Places to see birds

Worthington Lakes, Standish, Lancashire

Although usually known as Worthington Lakes these are in fact a series of drinking water reservoirs managed by United Utilities to provide an emergency supply to Wigan in times of drought.

The waters attract a number of duck species including mallard, teal and tufted duck. Little and great crested grebe can usually be seen and a kingfisher if you are reasonably lucky. The River Douglas, which flows alongside the site, is home to dippers and grey wagtails but you will have to have a lot of luck to see the lesser spotted woodpeckers which are known to be present, at times, in this area. Great spotted woodpeckers should prove a little easier to find particularly in early spring before the leaves appear.

The reservoirs are signposted off the A5106 between Standish and Chorley and provide a pleasant spot for a walk of a couple of hours or a family picnic on a warm summer's day.