Pennington Flash Nature Reserve Masterplan development options
In October 2022, Pennington Flash was officially declared a national treasure as part of the Flashes of Wigan and Leigh National Nature Reserve.
Since then, we’ve been on a journey to enhance the visitor experience and create more opportunities for people to experience, appreciate and interact with our beautiful natural habitats.
For the next phase of our evolution, we’ve been working on a couple of concepts based on previous feedback from residents and in line with our vision statement: Connecting with people, creating wellbeing, supporting nature recovery.
Now we want to hear your thoughts!
Concept one: Making golf sustainable
This concept aims to improve the golf course and keep it open more days each year. By redesigning the course and making changes to certain holes (especially Holes 2, 5 & 6), we can alleviate drainage problems and reduce the risk of flooding.
New wetland areas would be created in places where the ground is prone to waterlogging, with planting to support local wildlife and boost biodiversity.
Key features:
- Shortened golf course
- New wetland areas
- Improved drainage systems
- More plants and natural habitats
- Ongoing investment and maintenance
Concept two: Creating new space for nature
Transforming the golf course into additional parkland and wetland habitats would create new opportunities for conservation and connecting with nature.
A wetland discovery education space would encourage learning about the natural world and the varied wildlife found here at the Flash, while a new ‘Adventure Island’ would feature nature-based play areas, a small family-friendly golf offer and other family attractions in keeping with the nature reserve.
Key features:
- Expanded nature reserve
- Planting trees, wildflowers and reedbeds
- Wetland discovery education space
- ‘Adventure Island’ for families
- New accessible footpaths
Phases
Collect input
In October 2022, Pennington Flash was officially declared a national treasure as part of the Flashes of Wigan and Leigh National Nature Reserve.
Since then, we’ve been on a journey to enhance the visitor experience and create more opportunities for people to experience, appreciate and interact with our beautiful natural habitats.
For the next phase of our evolution, we’ve been working on a couple of concepts based on previous feedback from residents and in line with our vision statement: Connecting with people, creating wellbeing, supporting nature recovery.
Now we want to hear your thoughts!
Concept one: Making golf sustainable
This concept aims to improve the golf course and keep it open more days each year. By redesigning the course and making changes to certain holes (especially Holes 2, 5 & 6), we can alleviate drainage problems and reduce the risk of flooding.
New wetland areas would be created in places where the ground is prone to waterlogging, with planting to support local wildlife and boost biodiversity.
Key features:
- Shortened golf course
- New wetland areas
- Improved drainage systems
- More plants and natural habitats
- Ongoing investment and maintenance
Concept two: Creating new space for nature
Transforming the golf course into additional parkland and wetland habitats would create new opportunities for conservation and connecting with nature.
A wetland discovery education space would encourage learning about the natural world and the varied wildlife found here at the Flash, while a new ‘Adventure Island’ would feature nature-based play areas, a small family-friendly golf offer and other family attractions in keeping with the nature reserve.
Key features:
- Expanded nature reserve
- Planting trees, wildflowers and reedbeds
- Wetland discovery education space
- ‘Adventure Island’ for families
- New accessible footpaths