6 great nature reserves for walking in Lancashire

Walking is a great way to stay active, lose weight and to get to know the wild and wonderful world around us.

Heron at Brockholes by Kevin Mcnamara (Image: Archant)

Brockholes Nature Reserve
The 250-acre nature reserve lies next to junction 31 on the M6, with otters, roe deer, brown hares and a multitude of birdlife landing throughout the year.
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The colourful wildflower meadow at Salthill Quarry (Image: Alan Wright)

Salthill Quarry Local Nature Reserve
Salthill Quarry lies between Clitheroe and Worston and is of special interest to geologists and ecologists alike. A good way to get around Salthill Quarry is using the Geology Trail, a circular walk that takes in 10 of the best spots on the reserve.
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Willow Tit by David Gilby (Image: Archant)

Wigan Flashes Local Nature Reserve
Wigan Flashes lies just a mile-or-so from Wigan town centre with waterfowl & bird hides, plus dog-friendly paths & picnic facilities, there are around 10km of paths around the reserve for you to explore. The area has one of the largest willow tit populations in the UK.
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The unusual rabbit rocks were shaped at the bottom of kilns (Image: not Archant)

Kirkless Local Nature Reserve
Kirkless can be accessed from Belle Green Lane, in Ince-in-Makerfield. Here you might spots rabbits in attracted bt the shelter of the discarded cylindrical blocks. You can also walk around the hidden gem of a hay meadow and grasslands.
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Haymaking at Heysham Moss (Image: not Archant)

Heysham Moss Nature Reserve
A mosaic of habitats - scrub, wet grassland and raised bog is home to a variety of flowers, birds, bees and butterflies. The nature reserve lies on the east edge of the village, so it would be a great idea to combine this with a walk on the coast.
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Orchids brighten Haskayne Cutting in the summer (Picture: Alan Wright) (Image: not Archant)

Haskayne Cutting Nature Reserve
The flat landscape of West Lancashire is great for walking, but it is also the county’s agricultural heartland, so it come as no surprise this area near Scarisbrick also has an abundance of habitats such as wildlflower fields. Birds visit throughout the year, with the appearance of redwing and fieldfare in the colder months.
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