England · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Greater Manchester

Explore these places for wildlife in Greater Manchester. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.

01 / 05

Pennington Flash

Near Leigh.

Habitat: A large freshwater lake surrounded by reedbeds, grassland and woodland.
Wildlife to look for: Willow tit, bullfinch, great crested grebe and tufted duck (especially in winter).

02 / 05

Near Greenfield.

Habitat: Upland moorland and blanket bog above reservoirs, with woodland and rocky cliffs.
Wildlife to look for: Mountain hare, peregrine falcon, raven, curlew (spring and summer) and golden plover (spring and summer).

03 / 05

Near Wigan.

Habitat: Lakes formed by mining subsidence, with reedbeds, fen, wet woodland and rough grassland.
Wildlife to look for: Willow tit, water rail, great crested grebe, sedge warbler (spring and summer) and bittern (winter).

04 / 05

Near Cadishead.

Habitat: Restored lowland peat bog with shallow pools, cotton-grass and patches of heather.
Wildlife to look for: Common lizard (warmer months), skylark, hobby (late spring and summer), black darter dragonfly (summer and early autumn) and merlin (autumn and winter).

05 / 05

Near Moston, Manchester.

Habitat: A small urban reserve with marsh, woodland, grassland and patches of mossland.
Wildlife to look for: Linnet, kestrel, snipe (winter), smooth newt (spring and summer) and brown hawker dragonfly (summer).