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Pennington Flash is probably the best birdwatching site in Greater Manchester. The Flash, a 70-hectare lake near Leigh, was formed in 1905 as a result of coal mining subsidence. The original site was crossed by railway lines and the remains of one, the 'spit', can still be seen today. The whole area covers 200 hectares and is managed by Wigan Council as a Country Park. A range of recreational facilities are provided including a nine-hole golf-course, sailing and wind surfing, a children's play area and most important of all - an extensive nature reserve with six bird hides. Future plans include a new visitor centre and café. The nature reserve has various habitats including open water, reed beds, scrub and woodland. Over 230 species have been recorded (although I have only managed 120 so far, in ten years of odd weekend visits). Rarities in recent years have included great northern diver, blue-winged teal, whiskered tern and black-faced bunting. Migrants such as smew, garganey, green sandpiper, little gull, black tern and yellow wagtail all occur on an annual basis. In November, the RSPB Manchester Local Group spent an enjoyable morning here, and we saw 38 species in a few hours, including a very confiding red-necked grebe. An early morning visit can almost guarantee sightings of some rare species such as water rail, willow tit, bullfinch and reed bunting as well as a range of waterfowl. The Bunting Hide feeding station is always very productive, with close-up views of woodland birds - ideal for photography. In spring and autumn a good variety of waders drop in - usually along the spit, where this year I saw whimbrel and turnstone. Summer sees little ringed plovers, common terns and a variety of warblers. Recent improvements at the north end of the flash have resulted in a new wetland area, which is where we saw the red-necked grebe. A bittern has also been seen regularly in this area and looks to overwinter here. The county park is very popular and can get busy on a Sunday afternoon with dog-walkers, horseriders and people on motorbikes. I would recommend an early morning visit - especially on a clear frosty day. It is well signposted off the A580 East Lancs Road near Leigh and there is ample parking space with a small charge.
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