Lightshaw Meadows forms part of a series of wetlands between Wigan and Leigh called the Wigan Flashes. It was formed as a result of mining subsidence and is an important legacy of the area’s industrial past. Thirteen of the 18 hectares of Lightshaw Meadows fall within an SSSI.

The project focused on exploring the site’s industrial and natural heritage through a programme of learning and participation opportunities for a range of local regional audiences, as well as national specialist audiences.

It was designed to ensure the survival and conservation of priority habitats and species by purchasing the site, carrying out on-site physical works and bringing it under positive active management.