Doffcocker Lodge was Bolton's first Local Nature Reserve designated in 1992. The area is also a Site of Biological Importance due to its areas of reedbed and the bird species found here. The reserve is centred on a disused reservoir, originally created in 1874 by the damming of Doffcocker Brook to provide a mill lodge. The name Doffcocker is of Celtic origin meaning black or dark winding stream.
Our Work With Doffcocker Lodge
The Lancashire Wildlife Trust, supported by Bolton Council and Doffcocker Management Committee, regularly undertakes work on the reserve to improve its value for wildlife. LWT manages the Countryside Stewardship Agreement for the site, which involves looking after hedgerows, meadows, and areas of willow scrub. This summer we have conducted work to restore an area of reedbed habitat. This involved growing new reed plants from rhizomes (roots) taken from the existing reedbed. These will then be re-planted into the area to be restored when they are more mature to minimise the impact of grazing.
What To See
The star attractions of Doffcocker are the common Terns, they have bred successfully on the site for four years now, making Doffcocker one of very few places in Greater Manchester they breed. Great Crested Grebes can also be found on the reserve. These remarkable birds were hunted down to just 42 pairs in the UK in 1860 due to the Victorians love of using their feathers for ladies' hats. They have since made an astonishing recovery and now number 4,700 breeding pairs in Britain. Look out for their fascinating courtship dance and the parent's habit of carrying young on their backs. In the past the rare Slavonian Grebe has also visited the site.
The areas of reedbed provide a valuable habitat for Reed Buntings which are now a red listed species due to their recent dramatic population decline. Snow cover on the ground affects these birds more than others as they are ground feeders and so can't find their food. A good way to help Reed Buntings, and your local birdlife in general, is to keep bird feeders topped up throughout winter.
During the summer months the reedbed is also home to Sedge Warblers and Reed Warblers. Both birds spend the winter in Africa with the Sedge Warbler miraculously crossing the Sahara desert in a single flight despite only weighing around 10g (1/3 oz).
Birds of prey seen on the site include Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Buzzard. The first you may be aware of a Sparrowhawk is as it launches its surprise attack, flashing through the air at low level to catch a small bird. Short eared owls have also roosted in the reserve during wintertime, these large owls can be seen during daylight hours often perching on fence posts.
Site Summary
Size: 11.5 hectares
Owned by: Bolton Council
Managed by: Lancashire Wildlife Trust and Bolton Council.
Declared a Local Nature Reserve in 1992
Location: Doffcocker Lodge Local Nature Reserve is located on the western outskirts of Bolton. The site is in an urban setting and is enclosed on three sides by development. The north-west boundary is formed by Moss Bank Way.
Grid Reference : SD685103
Access can be gained from Old Kiln Road, the southern end of Moss Bank Way, or from the car park off Chorley Old Road.
For more information about this site contact:
Bolton Council
Andy Grundy
Wildlife Liaison Officer
Environmental Services,
Milton house,
Wellington St,
Bolton,
BL3 5DX
Tel: 01204 334076
The Lancashire Wildlife Trust
James Hall
Environmental Resource Centre,
499-511 Bury Rd,
Bolton,
BL2 6DH.
Tel: 01204 663754
