The conservation plan for Brockholes is bold and inspirational. Habitat works have been underway since summer 2007, and the site is slowly being transformed into a spectacular microcosm of Old Lancashire. The aim? To allow wildlife to thrive and visitors to experience nature first hand.

Restoring The Magnificence

Brockholes is part of an extensive complex of regionally and nationally important nature conservation sites.  Because the site has been actively quarried until recently, it has not been classified in terms of its biodiversity value but the conservation management plan for the site aims to bring all key species and habitat into favourable condition. The site has already been designated as a County Biological Heritage Site and meets SSSI criteria.

The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside is already involved in managing the adjacent sites and therefore has been able to develop a coherent management strategy to benefit both wildlife and visitors, creating a mosaic of diversity and quality which is unrivalled in the region. These sites include:

• The Brockholes Wetlands
• The Red Scar, Tunbrook and Boilton Ancient Woodlands (SSSI)
• Pope Lane Fields Grasslands (Local Nature Reserve)
• The River Ribble Corridor

This is one of the best habitat assemblages in the region, combining:

• Wetlands - open water, flood plain, grazing marsh
• Nationally important complex of ancient woodlands
• One of the UK's major Salmon rivers

The Plans

Every aspect of the site has been carefully thought through to ensure that both people and wildlife can thrive. Sophie Leadsom, the Brockholes Reserve Manager is developing areas of the site for all potential visitors! The area around the visitor centre and car park will be cleverly screened by reed beds, which are currently being grown on site at Brockholes. The site will also boast a Sand Martin bank - a spectacular sight for visitors and as Sand Martins are difficult to 'spook' they will be un disturbed by the enthusiastic onlookers!

Work is also being carried out to create coves on the embankment, this will provide shelter for Dragon flies amongst other species. Work is also being carried out to create community fishing areas, funded by the Environment Agency.

Sheep are currently grazing the site, and a study is underway to look at a worm re-introduction to certain areas of the site.

 

The Wildlife

Brockholes is home to a diverse range of breeding and wintering species, and is already one of the finest sites for bird watching in the North West. The variety of birdlife includes Lapwing, Sand Martin and Kingfisher, together with more vulnerable species such as Whimbrel, Skylark and Reed Bunting. The site is also home to badgers, bats, dragonflies and damselflies.

 

Click here to visit the Brockholes website