Changing Places听 tells stories about greening Britain - intiatives by听individuals, local communities,听government or multi-national corporations that contribute to a sustainable future.
Wet And Wild In Wigan
Friday听6 May
Wigan's answer to the Norfolk Broads is the Wigan Flashes, 593 acres of lakes, reed beds and woodland just half a mile from the town centre.听
Wigan Flashes听has an unromantic history;听mining caused the land the subside and water filled the sinking areas causing flash floods. As the temporary water turned into permanent lakes they became known locally as "The Flashes".听
Now they are home to birds like reed buntings and tufted duck -听over 140 species have been recorded in the last ten years. Colonies of orchids also thrive.
On the other side of the Pennines is the large town of Doncaster and it too has an extensive wetland on its south side, also caused primarily be mining subsidence, called Potteric Carr.
This site is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and has a wide variety of habitats ranging from marsh and reed beds to woodland.
Both Wigan Flashes and Potteric Carr share one major problem - they are nature reserves right next to major centres of population and as such are constantly under threat from development.
In the 38 years Potteric Carr has been designated a reserve its dedicated supporters have had the M18 moved, a railway line negotiated to make it more wildlife friendly and major drainage plans halted.
Wigan Flashes is just 6 years old as a reserve and already it is threatened by a road.
Chris Baines, environmental consultant, feels the only way to make these wonderful wildlife refuges safe is to value them for what they do for the community.
Wetlands are superb sponges that soak up rain water run off from the houses all around. They also provide educational experiences and recreation areas which are being shown to be vital for the nation's health. If we learn to appreciate them, nature reserves like these may have a future.
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