Borsdane Wood facts for kids
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Borsdane Wood is a special forest in Greater Manchester, England. It's found between the areas of Wigan and Bolton. This wood is very old and natural, meaning it has been a forest since before the year 1600! Its trees grew there all by themselves, without people planting them.
In 1986, Borsdane Wood was named a Local Nature Reserve. This means it's a protected place where nature can thrive, and people can visit and enjoy it.
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What Makes Borsdane Wood Special?
An Ancient Forest
Borsdane Wood covers about 34 hectares, which is like 85 football fields! It's filled with many different kinds of trees, such as oak, ash, birch, and cherry. You can also find smaller plants like hazel, hawthorn, and dog rose. Some of these trees are hundreds of years old. Because it has stayed mostly the same for centuries, it's a perfect home for lots of different animals and plants.
The Borsdane Brook
A small river called the Borsdane Brook flows through the wood. This brook acts as a natural border between the towns of Hindley and Westhoughton. It also marks the line between the Wigan and Bolton areas. The water from Borsdane Brook eventually flows into Pennington Flash and then into another brook called the Glaze Brook.
Wildlife Haven
Because Borsdane Wood is so old and natural, it's a great place for wildlife. You might spot many different birds, insects, and small mammals living among the trees and along the brook. It's a peaceful spot where nature can really shine.
Visiting Borsdane Wood
How to Get There
There are several ways to enter Borsdane Wood. If you are coming from Hindley, Greater Manchester, you can find entrances through Raynor Park or even through the local cemetery. There's a cool tunnel under the railway tracks that leads right into the heart of the wood.
Another path takes you all the way to Aspull. Near the Gerrard Arms Public House in Aspull, you'll find another entrance to the wood.
Exploring the Wood
The town of Westhoughton is also right next to the wood, making it easy for people from there to visit. Once inside, you'll find paths that let you explore this ancient and beautiful forest. It's a wonderful place for a walk, to enjoy nature, and to see a piece of history that has remained unchanged for a very long time.
