Pennington Flash

Pennington Flash Pennington Flash Nature Reserve is a place of natural beauty - attracting wildlife to its 70 hectare lake or "Flash" .
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Walkers, cyclists and horse riders benefit from well maintained paths and over 230 bird species keep bird watchers happy in one of the many hides overlooking the Flash. Facilities include: Information Centre, children’s play area, picnic and recreation areas, fishing on certain shores, sailing, windsurfing and rowing through Leigh and Lowton Sailing Club.

Got a little wildling that loves to be outdoors? A young explorer that's keen to learn about nature? Or an adventurer th...
31/05/2026

Got a little wildling that loves to be outdoors? A young explorer that's keen to learn about nature? Or an adventurer that always looking for excitement? 🔍🐛

Pennington Flash Forest School runs weekly sessions that give young people the opportunity to embrace the great outdoors, connect with nature and learn at their own pace through crafts, games and activities 🎨

Expect fun, curiosity and a good dose of imagination, all in the heart of our beautiful National Nature Reserve 🌳

Want to find out more? Head to Wild Nurture CIC or follow the link in the comments to book onto an upcoming session 👇

There will be no access to the Pennington Flash car park on Monday 1st June due to resurfacing works on the entrance roa...
30/05/2026

There will be no access to the Pennington Flash car park on Monday 1st June due to resurfacing works on the entrance road.

We anticipate that the works will take a full day to complete and we will be back open on Tuesday 2nd June.

The last entry onto the car park for Sunday 31st May will be 5pm to give us enough time to clear the site for the following day.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

Nothing beats a sunny stroll around the Flash – and our feathered residents seem to agree! ☀️🦢Blue skies, warm weather a...
29/05/2026

Nothing beats a sunny stroll around the Flash – and our feathered residents seem to agree! ☀️🦢

Blue skies, warm weather and plenty of smiling faces… the perfect combination for a visit 😊

If you’re planning to join us this weekend, please note that the car park will close at 1pm today and tomorrow (last entry at 12pm) to allow for concert parking.

Why not make a day of it? The Hide Coffee House will be extending their opening hours, with some exciting new menu items to try ✨

As always, please enjoy the Flash responsibly 🫶

Chuffed to see Bee Orchids springing at Pennington Flash Nature Reserve this season, and we also spotted a Marsh Orchid ...
25/05/2026

Chuffed to see Bee Orchids springing at Pennington Flash Nature Reserve this season, and we also spotted a Marsh Orchid at the aptly named 'Orchid Pond'.

These crafty wildflowers mimic the aesthetic of female bees to attract male bees. The males will fly into the flower with the intention of mating with a female bee only to be tricked into pollinating the flower.

Unfortunately, the correct bee species for these flowers aren't present in Britain so these Orchids are self pollinated.

Life under a lens 🔎Take a closer look as you explore Pennington Flash and see what's growing right before your eyes! 🍄📷 ...
24/05/2026

Life under a lens 🔎

Take a closer look as you explore Pennington Flash and see what's growing right before your eyes! 🍄

📷 Photos from Joan Disley (Leigh Ornithological Society) and A.J.Critch Wildlife

21/05/2026

Bloomin' beautiful 😍

It's a gorgeous time to explore the Flash. Get outside and enjoy the most colourful time of the year 🌼

📷 A.J.Critch Wildlife

✨ Orienteering fun for half term! ✨Join Be Well Wigan for this year’s Big Wigan Walk Week with a spot of family-friendly...
19/05/2026

✨ Orienteering fun for half term! ✨

Join Be Well Wigan for this year’s Big Wigan Walk Week with a spot of family-friendly orienteering right here at Pennington Flash!

Download the MapRun app and use your phone to find the virtual checkpoints around our fabulous National Nature Reserve.

Suitable for all ages and abilities… making it perfect for the holidays!

📅 Tuesday 26 May
🕚 11am-3pm
📍 Pennington Flash (meet at The Hide Coffee House)
🎟️ FREE

Book your spot using the Be Well app or the link in the comments.

Calling all makers, creators and nature lovers! 🌿As part of our annual Flashes Festival of Nature, we'll be hosting our ...
16/05/2026

Calling all makers, creators and nature lovers! 🌿

As part of our annual Flashes Festival of Nature, we'll be hosting our very own artisan market, and we want you! 🫵

Print maker? Food fanatic? Upcycling extraordinaire?

We're keen to hear from local businesses who'd be interested in holding a stall in the beautiful surroundings of our National Nature Reserve 💚

📅 Sunday 19 July

✉️ Express your interest by emailing [email protected] or calling 01942 489848.

Address

Pennington Flash Nature Reserve, St Helen's Road
Leigh
WN73PA

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 7:45pm
Tuesday 8am - 7:45pm
Wednesday 8am - 7:45pm
Thursday 8am - 7:45pm
Friday 8am - 7:45pm
Saturday 8am - 7:45pm
Sunday 8am - 7:45pm

Telephone

+441942828535

Website

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