Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Located in Lancashire, England, the area of Rivington Reservoirs and Anglezarke Moor encompasses an extensive network of upland moorland, artificial reservoirs, stone-built towers, and historic farming landscapes. The Rivington Reservoirs are a group of man-made lakes created in the 19th century to supply water to Liverpool and surrounding areas. These reservoirs are surrounded by open moorland and woodlands rich in biodiversity, including heathland plants, wildflowers, and breeding birds such as curlew and lapwing. Anglezarke Moor, immediately adjacent to Rivington, is a large expanse of heather-clad moorland with ancient stone cairns and remnants of Bronze Age settlements. Its peat bogs and grasslands support a range of upland wildlife. The area is popular for outdoor activities, including walking, cycling, trail running, and birdwatching, with numerous trails linking scenic viewpoints such as the iconic Rivington Pike Tower. The reservoirs also provide opportunities for fishing and waterside picnics. The historic Rivington Terraced Gardens, created in the early 20th century by Liverpool brewer William Lever, are nearby and add cultural interest. Together, Rivington Reservoirs and Anglezarke Moor offer a peaceful yet accessible natural experience, attracting visitors seeking a blend of history, nature, and recreational challenge within a landscape shaped by centuries of human activity and natural processes.
