FAQs

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Got a question about Brockholes? There’s a good chance you’ll find it below as we answer our most frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay to enter?

There is no entry fee at Brockholes but we do operate car parking charges. All profits from this are reinvested into the reserve, so when you pay you are helping to look after our reserve and the wildlife that calls it home!

More about parking here

Who owns Brockholes?

Brockholes is owned and managed by The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside. For more information about the Trust please visit their website here.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are not allowed at Brockholes (assistance dogs are welcome though), as they can disturb wildlife, in particular nesting birds in the summer and half-starved roosting birds of a winter. During the breeding season if your dog was to get too close to a nesting bird it would cause the mother to leave the nest.

Meanwhile in the winter months many birds need to spend all their daylight hours foraging, in order to gain enough fat to survive the night. Therefore, if they are disturbed during the day, there is a very real threat of subsequent overnight death of the more vulnerable birds.

Read more

Which paths are suitable for prams and wheelchairs?

The Gravel Pit and Reserve Trails are accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs. 

Visit our Accessibility page

Can I bring my own food?

Yes! Brockholes is the perfect place for a picnic! We have a number picnic tables around the reserve for you to enjoy. We ask that you don't use the tables and chairs on the Visitor Village for your own picnic as these are reserved for those buying food from the Kestrel Kitchen. Be sure to check out the Kestrel Kitchen for a delicious snack, hot drink, or a yummy ice cream!

Please remember to put your rubbish in the bins provided or take it away with you and always recycle.

Please note barbecues and fires are not allowed as they damage our nature reserve and can harm wildlife.

Can I feed the birds?

Unfortunately not. Larger gulls know it’s much easier to find food when we leave it lying around rather than finding their own lunch. Here at Brockholes we have lots of species breeding with us, including little ringed and ringed plover, lapwing, oystercatcher and redshank.

Unfortunately the gulls will eat these chicks, so if we feed them (thus encouraging them to stay), this increases that likelihood. Therefore we ask you do not feed the birds and take any leftovers away with you.

Can I fish in the lakes on the reserve?

No, fishing is not allowed in the lakes on the reserve.

Will it be muddy?

The paths around the car park and Visitor Village should be fairly dry, but Brockholes is on a flood plain and is prone to be soggy underfoot all year round so pack your wellies just in case!

Please note, whatever the weather, we advise you to wear sturdy footwear while exploring the reserve.

Will Brockholes flood?

Brockholes lies on a flood plain so the reserve is prone to flooding at certain times of year. If this happens, we will close the reserve, so please take note of any warning signs online and on the site.

Do I have to book to visit?

There is no need to book to visit Brockholes for the day. Just turn up and enjoy your day. We only take bookings for events.

The car park is very big but there is still a chance it could fill up to capacity during the summer months. If this happens we will put signage at the entrance and will have a 'one in one out' system in place. We will also put information on our social media platforms should the car park fill up, so we recommend checking these before you set off.