Abram Nature Reserve

Abram Nature Reserve is a lovely, tucked-away green space near Golborne that takes in Lightshaw Meadows, a smaller flash and wetlands, a copse with a community orchard (think apples, pears, medlars and hazelnuts), and the wonderfully diverse Byrom Hall Wood. The wood is rich in sessile and pedunculate oaks and acts as an important wildlife corridor connecting through to Pennington Flash National Nature Reserve. Wildlife here is genuinely impressive.

Keep your eyes peeled for deer, kingfishers, various owls, mink and a good range of waterfowl. Because it sits slightly off the beaten track, it tends to stay quiet even on weekends, which makes it a real treat if you want a peaceful outing without the crowds.

The reserve is open around the clock every day of the week, so you can visit whenever suits your family. You can reach it via Dover Lock (head south along the Leeds Liverpool Canal from the Dover Lock pub), Byrom Hall Wood, or Lightshaw Lane off Slag Lane near the recycling centre.