The Three Sisters is a wildlife wetland reserve providing the local community and visitors a gateway into the wider Wigan Flashes Nature reserve.
Visitors will be impressed by the tranquil beauty of the lake which plays home to a variety of birdlife including goosanders, mute swans, grey heron and kingfisher.
The locally famous bird feeding station, which draws in ornithologists from the local area and further afield, offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy closer views of local wildlife including the nationally rare Willow Tit (one of five RSPB red listed birds in the area), plus the Jay, Chaffinch and Great Spotted Woodpecker.
The reserve was once famous for its three large spoil heaps known locally as the ‘Three Sisters’ and from this the site officially became the Three Sisters Recreation Area. Natural regeneration following past mining has re-colonised parts of the reserve and now provides an interesting and diverse mix of grassland species.
Heart of Wigan walk
Each Heart of Wigan sculpture is the beginning of a one mile walk mapped out for you to enjoy and explore Three Sisters.
Amenities and activities
Extensive surrounding footpaths are a haven for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Picnic and play areas can be found on site together with toilets and free parking.
Conservation
The reserve is valued in four main areas:
- High biodiversity value
- Local amenity for the community and visitors
- An environmental education resource
- An initial ‘Gateway’ into Wigan’s wetlands and Greenheart.
A number of key targets have been set to enhance and protect the reserve, and ensure biodiversity continues to increase. This forms part of the NNR management plan.
Jubilee Legacy Walks
To celebrate the Queen's Jubilee Celebrations of 2012, a series of 15 Legacy Walks were developed ranging from 1 to 9 miles. Each walk in Wigan Borough's green space is recognised by Silver, Gold and Diamond accreditation.
Directions
Getting there by bus 600/602 from Ashton or Wigan get off at Bryn Cross (A49) and walk the short route down Bryn Road to Lockett Road then on to Three Sisters Road. View on Google Maps (external link).
Facilities
Car parking, toilets, footpaths, hides, nature walks and horse riding.
- Toilets and free parking
- Extensive footpaths cater for walkers, cyclists and horse riders
- Woodland feeding station for close up views of birds.