Whilst Manchester may have its parks and gardens, there’s a wildlife reserve just 45 minutes away from the city if you’re looking to get an even bigger dose of nature. Once a sand and gravel quarry, Brockholes has been transformed into a vibrant, 250-acre nature reserve where you’ll find birds, insects, mammals, plants and amphibians.
Located straight off junction 31 of the M6 at Preston, Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s flagship nature reserve is a “mosaic of wetland, woodland and grassland habitats”. Brockholes is designed to introduce people to wildlife, educate the next generation, and bring you closer to the nature on your doorstep. More than just a protected space, Brockholes is also a community hub where the Myplace and Forest School programs inspire the next generation of nature lovers.
What wildlife can you find at Brockholes Nature Reserve?
The nature reserve is a unique landscape, boasting fields of orchids and yellow rattle, woods filled with bluebells, and tranquil lakes. Each season offers something different when it comes to wildlife:
- Spring & Summer: Witness a “baby boom” of lapwings and oystercatchers, watch hobbies and swifts perform aerial acrobatics, and spot the rare white-letter hairstreak butterfly among clouds of shimmering dragonflies.
- Autumn & Winter: Look skyward for migrating ospreys or scan the icy lakeside for the elusive bittern.
- Year-Round Wildlife: Keep an eye out for brown hares, roe deer, and the occasional otter or curious stoat. You’ll also find grazing longhorn cattle.
Walking trails
Brockholes has several walking trails to explore, and regular guided walks are also run. There is a selection of walking trails suitable for pushchairs, wheelchair users and those with limited mobility too.
Kestrel Trail – 3/4 mile
The Kestrel Trail is a lovely short loop from the Visitor Village and offers the best chance of spotting one of the reserve’s most famous residents, the kestrel. The path takes you through a meadow, by a pool busy with damselflies and to a viewpoint with stunning views of the River Ribble and beyond.
Family Trail – 1 mile
As the name suggests, this trail is perfect for families, guiding you to the highest points of the nature reserve for wonderful views over Meadow Lake and the River Ribble. Kids can look out for birds at the bird feeding station, pop into The Lookout Hide and have fun at the adventure play area, before heading back along the boardwalk to the Visitor Village.
Meadow Lake Trail – 1.2 miles
This trail consists of a scenic loop around Meadow Lake that starts and ends at the floating Visitor Village. Stroll through the woods, then admire the view from the viewpoint close to the osprey platform. Keep your eyes peeled for roe deer as you take the Guild Wheel path to The Lookout Hide on Number One Pit Lake, then back along the peaceful boardwalk.
Discovery Trail – 3 miles
For the full Brockholes experience, follow the Discovery Trail. The walk takes you through the ancient woodland of Boilton Wood, then Meadow Lake and Number One Pit Lake, where you can watch the wildfowl and waders. The trail then passes through ancient hawthorn arches as you walk a portion of the Guild Wheel, before following the River Ribble.
Brockholes is home to an award-winning floating Visitor Village
After your trek, you can head to the award-winning floating Visitor Village at Brockholes Nature Reserve. Designed by Adam Khan Architects, the “floating village” won the RIBA National Award in 2012 and achieved the highest BREEAM “Outstanding” rating for sustainability. The project followed a zero-carbon approach by using locally-sourced timber, sustainable larch wood and acoustic absorption made from recycled materials.
The visitor village rests on a concrete pontoon, allowing it to sit directly on the lake, protecting it from floods, and bringing visitors closer to the wetland wildlife. Inside, you can hear about the latest wildlife sightings from volunteers, browse the gift shop, find the perfect pair of binoculars at the in focus shop, or grab something to eat and drink at the Kestrel Kitchen while enjoying panoramic views of Meadow Lake.
How much does it cost to visit?
Entry to Brockholes Nature Reserve is free, but car parking charges apply. The car park is open 6am – 7pm and costs £6 all day. Three, six and 12-month passes are available to purchase from the Visitor Centre.
How to get to Brockholes Nature Reserve
The reserve is located just off Junction 31 of the M6, Preston, Lancashire, PR5 0AG. It takes around 45 minutes from Manchester to Brockholes by car.
Find out more about Brockholes Nature Reserve here.