This is a newly-created FC woodland and grassland area accessible from Bickershaw Lane at SD623023 - room for a couple of cars in the small area at the entrance. It's next to the larger Barlow's Farm area which is much more open, with marshy areas. These two areas are between Hindley Prison and the big PPG factory.
Today there were 5 Willow Tits, 5 Bullfinches, small flocks of Lesser Redpoll and Goldfinches, plus a range of other passerines. Looks good for Grasshopper Warbler in a couple of months' time - they are on the Barlow's Farm site. Unfortunately there's a lot of heavy machinery on site at present, backfilling old mine shafts. But will be gone by the breeding system, I hope!