I have been lucky enough to work on Brockholes since the very early days. By the time I joined the team, the Trust had already fought hard and delivered a record-breaking fundraising appeal to reclaim the site back for wildlife and that’s where the real journey began. 

I had heard about the Brockholes project, of course, during my time as a marketing volunteer for the Trust and it was impossible not to get swept up in the buzz of excitement from the staff team. I had fallen in love with the reserve before I’d even been there, so when the chance arose to join the Trust as the first ever marketing officer, I had to grab it with both hands. 

There were many partners rooting for us and supporting us along the way, with funding and expertise to help us. The day of ‘cutting the first sod’ is one I will never forget. Standing on top of the hill (which is now the pathway to the Visitor Village) looking down at an empty space where it was so clear something very special was about to be born.  As our then Chief Executive, Anne Selby, climbed into the digger for some photographs donning her ‘posh wellies’, the look on her face said everything – thrilled to make it to his point and determined to make Brockholes something really special.  

I was hooked. Brockholes soon became a mission for me and I was as determined as Anne to make the dream a reality; a place where everyone could come and enjoy some time in nature, enjoy the delights of buzzing dragonflies in the summer or the fleeting dash of colour as a Kingfisher swept by. This was our chance to bring nature closer to everyone – and that’s how our launch marketing campaign was born! 

Our journey hasn’t been an easy one. The costs of running Brockholes have made it a real challenge for the Trust to keep it going over the years, and if we are honest there have been some really close calls in the future of Brockholes. As a charity, we don’t have a huge amount of money to keep flying our flag high and investing in new facilities. We have to be creative, seek additional funding and we have fought hard, and along the way. Over the years, we have grown our army of Brockholes champions – dedicated, enthusiastic and hardworking staff and volunteers who work every day behind the scenes to keep the magic alive, with the support of our members. We couldn't do it without them. 

The wildlife and habitats have gone from strength to strength, and we have so many regular visitors supporting us. I certainly know that wherever I go in life, there will always be a piece of my heart reserved for Brockholes. 

If you donated to that first appeal, you’ve volunteered your time or you are a fellow colleague who puts their heart and soul into Brockholes, or you're a regular visitor – Thank you! I hope you feel as proud as I do of the wonderful reserve it has become.  

So whether you’re new to nature, or a wildlife enthusiast, I would urge you to put a visit to Brockholes on your ‘to do’ list. Each time you visit, you are supporting The Lancashire Wildlife Trust and our work here and in the wider region.