Country escapes 
West Lancashire is a nature lover's dream destination, with
countryside gems nestled around every corner.
Join visiting flocks from across the world, see rare red
squirrels at play, savour breathtaking views from the vantage
points or take relaxing walks through secluded woodlands. Wherever
you go you're sure to receive a warm welcome.
Woodland walks
Stunning countryside retreats are a way of
life in West Lancashire. Following the River Tawd through
Skelmersdale is the Tawd Valley Park.
At Dean Wood many species of plant, tree
and bird can be seen from the footpaths. Red squirrels make Ruff
Wood a site of significant biological importance, while Fairy
Glen boasts waterfalls and a stream. Meanwhile, Gorse Hill
Nature Reserve, flagship project of the North West Ecological
Trust, attracts butterflies, kestrel and skylark. Hunters
Hill in Hilldale is an old quarry, which offers visitors
beautiful woodlands to discover the hidden wildlife, and picnic
areas to take in the extraordinary views of the
coastline.
Visit our Countryside pages for more details of
all countryside parks and trails across West Lancashire.
Wildlife Trust's Mere Sands Wood Nature
Reserve
Mere Sands Wood, Holmeswood Road, Rufford, L40 1TG
Tel: 01704 821809
Email: meresandswood@lancswt.org.uk
Web: www.lancswt.org.uk (external
link)
Mere Sands Wood is a wildlife
haven and it is as beautiful as it is secluded.
The reserve covers 105 acres and is made up
of lakes, mature broad leaved and conifer woodland, sandy wet
meadows and heaths. The management of the reserve is designed not
only to encourage wildlife, but also to provide facilities for
people of all abilities and ages to visit and enjoy seeing the
wildlife.
The site is nationally important for
wildfowl and dragonflies, as well as its geology, and has a
fascinating history. It stands on an area of layered sand and peat,
which was deposited by the wind over boulder clay during the last
Ice Age, and by periods of water logging following this period.
Kingfishers, water voles, woodpeckers,
shelduck, warblers and turtles doves are among the creatures
inhabiting Mere Sands Wood. In all, 17 species of mammal, over 170
bird species and over 200 species of fungi have been seen on the
reserve.
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
Martin Mere
Off Fish Lane, Burscough, L40 0TA
Tel: 01704 895181
Email: info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk
Web: www.wwt.org.uk (external
link)
The Wildfowl and Wetlands
Trust attracts tens of thousands of visitors a year. The wetland
centre plays host to a permanent collection spanning 100 rare and
exotic bird species, while providing a temporary home for thousands
of migratory swans, ducks and geese.
The sanctuary, which covers 531 acres, is
where Bill Oddie and Kate Humble were based to film the BBC's
Autumn Watch in 2006 and 2007. Year-round, themed
walkways, warden commentaries and seasonal activity days cater for
enthusiasts, families and educational groups alike. Also, after a
500-year absence from Lancashire, four European beavers have taken
up residence at Martin Mere. It is the only attraction in the North
West where visitors can watch beavers in their natural habitat. An
adventure playground, gift shop and award winning café can also be
found at the centre.
Trans Pennine Trail
The Cheshire Lines Path runs through West
Lancashire and forms part of the Trans Pennine Trail. Named number
one in the 'Amazing Space Category' in the National Lottery Awards
2006, the coast-to-coast route links the resorts of Southport and
Hornsea. The disused railway line has been converted into a
multi use route for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders. The trail
is a breathtaking mix of pathways, tracks and off-road routes
designed to permit users of all abilities to experience the
beautiful surroundings.
Countryside events
A varied events programme
is planned each year which includes the summer Kite Festival,
featuring stunt flying, teddy drops plus plenty of family fun. The
mid-summer Green Fayre brings rural crafts and activities to Beacon
Park, while other events include year round guided walks, talks and
conservation days.
Related information