such as Bitterns, Willow Tits, and Spotted Orchids. To help protect it, a proposal to make it into an Urban National Nature Reserve was produced.
The Carbon Landscape Partnership led the development of this project in conjunction with Wigan Borough Council; Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Natural England, Greater Manchester Ecology Unit, and the University of Manchester. Their main aims were to engage with the local community and wildlife groups to develop an evidenced-based long-term vision and potential management plan, actively engage the wider community and young people aged between 16-25-year olds to develop a strategic plan for the flashes, whilst also linking in with a wider Wetland Nature Recovery Network; and to deliver a series of reedbed restoration and enhancement work. All this could help build the case to make Wigan Flashes a National Nature Reserve.
Along the way, we met some amazing people and showcase their passion and excitement a documentary was filmed. 'New Voices in Nature Recovery' is now viewable on our YouTube Channel. Just click on the here to watch.
