Former industrial sites to become UK’s largest urban nature reserves

Article summary

Natural England has announced that the Flashes of Wigan and Leigh are set to join England’s network of National Nature Reserves as one of the largest urban nature reserves in the country. The reserve, which will be the first in the Greater Manchester area, spreads across a 738-hectare area of species-rich wetland, meadows, and woodlands, providing access to nature for over 300,000 local people. In addition to creating an oasis for wildlife, the site will encourage a variety of pursuits including fishing, cycling, nature walks and birdwatching.