Visitor information
Opening hours
How to find us
Parking & prices
Facilities & access
Contact details

Opening hours

Viridor Wood is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

How to find us

How to find us
Viridor Wood, Wigan
Sat Nav Postcode: WN4 8TL
By Car

The wood is located off A58 Bolton Road.

OS Grid Ref
SD594007
Get directions

53.5045, -2.60798196

Parking and prices

There are no parking charges at Viridor Wood. There is a small car park available.

 

Additional information

Number of accessible parking spaces: 0

Facilities and access

There are no waymarked walking trails, and no easy access route.

Assistant dogs welcome
Dogs allowed
Picnic area

Contact details

Landline Number
0300 067 4340
E-Mail Address
delamere@forestryengland.uk

Enjoy a stroll through Viridor Wood's peaceful grasslands and beautiful orchids

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.

Formerly made up of the iconic Mains Colliery and a dairy farm, Viridor Wood was also part of the ancient Coffin Trail. However since 2001 this previously industrial site has been transformed into a beautiful greenspace for local people to enjoy, wildlife to flourish, and as a source of sustainably grown timber for UK industry.

At a glance

  • Over 5km of surfaced trails, a great place for walking, cycling and horse riding
  • Fishing lake
  • Dogs welcome
  • Rich with wildlife habitats

Things to do

Walking at Viridor Wood

With over 5km of trails, whether on foot or on wheels, Viridor Wood is a great place to explore, get some fresh air and experience the benefits of being out in the natural environment.

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Wildlife Watching at Viridor Wood

Viridor Wood is a great place for spotting wildlife, from birds and butterflies, to insects and plant life on the forest floor.

The range of habitats includes grasslands, wetlands, lakes and woodlands. As the site was created on a previously industrial site there is a distinctive meadow mix of species developing.

The local area is a known breeding ground for Willow Tits which are on the Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern as these birds are well suited to the local habitats.

Join in with Forest Find

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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Cycling at Viridor Wood

Cycling is a fantastic way to explore Viridor Wood and soak up the beautiful scenery.

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Horse riding at Viridor Wood

Our trail network is suitable for exploring Viridor Wood on horseback and no permit is needed to ride here. However all trails are shared with our other visitors so you will see walkers and cyclists on your ride.

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Nearby forests

field with rocks

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. 

Find out more
Footpath through trees at Sutton Manor

Sutton Manor

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!

Find out more
Barn Owl

Horrocks Wood

A number of paths link together areas of open grassland and young woodland across this hillside site.

The young trees provide incredible displays in autumn, and at dusk you may well see hunting barn owls.

Find out more
Lakeside path at Drinkwater Path

Drinkwater Park

Situated in Greater Manchester, Drinkwater Park is home to a diverse mix of native woodland, open meadows and borders the River Irwell. It is connected by a superb network of paths making it the perfect location for a leisurely stroll, blood-pumping run or if you just want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. 

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