Sutton Manor

No BBQs or fires allowed. Help us to prevent wildfires and protect the forest.

Visitor information

Facilities and access

For more information on planning your visit, take a look at our accessibility information:

Assistant dogs welcome
Dogs allowed
Picnic area

Sutton Manor

Explore this woodland and wildlife haven created in 2001 on the former Sutton Manor Colliery spoil heap

Sutton Manor is a 230 acre site located in St Helens next to the M62 on the former Sutton Manor Colliery. At its highest point it is over 200m above sea level.

In 2001 the former spoil heap was transformed into a community woodland and wildlife haven for the local community and visitors to enjoy. Over 2 million trees were planted!

In 2009, Jaume Plensa's Dream sculpture was officially opened as a lasting memory of the sites former use. It sits on the apex of the former spoil heap and can be seen from miles around.

The site also links in with the Farnworth Sutton Greenway. This is a footpath and cycleway that connects up Dream and Sutton Manor woodland with the outskirts of Widnes at Mill Lane.

At a glace

Walking
Orienteering
Heritage arts trail
Fishing pond
Picnic area

Things to do

Forest Find | Sutton Manor

Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or enthusiast amateur it's easy to take part, just start recording wildlife on your next visit...

Download the free iNaturalist app before you visit

Discover and record wildlife through the app on your forest adventure

Download now on iOS

Download now on Android

iNaturalist is an independent third party application. Please check their full privacy policy and terms of service before signing up You can create records without having 4G or Wi-Fi in the forest. Download our full user guide and top tips.

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Picnics at Sutton Manor

Enjoy a tasty treat in the forest at one of our beautiful picnic areas, just bring along good food and company!

To prevent forest fires and reduce waste, please do not bring any barbecues into our forests.

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The Dream at Sutton Manor

The Dream, an imposing permanent sculpture by artist Jaume Plensa, can be viewed at Sutton Manor Community Woodland. Installed in 2009, it sits on the site of a former colliery, reflecting on the heritage of the location. It represents a girl with closed eyes, an emblem of hope for what the future may bring.

Discover other arts projects across England.

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Nearby forests

Viridor Wood

Popular with walkers, cyclists and wildlife watchers, there is a network of over 5km of trails around the woodland, and visitors can enjoy the striking wooden viewpoint created by artist Richard Caink.

Part of the Abram Flashes Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the Flashes of Wigan and Leigh National Nature Reserve, Viridor Wood features a mix of woodland, grassland and fishing lakes.

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Sefton Meadows

Located near Liverpool, Sefton Meadows offers the perfect opportunity to escape the city! The woodlands are made up of three sites, Jubilee Woods, Roughlys Wood and Brooms Cross.

Keep your eyes peeled for the Barn Owl sculpture which can be seen at Jubilee Woods! The site is also often visited by Hunting barn owls and they are likely to be spotted around dusk.

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Colliers Wood

As a former coal mine, Colliers Wood forms an interconnected area of woodlands and grassland surrounding Higher Folds. The various footpaths offer quite a lot of opportunity for exploration and discovery.

There has been recent planting near Cooling Lane which is now coming into fruition. From Queensway, there is access to an area once used by bird watchers.

Colliers Wood is located approximately ten miles west of Manchester.

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Delamere Forest

Delamere Forest, within easy reach of both Manchester and Liverpool, is a place to let off steam, escape the crowds and find peace in the heart of the forest.

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