The Coach Road runs between
Barrow Nook/ Bickerstaffe and the East Lancashire Road near to
Kirkby, it is a private estate road with a public footpath
and permissive access along its route. The landscape is one of
mixture of mossland farming and plantations of woodland
comprising of a mixture of birch, conifer, sycamore with others.
Now well drained there are still wetter areas in the area the
dampest being in the north west area lying below the railway
(Kirkby/ Wigan ).
Many birds which are
decreasing in other areas are still doing well here, including
skylark, yellowhammer, corn bunting and grey partridge are
regularly seen and lapwing still display in the spring. Good
numbers of several species of finches and tits roam the area,
with large flocks collecting in winter. An under recorded area
the possibility of something more exotic being seen is well
within bounds. Raptors are regular passage migrants across
the mosses and various harriers and falcons are recorded
throughout the year along with the ever increasing common
buzzard. Yellow wagtails breed amongst the crops near to
Mossborough Hall an area were little owls were seen regularly in
the past. Long eared owls have also roosted during the winter
near the plantation now used for paintball games. During the
winter several thousands of pink-foot geese can be watched
moving around and feeding in the area.
Red squirrels have been
recorded several times over the last few years and seem to be
widely if thinly spread over the whole area. A good area for
invertebrates, with the orange underwing moth likely to be found
in the birch plantations.
Siding Lane local Nature
Reserve
Siding Lane is the former site of the Rainford
Colliery - opened 1860 closed 1928. The site is
managed by the St Helens Ranger service and volunteer
conservation groups. Guided walks and events are held
throughout the year, departing from the Ranger centre
on site.
The site is mixed
woodland and rough grassland managed to provide the
best habitat for its many Birds, Butterflies and
Small Mammals.
Surrounding the
Reserve is farmland, many of the fields have uncut set
aside strip margins where wildlife flourish.
Berry bearing shrubs and trees have been planted on
the farm borders, (Coach Rd) and steep ditches run
along side. In autumn typical birds you might
see feeding on this bounty include Goldfinch, Long
tailed Tit and their cousins, Goldcrest, Chaffinch, Robin,
Linnets, Blackbird and
the ever vigilant Sparrowhawk, sweeping through
the ditches & woodland. Overhead Buzzard and
Harriers can now be seen soaring,
calling and being mobbed by crows!
The reserve is a
haven for wildlife, and a lovely place for an
afternoon walk.
Many wildflowers have been planted on the reserve such
as Bluebell, Primrose, Forget- me-not and
Foxglove, enhancing the scenery through spring
and summer and providing nectar for Meadow Brown,
Orange - Tip, Common Blue and Speckled Wood
Butterflies.
In Autumn you may find various types of Fungi
including the unmistakeable Fly Agaric - please don't
touch though, as it's potentially harmful.
Small mammals found
in this area include Bank and Field Vole, Shrew and
Pygmy Shrew. 
There is a pond on
the reserve, a fine breeding ground for frogs and
toads, and on the margins dragonflies such as Ruddy
darter and Southern Hawker as well various
damselflies. Anglers can fish for Carp, Perch,
Bream, Roach, Tench and other breeds, by seasonal
permit only.
click image 
St Helens Ranger Service:
01744 815586
/ 01744 677772
