Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The West Pennine Moors Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) spans across parts of Lancashire and Greater Manchester in England, covering an extensive area of heathland, peat bogs, and rough grassland. The moors form part of a larger range of hills and upland plateaus that provide key habitats for a variety of rare and protected species of flora and fauna. Geographically, the area is characterized by a patchwork of moorlands, farmland, reservoirs, and woodlands, interspersed with valleys and ridges shaped by glacial and post-glacial processes. The SSSI designation protects the moorlands' ecology, particularly the peat bogs which act as important carbon sinks and support specialist plants like heather, cotton grass, and sundew.
Historically, the West Pennine Moors area has long been used for sheep grazing and small-scale agriculture, and remnants of old boundary walls and farmsteads remain scattered throughout. The moors also feature historic landmarks such as the ruins of old mills and waterworks associated with the region's industrial past. Today, the area is popular with outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hillwalking, birdwatching, mountain biking, and photography. Several well-marked public footpaths and trails provide access to panoramic summits, including Rivington Pike and Anglezarke Moor, with vistas stretching across the Ribble Valley and the Irish Sea on clear days. The network of reservoirs offers fishing opportunities and scenic walking routes.
The SSSI's appeal lies in its relatively wild open spaces close to urban centers, combining natural beauty with cultural heritage. Visitors are drawn by the chance to experience upland moorland ecology, spot rare bird species such as merlin and hen harrier, and explore historic features while enjoying fresh air and exercise.
