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You are here: Things To Do > Great Outdoors > Wildlife, Bird Watching and Nature Reserves

Wildlife, Bird Watching and Nature Reserves

Did you know 80% of Lancashire is rural? With 354 recorded bird species, native mammals such as red deer and otters, and millions of creepy crawlies that include tiger moths and common lizards, Lancashire’s wilder side offers up some great days out.

From the rugged moorlands of Bowland to the dramatic sands of Morecambe Bay, Lancashire is renowned for its birds and wildlife. The county’s varied countryside is home to world-famous breeding grounds and attracts birdwatchers from across the globe eager for a sight of its rare species. From the hen harrier in its hillside home to the red throated diver on the shores of the Irish Sea, Lancashire is a mecca for bird lovers throughout the year.

Whatever part of the county you are exploring, take your binoculars and prepare to be rewarded for your patience by a real wildlife show. This is a part of England rich in nature as well as heritage and be prepared to be dazzled (if you’re lucky you will see one of the country’s rarest plants too – the Lady’s Slipper Orchid – Cypripedium Calceolus).

Also check out the Lancashire Wildlife Blog which includes blogs from around the county as well as features on wildlife hotspots.

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Number of results: 43

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Foulridge Canal Cruises

Type

Type:

Canal / Waterway / Marina

Foulridge, Colne

Foulridge Canal cruises has been operating under the present ownership for 23 years on the tranquil countryside section of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal at Foulridge Canal Wharf, 2 miles from the end of the M65 motorway in Colne.
Barley Picnic Site

Type

Type:

Picnic Site

Barley

One the very best picnic sites in the North West, there are many footpaths in the area, and good walks can be obtained between Barley and the picturesque villages of Rimington and Downham in the shadow of Pendle Hill.
Ribble Coast and Wetlands

Type

Type:

Canal / Waterway / Marina

Ribble Estuary NNR is the most important site in the UK for wintering wildfowl.
South Walney Nature Reserve

Type

Type:

Nature Reserve

Barrow In Furness

A wild and exposed coastal reserve with thousands of breeding seabirds, wintering birds, grey seals as well as coastal Flora. Four miles of trail and 8 hides give amazing views of Morecambe Bay.
Healey Dell Nature Reserve

Type

Type:

Nature Reserve

Rochdale

At Healey Dell the River Spodden has carved its way through the woodlands through thousands of years, creating delightful scenery and spectacular waterfalls. A beauty spot and wildlife sanctuary rich in industrial archaeology.
Yarrow Valley Country Park

Type

Type:

Heritage / Visitor Centre

Chorley

Yarrow Valley Country Park covers over 300 hectares and is located between Chorley and Coppull created on land previously used for bleaching, dyeing, calico printing and mining, Yarrow Valley Country Park is of local historical importance.
Worden Park

Type

Type:

Adventure Park / Playground

Leyland

Worden Park is a hidden gem, situated on the edge of Leyland.
Ribble Valley E-Bikes Hire

Type

Type:

Outdoor Pursuits

Clitheroe

And what better place to start than the centre of the UK? Ribble Valley E-Bikes is based in Dunsop Bridge; the very heart of the Hodder Valley.
Dean Wood, Upholland

Type

Type:

Nature Reserve

UpHolland

Situated on the border of Up Holland and Orrell, this semi natural ancient woodland follows the course of the Dean Brook between Up Holland and the River Douglas at Gathurst.
The woodland, with its majestic old oak and beech trees, provides beaut
Holker Hall and Gardens

Type

Type:

Historic House

Grange Over Sands

Holker Hall is set in exceptionally beautiful countryside with gardens that merge into Parkland framed by the Lakeland Hills.
Outdoor Elements

Type

Type:

Adventure Park / Playground

Simonstone, Burnley

Outdoor Elements is a team building and outdoor activity centre accessible to towns across Lancashire and Greater Manchester. Catering for all groups including corporate, education, youth groups and private parties.
Cross Hill Nature Reserve

Type

Type:

Country Park/Nature Reserve

Clitheroe

Abandoned as a working quarry in the early 1900's, Cross Hill is a good example of natural change on a man-made site and has since become an exceptional refuge for wildlife.
Sunnyhurst Wood & Visitor Centre

Type

Type:

Parkland/Woodland Garden

Darwen

Covering seven miles of footpaths, Sunnyhurst Wood is a beautiful location for family walks and picnics.
Cobble Hey Farm and Gardens

Type

Type:

Garden

Garstang

Take all the family to Cobble Hey Farm & Gardens, for a great day out in the beautiful Bowland Fells. With friendly farm animals to meet, farm land to explore and cosy teashop there is something for everyone.
Wycoller Country Park

Type

Type:

Country Park/Nature Reserve

Colne

In a valley largely devoted to sheep and cattle rearing, Wycoller Country Park has a good network of footpaths for walkers. The hamlet of Wycoller includes historic Wycoller Hall.
Ruff Wood

Type

Type:

Nature Trail

Ormskirk

Ruff Wood is a haven for wildlife, and is an ideal spot for quiet walks and contemplation. The wood covers 19 acres of mixed woodland on the East side of Ormskirk. There is a circular path and many link routes around the wood.
Pendle Nature Reserves

Type

Type:

Nature Reserve

Get to grips with Pendle’s wild side! Visit one of or Local Nature Reserves and you’ll see some amazing plant and wildlife. Pendle has five great Local Nature Reserves Alkincoats, Greenfield, Lomeshaye Marsh, Upper Ball Grove, and Quarry Hill.
Platts Lane Lake

Type

Type:

Lake/Reservoir

Burscough

Platts Lane Lake, situated off Platts Lane, Burscough is one of West Lancashire's hidden secrets.
Rivington Country Park

Type

Type:

Waymarked Trail

Horwich, Chorley

Venue for the 2002 Commonwealth Games Outdoor Cycling events. With its rugged hills, picturesque reservours and woodland Rivington is Chorley mini Lake District, with a natural beauty to rival the real thing.
Clough Head Visitor Centre

Type

Type:

Country Park/Nature Reserve

Rossendale

Take a visit to Clough Head Visitor Centre to find out more about the local landscape, its heritage, and wildlife. There is also a brief introduction to the local and natural history of the fascinating Grane Valley.