Greater Manchester

Pennington Flash Country Park

A former mining subsidence that has transformed into one of the North West's premier birdwatching sites. The flash and surrounding habitats attract a wide variety of wildfowl, waders, and woodland birds throughout the year.

Partially Accessible
Free Entry
Open dawn to dusk

Gallery

Accessibility & Suitability

Mobility Access

Main paths around the flash are accessible, though some woodland trails can be uneven. The hides are accessible.

Terrain: Mixed - tarmac paths and some uneven trails

Distances: Main loop approximately 2.5 miles, shorter routes available

Age Suitability

Young Children (0-5)
Children (6-12)
Teenagers
Adults
Elderly

Good for all ages. Play area near the car park. Fairly flat terrain suitable for elderly visitors.

Wildlife & Photography

What You Might See

Great White EgretMute SwanCanada GooseOystercatcherReed BuntingNuthatchRobinGreat Crested GrebeKingfisherGrey Heron
Best Seasons: Spring, Autumn, Winter
Highlights: Great white egrets are regularly seen here. Excellent for wildfowl in winter and passage waders in spring and autumn. The woodland areas are good for nuthatches and other woodland species.

Photography Tips

The hides offer good opportunities for close-up shots. Early morning provides beautiful light across the flash. The woodland feeding stations attract nuthatches and other small birds.

Practical Information

Parking

£2.50

Pay and display car park

Entry

Free Entry

Opening Hours

Open dawn to dusk

Best Time to Visit

Year-round, but winter for wildfowl and spring/autumn for passage migrants

Facilities

🚻 Toilets Café👁️ Hidesℹ️ Visitor Centre🧺 Picnic Area Dogs Welcome

Address

St Helens Road, Leigh, WN7 3PA

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