Abram Flash Nature Reserve

Abram Flash is a small nature reserve just 7 hectares in area managed by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust in partnership with the City of Trees. Part of Wigan Greenheart, Abram Flash connects Wigan Flashes to Lightshaw Meadows and, further along, Pennington Flash.

The Flashes are shallow open bodies of water that were originally formed through the flooding of land, but which have gradually subsided due to deep-mining. Abram Flash has a rich variety of habitat including mossland, wet marshy grassland, reedbeds, tall herb fen, swamp, and open water, and has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It supports one of the largest populations of breeding birds associated with lowland open water in Greater Manchester and Merseyside.

Spring and summer months are a great time to visit to spot breeding birds. Mute swans, mallards, tufted ducks, pochards, garganeys, shovelers, and gadwalls can all be seen nesting in the reedbeds and open water of the reserve. Waders such as lapwings, snipes, and redshanks, as well yellow wagtails breed in the wet grasslands, while reed warblers, reed buntings, and sedge warblers are found in the swamp and fen. And look out for kingfishers and grey wagtails on the banks of the canal.

During winter, the lower water levels of Abram Flash provide an important feeding and roosting point for waterfowl and migrant waders including greenshanks, dunlins, and ruffs.

Abram Flash runs alongside the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, and although access to the reserve is restricted, there are many vantage points along the canal that offer fantastic views across the reserve. It can be difficult to access due to the steep banks that lead down from the canal so please take care. Also note, that although dogs are welcome, they must be kept on a lead at all times.