Coastal Contrasts
West Lancashire is the place where visitors
can discover a wildlife wonderland in the magical Ribble Coast
& Wetlands, or simply enjoy an exhilarating walk along the
canal taking in the beautiful countryside.
Ribble Coast and
Wetlands
The Ribble Coast and Wetlands is one of the most important
places for wildlife in Europe.
The area has a varied coastline that each day has something
different to offer. From vast windswept sand dunes that are
home to butterflies, moths and other insects, to cattle
grazed marshes with flocks of wading birds.
Further inland there are pockets of mature woodland, sandy wet
meadows, heaths, and smaller lakes, that provide wildlife havens
- nationally important for wildfowl, dragonflies and
geology.
Visitors can enjoy the networks of foot and cycle paths, that
run throughout the Ribble Coast and Wetlands area, or walk along
the coastal paths taking advantage of hides that overlook the
winter refuge for pink-footed geese, wigeons, godwits and plovers
or, in spring, the nesting places for lapwings and redshanks.
Walking festivals take place throughout the area in the summer
months which promises something for everyone. In addition, visitors
can take a trip to The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Martin Mere,
and the nearby Wildlife Trust’s Mere Sands Wood, both centres
having trails and hides that in the main are accessible to wheel
chair users.
For more information visit www.visitlancashire.com
(external link).
Leeds Liverpool Canal
Runners, ramblers, cyclists and boat
enthusiasts will feel at home on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
The historic, man-made waterway provides scope
for miles of interesting exploration whether you are travelling by
boat or along the tow path.
The canal has branches at Lathom, Scarisbrick,
Rufford, Parbold and Tarleton. Fettlers Wharf , St Mary’s Marina
and recent mooring developments in Rufford, provide access to
fabulous walks along the canal and also offer restaurant and
tearoom facilities.
Anglers are also well catered for in the
district, with pitches available at Abbey Lakes, Up Holland, and
Platts Lane, Burscough. For more information visit our
Waterways page.
Related
information