Good news for willow tits and bitterns - 738-hectare site near Manchester is Britain's newest nature reserve

                                                    

Willow tit - Wigan Flashes reserve is reckoned to be home to two per cent of  British population

A SITE in Greater Manchester has been designated a new urban nature reserve - and a big one at that.

Natural England says The Flashes of Wigan and Leigh will consist of 738 hectares of wetland, medows and woodlands - home to willow tits (52 pairs), bitterns, water voles and great crested newts.

Says a NE spokesperson: "The designation, which will be the first in the Greater Manchester area, recognises the incredible transformation of the Flashes over the last 100 years. 

"Lakes formed as a result of mining subsidence became home to wildlife as natural recolonisation and reclamation  healed the scars of industry.

"It is hoped the site will provide new opportunities for sustainable tourism and visits from local residents - around 300,000 of them - and from further afield."

Wigan is already recognised as one of the greenest urban boroughs in Britain.

"A healthy natural environment and economic growth go hand in hand," enthuses NE's chief executive, Marian Spain. 

"By working together to build strong partnerships such as in the Flashes of Wigan and Leigh, we can provide space for rare species and provide vital greenspace. 

"That will make Wigan and Leigh even great places to live and great places to do business in, so helping to attract inward investment."

The new national nature reserve also embraces Amberswood, Three Sisters and Bickershaw Country Park. 

It also includes Viridor woodland, planted by Forestry England just over 20 years ago.

Other organisations such as Wigan Council, Lancashire Wildlife Trust and Forestry England have been involved with the initative.