This interesting reserve, developed by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust from a former sand and gravel quarry, is now a natural haven for many species of wildlife. There are lakes, pools, marshland and reed beds, walking trails, bird hides, woodland trails and riverside paths. Also, the floating visitor village offering information and other amenities.
Brockholes Site Map by K Goodings
We departed from the visitor’s village and made our way to the Lookout Hide which offered excellent views over Number One Pit Lake and the Sand Martin Wall. So many Sand Martins swooping over the water then returning to their particular hole in the wall, a delight to see their acrobatic flight. Suddenly, they dispersed and disappeared, in flew a Sparrow Hawk looking magnificent. He landed on the ground close to Sand Martin Wall and remained there for several minutes before relocating to a nearby tree. Other good sightings from the Lookout Hide were Golden Eye, Mute Swan, Canada Geese, Coote, Moorhen, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Cormorants, Black-headed Gulls, Common Gull, Gadwall, Lapwing, Grey Heron, Buzzard and Great Crested Grebe displaying with an elegant courtship dance.
Brockholes Sand Martins by K Goodings
We continued our birdwatching journey along the woodland trail (Discovery trail) around the lake, stopping at The Viewpoint and later continuing on to the next Bird Hide. Along the trail we saw Wood Pigeon, Magpie and Chiffchaff calling loudly and clearly seen. Sightings from the next Hide were Shoveler, a juvenile Herring Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Mallard, Teal, Little Grebe and Pied Wagtail.
Next, we took to the Meadow Lake Trail where Cetti’s Warbler could be heard but not seen. Good sightings of Blue Tit, Great Tit, Wren, Robin, Carrion Crow and Oyster Catcher. Following the trail, we returned to the visitor’s village and enjoyed lunch at the picnic tables outside in the sunshine.
In the afternoon we ventured along the Family Trail, through more woodland and on to the feeding station, seeing Dunnock, Reed Buntings, Nuthatch, Chaffinch and Goldfinch.
Later, our walk by the River Ribble revealed a good view of Redshank and a Pheasant.
A lovely day out with 41 sightings of birds, plus other points of interest with spring flowers and butterflies.
Report by Judith Goodings
