Introduction

Longton Brickcroft Nature Reserve is situated west of the A59, southwest of Preston on the edge of Longton Village.

The Reserve which covers over 11 hectares is owned by South Ribble Borough Council and is a site of local conservation importance managed as a Wetland Nature Reserve. The site is split into two distinct areas:

The southern area - south of Drumacre Lane which is dominated by the largest expanse of water is set aside for passive recreation such as fishing (requiring Permit) walking and picnicking. Whilst the northern area which includes the middle pond is established as a Nature Reserve with wildlife conservation being the priority. There is a good range of semi-natural habitats which support an outstanding number of birds, mammals, insects, wildflowers and pond life.

In addition to the site's wildlife value the land is extremely attractive and is an oasis of beauty on the fringes of the urban environment. Facilities on the site include a purpose built Visitor Centre complete with toilets, free car parking and picnic area,

Visitor Centre

The Visitor Centre was opened on the 10th May 1993 and was provided by the Borough Council with the financial assistance of British Nuclear Fuels Ltd and the Countryside Commission. The Centre contains informative displays on the site's history, local wildlife and environment. Also on display is work by local school children along with general visitor information relating to forthcoming events and other sites of particular interest. Toilet facilities are available in the Centre including disabled and baby changing provision.

The Ranger or Volunteer is on hand when the Centre is open to answer your questions about the reserve. Please don't be afraid to ask.

The Centre is open: Each afternoon

The Centre can also be used by School parties, and other interested groups.

For further details please contact the

Longton Brickcroft visitor Centre on Longton (01772) 611497.

When the centre is closed an answerphone gives details of specific opening times.Please note the reserve is permanently open to visitors at all

times.Schools, Organised Visits & Many groups take advantage of the Brickcroft a

Council owned sites throughout the Borough all round. Whether it be carrying out surveys, under practical work or pond dipping, the Rangers will ensure an enjoyable and educational visit.A varied and interesting programme of Parks events throughout the Borough are organised during the year by the Parks Service. For further details or for a copy of our Parks events programme please contact the visitor centre.

Worden Park in Leyland is another site popular with schools which also boasts extensive woodlands, an arboretum, maze, formal garden, craft workshop, shop, playground, miniature railway, mini golf offices of the Council for the Protection of Rural England

For more information contact the Parks office on Leyland (01772) 421109

The Nature Reserve lies on the site of the former Bentley Brickworks. Clay was excavated to make bricks but when good quality clay ran out in the early 1960's brick making ceased and the site was left derelict and nature took over.

Since then rainwater has filled the former clay pits and natural succession has taken place.In 1982 a plan was produced in conjunction with South Ribble Borough Council proposing housing development on part of the site leaving the remaining 11 hectares for public open space and nature conservation. Now a programme of active reserve management ensures that the character and diversity of the Brickcroft are maintained and where possible increased.

In 1995 the Nature Reserve received the National ILAM (Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management) Open Space Management Award in recognition for the most imaginative improvements to a park or open space in the country.

Visitor Information

In order to make a visit to the Brickcroft an enjoyable experience for everyone, visitors are requested not to disturb wildlife, and to keep clogs under control Byelaws are in force which require those in control of dogs to clean up any fouling by depositing waste in the special red bins provided, and to keep dogs on leads at all times on the reserve. Certain Parts of the Reserve have limited access however most of the paths around the site are suitable for use by prams and wheelchairs and do not require any special footwear. The Parks Service is responsible for looking after the Brickcroft and its wildlife and for assisting visitors with any enquiries they might have. For those visitors requiring more information a detailed species list is available from the Visitor Centre which

lists flora and fauna that can be found on the reserve. The Council has introduced a Parks Service Charter which establishes clear standards of service and provides details of how we propose to promote and improve the Parks Service. For a copy of this charter please contact the visitor centre.

Longton Brickcroft

is a Green Flag Park the award is a benchmark for parks that have been judged against the criteria of Safety, Cleanliness, accessibility, community use, environmental protection and enhancements, good management and maintenance. The Green Flag Park Award is an independent award that aspires to give voice to public expectations about what parks can and should offer.

FOR THE PARTIALLY SIGHTED, AUDIO CASSETTE AND BRAILLE VERSIONS OF THIS LEAFLET ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE VISITOR CENTRE.