Back in 1992, the Lancashire Wildlife Trust challenged the quarrying of Brockholes for the first time, little did anyone anticipate that this initial endeavor would lead to a myriad of opportunities in the future. Following years of advocacy, in November 2006 the Trust seized a groundbreaking chance to purchase the Brockholes site and safeguard it from development, the only hitch was the tight deadline of four weeks to raise fifty thousand pounds!

Thanks to the unwavering support of our dedicated members and a generous contribution from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), January 2007 marked a pivotal moment for the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, as the Brockholes project was born, with the successful acquisition of the site. After the purchase momentum picked up swiftly, prompting the launch of a competition to design our new visitor centre, Adam Khan Architects clinched victory with their innovative design concept named 'A Floating World'. Envisioned as a collection of structures predominantly crafted from wood and sustainable materials, the aspiration was to create something truly exceptional.

In the summer of 2009, Brockholes started to come alive as our dedicated team of volunteers contributed over 100 hours to assist in propagating 20,000 reed seedlings on-site. This initial effort was a crucial step in creating the diverse habitats that we know and cherish today.

During December 2009, the construction of our iconic floating visitor village commenced, unfolding as a process that gradually revealed a remarkable structure emerging from Meadow Lake's waters.

In November 2010, the reserve team welcomed their first group of grazing assistants – a herd of longhorn cattle. These magnificent additional team members played a vital role in establishing and preserving Brockholes' unique habitat diversity. Besides their conservation efforts, these beloved bovines have become a visitor favourite and continue to charm guests on the reserve to this day.

2011 was a significant year in Brockholes' history, marking the realisation of years of hard work. In March, our innovative visitor village was revealed, a remarkable achievement witnessed by many. Our grand opening took place on Easter Sunday, with Brockholes welcoming the public amidst a festive atmosphere, the day was filled with joy as we greeted visitors, the press, and even renowned conservationist Simon King, who inaugurated Brockholes by cutting the ribbon. The opening received outstanding feedback, marking the beginning of our extraordinary journey to connect people from all walks of life with nature, and create a truly unique 'unreserved reserve'.

In spring 2012, Brockholes received a record breaking three RIBA awards, including the highly esteemed North West Building of the Year accolade. During the summer of the same year, the reserve held its inaugural wedding ceremony, marking the beginning of many happy couples choosing Brockholes as their perfect place to say 'I do'. 

Over the following years, the reserve flourished as a thriving habitat with notable wildlife sightings such as curlew, avocet, and pallid harrier. Recognised as a wildlife haven, Brockholes gained nationwide attention in 2017 when the BBC Countryfile team visited to film a segment on our captivating boxing hares. The accolades continued to pour in with the team's outstanding achievements, leading to Brockholes being honored as the 'Best Hospitality Venue of the Year' at the esteemed Lancashire Business Awards and 'Best Venue by the Water' at The Great Northern Wedding Awards.

In the October of 2017 Prince Harry visited Brockholes Nature Reserve to witness firsthand the incredible work being done by our nature and wellbeing team. As a strong advocate for mental health awareness and nature conservation, Prince Harry was incredibly impressed by the efforts to promote wellbeing through nature based activities. The visit not only highlighted the importance of preserving natural habitats, but also underscored the positive impact that green spaces like Brockholes can have on the wellbeing of our local communities.

Brockholes has continued to thrive in recent years, attracting a diverse range of wildlife, such as ospreys, otters, and even a belted kingfisher making a guest appearance. The multitude of wildlife present on our reserve tells us that our habiats continue to improve and provide vital refuge for our local species. Alongside these wonderful creatures, the reserve has become a hub for various high-profile events, that have now become an integral part of the Brockholes calendar. From our Artisan Markets to the Winter Fayre and Outdoor Theatre, events have continued to come thick and fast and offer something for everyone. With thousands of visitors each year, the reserve continues to flourish, engaging individuals with the beauty of wildlife. Here's to many more years of success and unforgettable nature moments ahead for us all to cherish and appreciate.