Pennington Flash

Another excellent site within easy reach of my home. The 'Flash' is the result of mining subsidence and flooding at the turn of the century and is now an extensive nature reserve with numerous bird hides, a children's play area, picnic and recreation areas, and a network of tracks and footpaths. It has a 70-hectare lake and a number of smaller ponds.

The feeding station (Bunting Hide) is excellent for photographers; often the birds getting too close for my 400mm lens (remember to take your extension tubes!). Excellent opportunities to photograph Bullfinch, Reed Bunting, Dunnock, Wren, Robin, Chaffinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, various Tits, etc, are almost guaranteed.

My only slightly negative observation (from a photographer's viewpoint only) is that the feeding area is surrounded by the hide and trees on all sides, which can make it very dark when light is not at its best. This should not put you off, however, as the hide is one of the best I have come across for bird photography.

On the Flash itself, the Swans and some of the Wildfowl are relatively tame and provide opportunities for some interesting images.

Pennington Flash has very many resident and regularly visiting species and many rare varieties have been spotted at various times of the year. I'm not aware of a dedicated website and/or listing of sightings.

Pennington Flash is well worth a visit, especially for beginners looking for some good opportunities to practise their skills.

The Flash lies close to the A580 East Lancashire Road and is well signposted from it.

Pennington Flash Country Park

St Helens Road

Leigh

Wigan

WN7 3PA

Telephone: 01942 605253

My Images from Pennington Flash

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