Amberswood is a 160-hectare nature reserve in Wigan managed by Groundwork on behalf of Wigan Council.

Originally formed by the flooding of former coal mining sites, it consists of a series of small lakes, ponds, woodland and wetlands, including a Site of Biological Importance. It is also home to nationally significant wildlife populations. Amberswood is one of 13 sites that make up an area of 738.21 hectares of precious wetland habitats  now known as ‘The Flashes of Wigan and Leigh’. This became a National Nature Reserve in October 2022.

It consists of a series of small lakes, ponds, woodland and wetlands, including a Site of Biological Importance. The wetlands, which were including the willow tit, water voles and the great crested newt.

A place for wildlife and people to thrive

Our work at Amberswood includes a programme of community volunteering, empowering local residents to participate in the management and nature based improvements across the site. We also work with organisations like the Green Crew in Wigan, which provides activities for adults with a learning disability and / or mental health condition.

The site provides an ideal site for people to enjoy nature and where wildlife thrive. It also provides an ideal environment for those interested in working in a environment based role to learn the skills and experience they need for their future careers. Recent examples include Nidal and Billy, who have gone on to establish successful careers in environmental monitoring and landscaping respectively.

Nidal’s Story

Nidal, Conservation Trainee with Groundwork

I benefitted in so many ways, not just in terms of skills and knowledge, but from being part of a team and working in such a positive environment. My confidence and people skills improved massively during my time at Groundwork.

Billy’s Story

Billy, Landscape Gardening trainee with Groundwork

“I’ve always been interested in working in landscape gardening, but I didn’t know where to start. My new job is exactly what I was looking for. If it wasn’t for Groundwork, I don’t think I’d be in this position.


Groundwork’s Conservation Team

Our team at Amberswood is led by Senior Project Officer, Joe Darby.

In this short film, Joe describes how Groundwork works with people and organisations from the local community to conserve and protect this beautiful green site.