Local Nature Reserves - Lancashire Wildlife · Local Nature Reserves in East Lancashire A Guide to...

Local Nature Reservesin East Lancashire

A Guide to 15 Nature Reserves in the boroughs of Blackburn with Darwen,Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle, Ribble Valley 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 & Brierfield 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 3What are Local Nature Reserves ?

Since 1949 over 1,260 Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) have been designated in England. They range from windswept coastal headlands, ancient woodlands and flower-rich meadows to former inner city railways, long abandoned landfill sites and industrial areas (see www.natural-england.org.uk)

LNRs are not just for nature! They are not fenced off so people cannot get in and disturb the wildlife! In fact LNRs are just as much about providing access for people and facilities to encourage environmental education, study and research.

So far 28 LNRs have been designated in Lancashire with others in the process of designation in Lancashire. Collectively these sites amount to over 375 hectares (one hectare is 100 by 100 metres, equivalent to a football pitch).

What Can I see when I visit?

By nature we mean plants, animals and the habitat or vegetation types in which they live. All the LNRs support a number of habitat types varying from mature woodland, young tree plantations, ponds or lodges, rivers & streams, marshy areas & heathland to different types of grassland and other vegetation.

The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside2 3

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 of the plants and animals you may see and the best times of the year to see them. You can use the photographs to help you identify the plant or animal but note that there is only one photo of each animal or plant even if it occurs at more than one site. So look at the photos from the other LNRs to check if the plant or animal you want to see has a photograph included.

The numbers of plants and birds recorded on each site is also given, where possible, together with other things to look out for.

Reserves for What?

LNRs are nature reserves and are managed to conserve and enhance the habitats types and the variety of plants and animals that live there including any rare or important species.

LNRs are also statutory designations protected by law and the sites should appear on the Local Authority’s Local Plan and have a policy affording them protection or exemption from development.

They are not only nature reserves but are also places for people to visit, enjoy and learn about.

4 5Where are the Local Nature Reserves ?

There are 15 LNRs designated, or in the process of being designated, in East Lancashire (Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle, Ribble Valley & Rossendale)

The following site descriptions tell you how to get there on foot, by public transport, on a cycleway or bridleway, by car/motorcycle 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:

LANCASTER

PRESTON

M6

M65

M61M6

CHORLEY

BLACKBURN

CLITHEROE

ACCRINGTON

ROCHDALE

DARWEN

BURNLEY

COLNE3

105

7

11

12

14

915

8

1

24

13

6

LANCASHIRE

MANCHESTER

MERSEYSIDE

Burnley Bus Station TEL: 01282 423125Clitheroe Interchange TEL: 01200 429832

Pendle TEL: 01282 698533Rochdale/Rossendale TEL: 01706 244678 Bistort

ContentsHow to get there.....6-13

The Local Nature Reserves...14-28

The Reserves1. Alkincoates

Woodland2. The Arran Trail3. Cross Hill Quarry4. Darwen Parkway5. Deer Pond6. Foxhill Bank7. Greenfield Road8. Healey Dell9. Lomeshaye Marsh10. Lowerhouse

Lodges11. Pleasington Old

Hall Woods12. Quarry Hill13. Salthill Quarry14. Sunnyhurst Woods15. Upper Ballgrove

Lodge


Burnley 01282 425011

Blackburn 01254 585585

Hyndburn 01254 388111

Pendle01282 661059

Ribble Valley 01200 887220

Rochdale 01706 647474

Rossendale 01706 874333

Accrington Town Hall, Blackburn Rd. Tel: 01254 [email protected]

Blackburn 50-54 Church StTel: 01254 [email protected]

Burnley MechanicsManchester Road Tel: 01282 [email protected]

Clitheroe Corner of York Street& Wellgate. Tel: 01200 425566

Pendle The Bus StationBroadway NelsonTel: 01282 [email protected]

Ribble [email protected]

Rossendale 41/45 Kay StreetRawtenstall01706 [email protected]

For further details of the cycleways and bridleways contact

the relevant Local Authority’s Public Rights of Way Officer:

Tourist Information Centres If you want to help

•Joininwithpracticalconservation tasks throughout the year

•Haveyoursaybyattending management committee meetings

•BecomeaVolunteerRanger

•Attendtheguidedwalksand other events that are organised

•Sendinyourobservationsof flora and/or fauna to the Wildlife Trust

•Helpwithrecordingand monitoring work on the sites

A manned Visitor Centre is present at Healey Dell, Healey Hall Mills, Shawclough Road. Rochdale. OL12 6BG. Tel 01706 350459

An unmanned Visitor Centre is present at Lomeshaye Marsh but can be booked c/o Pendle Community High School, Oxford Road, Nelson

Sunnyhurst Woods Visitor Centre

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6 7How to get there

Alkincoates - Off Harrison Drive, Colne. BB8 9SFOn 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.

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 Foulridge 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/Haslingden 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

Leeds/Liverpool Canal: The LNR is approx. 1.5km to the southeast of the canal at Bennington Street/Lower Audley Street (A679)

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

On foot: From Clitheroe Interchange to Salthill turn left heading north & at the B6478 follow the road right to the 1st roundabout, carry straight on to the 2nd roundabout on the A671 (Chatburn 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 Longridge). 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.

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Darwen Parkway - Off Wolseley Street, Blackburn. BB2On foot: There are access points from Wolseley Street to the north off the A666 Bolton 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

Bus: From Blackburn Nos 1, 3 & 19 (Feniscowles), 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 Lower Darwen 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 River Darwen 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. BB11On foot: From Burnley town centre head to the Todmorden Road (A671), enter Towneley Park 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 Barracks & Burnley Central Stations all within 3-4 kilometres of the LNR.

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.

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Foxhill Bank - Off Mill Hill, Oswaldtwistle. 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.

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.

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 Colne Water) into Greenfield Road, before the M65 roundabout.

Leeds/Liverpool Canal: 150m southeast of the canal where it goes under the M65.

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10 11How to get there

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)

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

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 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.

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Lowerhouse Lodges - Knotts Lane, off Lowerhouse Lane, Padiham. 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, 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 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 Witton Country Park, off the Crematorium Road.

Leeds/Liverpool Canal: 1.3km northwest of the canal at Cherry Tree.

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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 Pendle Way.

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 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)


Sunnyhurst Woods - Off Earnsdale Road, Darwen. BB3

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

Train: Darwen station is 1.25km to the southwest.

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.

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.

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Site Information

Bullfinch

14 15

ALKINCOATES WOODLAND LNRSize: 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: ColneGrid Reference: SD 881 411 (centre)OS Maps: Landranger 103 Blackburn (1:50,000) Outdoor Leisure 21 South Pennines (1:25,000)Ownership: Pendle Borough CouncilStatus: Important Wildlife Site (Pendle Local Plan)Nearest toilets: In the Rugby ClubOther 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, Willow Warbler, Goldcrest, Nuthatch, Tawny Owl, Blackcap and Great Spotted Woodpecker.Also look out for: Cinnabar moth, Orange Tip and Small Heath.

LOOK OUT FOR BEST TIME TO SEENOTES & ANY

SPECIAL STATUS

Purple Hairstreakbutterfly

Mid July - mid AugustLocally rare. Flies in the canopies

of mature oak trees

BullfinchAll year on the

bird feeding tables

Of National Conservation Concern

Beech

April-May for young leaves, autumn/winter for brown

cigar-shaped buds, all year for silvery-grey bark

Some fine specimens are present in the plantation alongside Red

Lane

JayAll year but tend to be

secretive during the breeding season

One of the corvid family, i.e. the crows, but a very colourful &

beautiful bird

Bullfinch Purple Hairstreak


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


SPECIAL STATUS

TeaselPurple flowers in July - August

but its distinctive seed heads can persist all year

The seeds are eaten by birds such as Goldfinch

OsierFlowers April – May

Long thin leaves with inrolled edges June - September

One of the best willows for basket-making

Hawkweeds (Hieracium species)

June – August on the spoil heaps below the ponds

Many different species, difficult to identify – if you can work them out

do let us know!

Dunnock or Hedge Sparrow

All yearFeeds mainly on insects over the summer but switches to seeds

over the winter

Teasel

Site Information16 17

Hart’s-tongue fern


SPECIAL STATUS

Bullfinch March - AprilOf National

Conservation Concern

Cuckoo PintFlowers in April - May

Berries in August - SeptemberDistinctive plant of

woods & hedgerows

Marjoram & Thyme July - September Sweetly-scented native herbs

Hart’s-tongue fern All yearLong blade-like leaves, its name

means ‘deer’s tongue!’

CROSSHILL QUARRY LNRSize: 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 BradfordGrid Reference: SD 745 433 (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 CouncilStatus: 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, 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



SPECIAL STATUS

Water VioletMay – June

Underwater leaves feathery.Floating stems produce lilac - pink

flowers

Harebell July - SeptemberDelicate drooping blue flowers on

a thin stalk. Called Bluebells in Scotland

Sheep’s-bit May - AugustPale sky blue/lilac flowers similar

to a scabious

Whitethroat Mid May - mid SeptemberMigrates from south of

the Sahara desert

Sand MartinLate March - October

especially at duskOne of the earliest migrants,

flies from West Africa

Harebell

DARWEN PARKWAY LNRSize: 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: BlackburnGrid Reference: SD 682 254OS Maps: Landranger 103 Blackburn (1:50,000), Outdoor Leisure 287 West Pennine Moors (1:25,000)Ownership: Blackburn with Darwen Borough CouncilStatus: County Wildlife Site (Biological Heritage Site in Lancashire)Nearest toilets: Ivy Street Community CentreNo. of plants: 161 including Heather, Meadow Crane’s-bill, Great Water DockNo. of birds: 56 (29 recorded breeding), including Peregrine, Snipe, Merlin, Yellowhammer.Also look out for: Palmate Newt, Smooth Newt and Common Blue butterfly.



SPECIAL STATUS

Dragonflies(wings outstretched)

Sunny spells throughout the summer

Common & Brown HawkerCommon Darter dragonflies

Damselflies(wings folded back)

Sunny Spells throughout the summer

Large Red, Blue-tailed and Azure damselflies.

Smooth and Palmate Newts

Most active from April - August in ponds

Newt larvae leave the water in a terrestrial form called an eft and

when mature return to the pond to live or to breed

Brooklime May - September in wet placesA wild Veronica with spikes of

bright blue flowers

Tufted Duck A winter visitorAdults feed on fresh-water

mussels & snails

DEER POND LNRSize: 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: BurnleyGrid Reference: SD 860 313 (centre)OS Maps: Landranger 103 Blackburn (1:50,000) Outdoor Leisure 21 South Pennines (1:25,000)Ownership: Burnley Borough CouncilStatus: County Wildlife Site (Biological Heritage Site)Nearest toilets: Towneley Holmes car parkNo. 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



SPECIAL STATUS

Kingfisher All yearOf National

Conservation Concern

Dipper All yearCan swim under water in rivers

and walks along the bed looking for food

Bistort June - AugustA pink torpedo of flowers - similar to

one of the liquorice allsorts

Nuthatch All yearFirst recorded Sept 2007

and bred in May 2008

FOXHILL BANK LNRSize: 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 AccringtonGrid Reference: SD 740 278 (centre)OS Maps: Landranger 103 Blackburn (1:50,000), Explorer 287 (1:25,000)Ownership: Leased to Wildlife Trust from Hyndburn Borough CouncilStatus: 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.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.

Nuthatch



SPECIAL STATUS

Wayfaring TreeIn flower: May – June

Fruit: August - October

A native shrub to southern & central England. A member of the

Honeysuckle family

Common SandpiperApril - July, on the banks

of Colne WaterLike the wagtails, this bird bobs its

tail up & down

Marsh Woundwort July - SeptemberA member of the dead-nettle

family. Grows in damp places. Has pinky-purple flowers

GoldcrestAll year. Its call is a high-pitched

“see-see-see”The UK’s smallest bird. It has a

gold streak on its head.

GREENFIELD ROAD LNRSize: 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: Barrowford, Nelson & ColneGrid Reference: SD 872 396 (centre)OS Maps: Landranger 103 Blackburn (1:50,000) Outdoor Leisure 21 South Pennines (1:25,000)Ownership: Pendle Borough CouncilStatus: Important Wildlife Site (Pendle Local Plan)Nearest toilets: Town centres or nearby shopping centreOther 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, 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.

Wayfaring Treepho

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SPECIAL STATUS

Railway Trestle Bridge & Viaduct

AnytimeOne of several railway bridges built

in the late 1800’s.The railway closed in the 1960’s

Sweet Woodruff May - JuneSmall white flowers above

whorls of 6 - 8 leaves. Smells sweet when dried

Bog Asphodel July AugustYellow star-shaped flowers,

flat spiky leaves

Heather & BilberryBilberry flowers April - June,

fruits July - AugustHeather flowers August - October

Both grow on acidic soils.Bilberries are used to make

pies and wine

HEALEY DELL LNRSize: 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 River Spodden. 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 ManchesterGrid 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, 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.

Stone Viaductpho

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Meadow Crane’s-bill


SPECIAL STATUS

Meadow Crane’s-bill

June - SeptemberA blue-flowered native

Geranium

Snipe Winter months Up to 30 birds roost on site

Dragonflies and damselflies

Summer months12 species recorded - one of the

best sites in East Lancashire

Goat’s-beard

Flowers May - Julyseed heads

August - SeptemberProduces a massive

dandelion head

LOMESHAYE MARSH LNRSize: 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, NelsonGrid Reference: SD 846 376 (centre)OS Maps: Landranger 103 Blackburn (1:50,000), Outdoor Leisure 21 South Pennines (1:25,000)Ownership: Pendle Borough CouncilStatus: County Wildlife Site (Biological Heritage Site)Nearest toilets: Town Hall, Market Street, NelsonOther 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.Also look out for: Frogs, toads & newts

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LOWERHOUSE LODGES LNRSize: 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, BurnleyGrid Reference: SD 807 325OS Maps: Landranger 103 Blackburn (1:50,000) Outdoor Leisure 21 South Pennines (1:25,000)Ownership: Leased by Burnley Borough CouncilStatus: County Wildlife Site (Biological Heritage Site)Nearest toilets: Padiham Town HallNo. 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, GoldcrestAlso look out for: Dragonflies and damselflies (eg. Brown and Common Hawkers, Common Darter, Common Blue Damselfly); Butterflies (eg. Orange Tip, Wall, Large and Small Skippers).


SPECIAL STATUS

Kingfisher Winter visitorFavours upper lodge and

Green Brook

Mute Swan March - October The chicks are called cygnets

Common Spotted-orchid June - JulyOrchid seeds need a fungus to germinate

Reed Bunting April - August Of National Conservation Concern

Sedge Warbler May - AugustIts song is a drawn out “churr”

but more abrupt and not as rhythmic as the Reed Warbler

Yellow Rattle May - AugustSemi-parasitic species feeding on plant roots

Reed Bunting (male)



SPECIAL STATUS

Touch-me-notBalsam

July - SeptemberYellow-flowered and native, unlike

its pink flowered Himalayan relative

Garden & Willow Warblers

Mid April - MayTwo of the five species of warblers

recorded in the LNR

Toothwort April - MayA purple-flowered broomrape that

is parasitic on shrubs

Nuthatch All yearClimbs up the tree trunk then flies down to the base of another tree

in search of insects

PLEASINGTON OLD HALL WOODS LNRSize: 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: BlackburnGrid 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 1987Status: County Wildlife Site (Biological Heritage Site)Nearest toilets: Witton Country Park Visitor CentreNo. of plants: 156 native species in the walled garden aloneBirds include: Goldfinch, Hawfinch, Song and Mistle Thrushes, Nuthatch and Lesser-spotted Woodpecker.Also look out for: Butterflies and moths, 11 species including: Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Comma, Large Skipper and Meadow Brown

Touch-me-not Balsam


QUARRY HILL NATURE RESERVESize: 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 & BrierfieldGrid Reference: SD 865 368 (centre)OS Maps: Landranger 103 Blackburn (1:50,000) Outdoor Leisure 21 South Pennines (1:25,000)Ownership: Lancashire County CouncilStatus: Important Wildlife Site (Pendle Local Plan)Nearest toilets: Nelson Town CentreOther details: Cloverhill Residents Action Group (CRAG) is involved in management and fundraisingNo. 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 Thrush, House Sparrow, Starling, Kestrel, Tawny Owl, Woodpecker, Jay and Lapwing.Also look out for: Views to Boulsworth and Pendle Hill


SPECIAL STATUS

Water Avens May - August

Member of the rose family, its orange-pink flowers hang down towards the ground. It grows in

damp places

Betony July - SeptemberThis attractive member of the

dead-nettle family has red-purple flowers, which resemble orchids

House Sparrow & Starling

All yearNational Conservation Concern -

UK populations of both birds have decreased by over 50% since 1980

Cowslips April - June Leaves like Primroses

Betony



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

Carline Thistle July - SeptemberLow-growing, spiky & yellow-

orange flowers

Spindle (shrub)Flowers in May - June

Fruits in September - October‘Sensitive’ in Lancashire

Robin’s pin-cushion(a plant gall)

SeptemberLike a tangled ball of

red wool on Dog Rose

SALTHILL QUARRY LNRSize: 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 BradfordGrid 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 CouncilStatus: Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) County Wildlife Site (Biological Heritage Site)Nearest toilets: Clitheroe Town CentreNo. 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 & fairy rings of toadstools.Crinoid Fossilsp

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The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside

Meadow Crane’s-bill by Jean Grindrod

26 27


SPECIAL STATUS

Tree Pipit April - MayOne of the earliest migrants

to arrive. It spends the winter in Africa

Green Hairstreak butterfly

April - JulyThe female lays her eggs on

Bilberry bushes

Melancholy Thistle July - AugustA tall thistle with large purple

flowerheads

Ramsons April - MayAlso known as

Wild Garlic

SUNNYHURST WOODS LNRSize: 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: DarwenGrid 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 & toiletsOther Details: There is a Friends of Sunnyhurst Woods groupNo. 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, Goldcrest and Lesser Redpoll

Ramsons



SPECIAL STATUS

BulrushFlower heads from July whichdisintegrate over the winter

Also called Reedmace &used in dried flower arranging

ButterburFlowers March - May, leaves ap-pear after the flowers and last all

summer

Used to wrap butter in before we had fridges hence its name

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Anytime but especiallyFebruary - October

Drills nest holes in trees, often birch

BatsWarm evenings between early

Spring and late AutumnContrary to popular myth

they are not blind

UPPER BALLGROVE LODGE LNRSize: 2.1 hectares, 5 acres Designated: April 2004Located 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.

Nearest Town: Laneshaw Bridge & Cottontree, Nr ColneGrid Reference: SD 906 405 (centre)OS Maps: Landranger 103 Blackburn (1:50,000) Outdoor Leisure 21 South Pennines (1:25,000)Ownership: Pendle Borough CouncilStatus: Important Wildlife Site (Pendle Local Plan)Nearest toilets: Ball Grove ParkOther details: Part of the Ferndean Way, a 3 mile walk from Waterside in Colne to Wycoller, 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 Martin, Swallow, Swift, Grey Heron, Tawny Owl, Reed Warbler & Kingfisher.Also look out for: Newts, snails, leeches, Brown Hare, deer, dragonflies & damselflies.

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Daubenton’s Bat


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:

District PopulationArea of LNR

HectaresRecommended

Area of LNRShortfall

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 31An Introduction to the Wildlife Trust

• Formed in 1962 as the Lancashire Naturalist’s Trust. • Registered as a charity (No. 229325) and company limited by guarantee (No. 731548)

• Covers the old county of Lancashire, i.e. modern Lancashire plus Greater Manchester and North Merseyside (north of the River Mersey).

• Has a membership of over 18,000 people plus 50 corporate members.

• Its Headquarters are in Cuerden Valley Country Park, Bamber Bridge but it also has offices and staff based in Blackburn,Bolton, Burnley, Heysham, Liverpool, Penwortham, Preston, Rufford and Wigan.

• Runs an Environmental Education Centre in partnership with National Grid at Penwortham, providing facilities for school visits, outreach work, conferences and training. Through various projects officers promote recycling, allotments and community composting schemes.

• Facilitates Wildlife Watch, the junior arm of the Wildlife Trusts, of which there are 10 groups in the area and runs Wildlife After Schools Projects (WASP) with schools in Bolton, Clitheroe, Liverpool, Preston and Wigan.

• Manages 35 nature reserves, covering over 2,000 acres.

• Publishes its membership magazine ‘Lapwing’ three times a year.

• Is a member of The Wildlife Trusts, a partnership of 47 individual County Wildlife Trusts, who’s collective membership exceeds half a million and manages over 2,500 nature reserves.

• Employs around 90 staff.

• Administers the Lancashire Environmental Fund landfill tax credit scheme.

• Operates Environmental Task Force teams offering NVQ training in environmental management.

• Operates an acclaimed Wildlife Sites System (Biological Heritage Sites) in partnership with Lancashire County Council and Natural England.

• A key partner in the implementation of Lancashire’s Biodiversity Action Plan.

• We spend over £4 Million each year on protecting wildlife, yet receive no core funding from government. If you would like to make a donation or join the Trust

Call 01772 324129 or email: [email protected]

The Barn Berkeley Drive Bamber Bridge Preston PR5 6BY email: [email protected] www.lancswt.org.uk


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 with much of the work but uses contractors for bigger or technical works. The Trust has to apply for grants to help pay for managing the LNRs it leases.

HOW CAN I HELP?

There are a number of ways in which you can get involved:

• Practical conservation tasks are held at most of the LNRs throughout the year

• Some LNRs have a management committee that meets 3 or 4 times a year and which you could join or help by taking and/or typing up the minutes

• Opportunities exist for becoming a Volunteer Ranger/Warden; please contact the relevant organisation

• You can help by sending in your observations of flora and/or fauna, or helping with recording and monitoring work on the site

• You could take photographs of the site, the variety of habitats and scenes throughout the seasons and some of the plants and animals

If you witness a wildlife crime contact the relevant Police Wildlife Liaison Officer:

For Lancashire 01772 618393 or 01772 614444 (24 hour switchboard)

For Rochdale (Healey Dell LNR) 01706 350459

For details of other volunteering opportunities contact the following:

Council for Voluntary Services (CVS) Offices in Blackburn with Darwen 62/63 James Street, Blackburn 01254 694113

Burnley, Pendle & Rossendale62/64 Yorkshire Street, Burnley 01282 433740

Hyndburn 21 Cannon Street, Accrington 01254 422995

Ribble Valley 1 Swan Mews, off Castle Street, Clitheroe01200 422995/422721

Pendle Environment Network c/o Pendle Community Network, 11 Cross Street, Nelson, website: www.penviro.org.uk, email: [email protected]

Heritage Trust for the NorthWest c/o Pendle Heritage Centre, Barrowford 01282 661852

The Wildlife Trust: East Lancashire Office62/64 Yorkshire Street, Burnley 01282 704605Headquarters, The Barn 01772 324129Bolton01204 663754

British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV): office in Preston01772 250286

If you see water pollution or dead fish report it to the Environment Agency 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

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