The Lancashire Wildlife Trust is committed to sharing any news from this much-loved reserve and has already done so with our visitors and our neighbours in the local area.

The latest improvements include a new viewing platform, the replacement of a hide and an improved footpath through the pine forest. 

Obviously, there will be some disruption while work goes ahead, but the Lancashire Wildlife Trust contracts team will ensure that alternative paths will be available, and the key West Lancs Bridge will be open at all times for visitors to the reserve, both two-legged and four-legged.

The project, funded by White Moss, began at the end of November and will be completed in March. It involves: 

• Replacing the geogrid path alongside the meadow with an aggregate path.
• Upgrading Cricketers Corner to the K9 Bridge.
• The creation of a viewing platform at the location of Redwing hide.
• The replacement of Ainscough hide.
• Making the shortcut through the pines into an official path.
• Removing potentially dangerous trees, while protecting important woodland.

The work involves some tree felling, scrub clearance and path maintenance and widening, which will involve some path closures and diversions will be signposted.

We understand that people, especially dog walkers, have set paths to wander through Mere Sands Wood but this will be an opportunity to discover new paths during the work.

Any work we are carrying out is necessary to provide safe and easy access around Mere Sands Wood to our visitors, volunteers and staff. Some paths do need widening in cases where we need to get vehicles and equipment to emergency incidents quickly.

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust appreciates the support of all of our visitors and neighbours and these necessary upgrades will benefit you all and help us welcome you to the reserve.

If you have any questions about the upgrade do not hesitate to contact the team on site.