Overview

Brockholes Quarry LWT Reserve is a 261 acre site next to junction 31 of the M6. It comprises a series of freshwater lagoons with gravel and shingle islands surrounded by reedbed and grassland. It is encircled by the River Ribble. There is a wooded area on site known as Boilton wood. Next to the reserve is a further 143 acres of mature woodland.

Access

Access is possible from the south bound junction 31 of the M6. From here follow the signs marked 'Quarry Access'. The site is not due to open fully until 2012. Therefore birders visiting before this date need to adhere strictly to the guidelines supplied by Hanson Aggregates which is still working the quarry. These are :-

No Vehicular/pedestrian access along the access road by birders during the following times: Mon - Fri; 0730-1800hrs, Sat; 0800-1200hrs. When visiting during these times, please park v. carefully outside the main gate and under no circumstances walk/stand along the access road and avoid all aspects of the working quarry. There are viewpoints which can be accessed from the public footpaths running through/around the site.

Vehicular access to the second passing place is granted all day SUNDAY and BANK HOLIDAYS only.

Future site access and future broadcasting of bird-news depends on birders strictly adhering to the above - thank you.

Birds

Brockholes has a reputation as being a good site for spring passage Whimbrel.This is at it's height at the end of April and the beginning of May. Evenings are reputed to be best. It also has a reputation for regular sightings of Hobby in the summer months. Boilton Wood can lead to sightings of Great Spotted and Green Woodpecker as well as Nuthatch. Wildfowl ( including Garganey and Scaup ) and waders are varied and it is a good location for gulls. Kingfisher is also present.