Viridor Wood

Visitor information

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.

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.

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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. 

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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!

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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.

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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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