Bickershaw Nature Reserve is described as
Bickershaw Country Park is a developing nature reserve located between Bickershaw village and Westleigh on the former Bickershaw Colliery site. It is a 247-hectare haven for wildlife, comprising of extensive grasslands, woodlands, and scrubland. The country park contains a number of large water bodies including recently created wetland areas devoted to natural flood alleviation schemes funded by the Environment Agency.
https://www.carbonlandscape.org.uk/bickershaw-country-park
Address: Fir Tree Flash, Edna Road, Wigan Road, Westleigh, WN7 5ES
When I visited it was one of those dull overcast summer days so only took a brisk walk round with the dog. Have to say blink and you’ll get lost when you are walking round I had to take a look at my phone to understand just where I was. The lake wiggles in and out so can be a little disorientating. It’s fair to say this is a very large country park with many hours of walking and exploring, oodles of paths to take in all directions.
It’s a nice place, not much to see, decent paths, some a little muddy but nothing much considering the rain we’ve had. I can easily see this becoming a stunning destination as it develops over the years.
The swans and geese with their signets and goslings look right at home for sure.
Give it ago, my route was only a short 1.3 mile wander but well worth a visit.
One thing to keep in mind is the car park is behind a large building with the sign Lakeview (Lakeview Complex Needs Care Home). Turn right here then next left and the carpark is at the bottom. I couldn’t work it out when I first arrived, so I parked on the Edna Road.
If you’re looking for fishing, the large water bodies are fished by the Leigh District Anglers and information can be found on their website.
