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Accessible path opens at Lunt Meadows

Molly Toal

A new path has been constructed at Lunt Meadows Nature Reserve.

The new path offers an alternative, fully accessible route along the side of the dry grasslands, ideal for those with reduced mobility, prams or wheelchairs. 

Lunt Meadows is a haven for wetland wildlife, and the reserve doubles as a flood storage reservoir, meaning it holds excess water during times of heavy rainfall. As a result, the reserve is sometimes closed due to the paths being underwater and impassable. This new path is outside of the area that floods, meaning visitors will still be able to safely access part of the reserve, even when water levels are high elsewhere.

A path at Lunt Meadows overlooking the wet grasslands with hawthorn bushes either side of the path

The new path joins the existing path that runs alongside the wet grasslands by Molly Toal

A man wearing sunglasses uses a wooden rake to collect hay in a freshly cut wildflower meadow

A member of the conservation team raking green hay by Amy Shakeshaft

The path runs alongside the dry grasslands, where barn owl, grey partridge and roe deer are regularly seen. This is a wildflower meadow habitat, full of pollinators and native plants in spring and summer, while in autumn and winter the area is grazed by a flock of the Trust’s Hebridean sheep.

Sam Willis, Senior Reserve Officer for the Lancashire Wildlife Trust says, “Lots of people love Lunt Meadows but the paths can become very muddy or waterlogged when there is prolonged rainfall. The new path is tarmacked and accessible for all, including buggies and wheelchair users.”

Work on the path has been possible thanks to a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery Players, The Trust have been able to carry out important conservation work and improve the visitor experience at Lunt Meadows.

Along the path, Sam and Lunt Meadow’s practical volunteers have spread green hay, cut and collected from the meadows at Mere Sands Wood in Rufford, to test whether any of the plants will establish. There are also further plans to build an accessible viewing screen along the new path, so that visitors can watch any wildlife in the grasslands up close without distressing them. 

Sam adds, “This is a great location for watching barn owls, roe deer and smaller birds like grey partridge. We are pleased that we can welcome more visitors to enjoy the reserve as a result of the improved access.”

For more information about Lunt Meadows, including parking and opening times visit https://www.lancswt.org.uk/nature-reserves/lunt-meadows

The National lottery heritage fund logo with a blue background and the text 'made possible with heritage fund' and a hand with its fingers crossed

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