Not sure if it's quite within the area classed as Lowton Heath - I had a look at the Mount Tabor site today (along a footpath north of Newton Road, just east of Stone Cross Lane South). 80+ Goldfinch were present, including many juveniles, feeding on the mass of Thistles on this uncultivated area, with several Linnet and Greenfinch also present. Other birds seen were juv Blackcap, with Kestrel and Sparrowhawk over.
Just discovered this beautiful little area after being put onto it by a neighbour.
Basically its bordered by the east lancs road to the north and Newton Road to the south with the western boundary being the railway line.
The footpath on it follows a little babbling brook for most of its way by the side of a small wooded area with mature and semi mature trees. There's also a small swampy area with bull rushes and the like at the southern end that looks like it could hold the odd good bird now and again.
I walked through it today at 2.00pm, not the best time of day I know but there was still lots of warbler activity with Blackcaps and Chiffchaff and I also had a very close encounter with a Buzzard and also good views of a GSW.
I'll definately be visiting here again. (But not in shorts next time as there's loads of nettles)