FOR more than 100 years Lancashire had more industry than anywhere else in the world. It made its money from three things, each beginning with the letter 'C'. These were cotton, canals and coal. The effect of industry on Lancashire's wildlife was almost a disaster, but not quite.

There were many coal mines round Burnley, East Lancashire and Bolton, but all of these have closed. There were always more and bigger mines around Wigan and Leigh. These mines extracted so much coal that the ground sank. These hollow subsidences filled with water and were called Flashes. When the mines closed the area became cleaner, and some flashes have made excellent places for birds. Pennington Flash near Leigh is one of the best of these, and is now a famous Country Park with a Visitors' Centre and open free of charge.

Pennington Flash is an area of 170 acres of water, one mile to the south west of Leigh, and since April 1981 has been part of a Country Park of more than 1,000 acres. The Flash is signed from Junction 23 of the M6 motorway and than towards Leigh. A long track leads off the A572 St Helens road to the park. There are a few

parking areas on the side of the road and these are free. The main car park is large and is a pay and display (60p per day). There is a caravan selling hot snacks and drinks.

I reached the car park just as the icy rain stopped falling and the sun started to peep through the grey clouds. The car park was full of hungry birds begging food from the visitors, and the Flash was also crowded with wildfowl including lots of mallards, Canada geese and coots, their white bills and foreheads reflecting the sunlight.

Pennington is the place to learn your birdwatching, but it is also a favourite place for experienced naturalists. There were many with their telescopes focussed on the middle of the flash where there were several little grebes and a great crested grebe diving for its food, which includes crustaceans, water insects and small fish.

The old coal mine spoil heaps have been planted with trees which are now beginning to mature. There are many native trees including birch, alder, willow, oak and ash. Some conifers have also been planted especially larch. Footpaths wind in and out of these wooded areas, and alongside the main flash and lots of smaller pools. Some of these are overlooked by wooden hides. On cold days these are smashing places to sit and enjoy a warming flask of coffee.

While I warmed up I focussed my binoculars on a flock of pochards which are common ducks, the males being recognised by their reddish heads and grey bodies. Among the pochard were several black and white tufted ducks and six male goldeneys recognised by white patches on their cheeks.

By the time I reached the car park the light was fading, a gale force wind was still howling across the flash, and several young birdwatchers were feeding the wildfowl. One seven year old told me he had seen a male goosander with a white body and a green head. If he had not pointed it out to me I would have missed it. In a few years this lad will be a great bird watcher. Pennington Flash is one of the best places for young naturalists to learn their skills. It is also one of the best spots in the whole of England for enjoying a day of winter's birdwatching.

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