England · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Lancashire

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

01 / 05

Leighton Moss

Near Silverdale.

Habitat: Extensive freshwater reedbeds and pools, with nearby coastal marsh and lagoons.
Wildlife to look for: Otter, red deer, bittern, bearded tit and marsh harrier.

02 / 05

Near Preston.

Habitat: Former sand and gravel pits with lakes, reedbeds, meadows and woodland beside the River Ribble.
Wildlife to look for: Brown hare, roe deer, lapwing, sand martin (spring and summer) and white-letter hairstreak butterfly (July and August).

03 / 05

Near Rufford.

Habitat: Lakes and ponds surrounded by woodland, with reedbeds, sandy meadows and patches of heath.
Wildlife to look for: Kingfisher, great crested grebe, water rail, roe deer and shoveler (winter).

04 / 05

Near Warton, near Carnforth.

Habitat: Limestone grassland, rocky outcrops and limestone pavement, with ancient woodland and scrub.
Wildlife to look for: Peregrine falcon, slow worm (warmer months), dark green fritillary butterfly (summer), northern brown argus butterfly (summer) and small pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly (late May to mid-July).

05 / 05

Near Heysham.

Habitat: Grassland, scrub and woodland mixed with reedbeds, ponds and other wetland areas.
Wildlife to look for: Whitethroat (spring and summer), willow warbler (spring and summer), snipe (winter), common blue butterfly (spring and summer) and emperor dragonfly (summer).