Blast from the past: Mere Sands Wood - then and now | The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire Manchester and North Merseyside

In this 'Blast from the past' blog, we revisit a 1999 issue of Lapwing magazine to see how Mere Sands Wood has changed over the years. From thriving wildlife to new visitor facilities, we explore how the reserve has evolved while remaining a treasured haven for nature and the community

A thriving wildlife haven

Back in 1999, Lapwing magazine highlighted Mere Sands Wood as a hotspot for biodiversity. The reserve's mix of lakes, mature woodlands, and meadows provided a home for over 170 bird species, including kingfishers, great crested grebes, and the elusive bittern. roe deer, stoats, foxes, and even a small population of red squirrels could be spotted among the trees, making it a treasured place for wildlife enthusiasts.

Fast forward to today, and Mere Sands Wood is just as rich for wildlife - if not more so. Conservation efforts have helped maintain strong bird populations, while the woodlands and wetlands support an incredible variety of species. The reserve is now home to 15 species of dragonflies (ten of which breed here) and over 200 species of fungi. While the landscape has naturally changed over time, the careful management of habitats has helped other woodland species flourish, ensuring the reserve remains a vital sanctuary for wildlife.

A blue and orange kingfisher perching on a branch

Kingfisher at Mere Sands Wood, by Gaz Clarke

Great crested grebes © Andrew Parkinson/2020VISION

A stoat standing on a rock, one paw raised as it contemplates running

Stoat © Margaret Holland

An emperor dragonfly in flight, with an apple-green thorax and dazzling blue abdomen

Emperor dragonfly © Chris Lawrence

Lisa Naylor

Conservation in action

When Lapwing magazine featured Mere Sands Wood in 1999, it was already clear that careful conservation was helping wildlife thrive. Since then, the reserve has quietly benefited from decades of behind-the-scenes work — the kind that keeps the landscape healthy and teeming with life.

Over the years, woodland areas have been managed through traditional practices like coppicing, allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor and encouraging wildflowers, insects, and birds to flourish. Even timber from the site has been put to good use — the Scots pines that once dominated parts of the reserve were carefully thinned, and the wood was repurposed to clad the new visitor centre, creating something both beautiful and sustainable.

Improving access has also played a role in conservation. Pathways have been widened and old footbridges replaced, making it easier for staff and volunteers to carry out essential habitat work — and giving visitors the chance to explore more of the reserve without disturbing wildlife.

It’s these small, often unseen efforts that help keep Mere Sands Wood such a special place. Just as the 1999 article captured a moment in time, today’s landscape reflects years of commitment to protecting and restoring this much-loved nature reserve.

Enhancing visitor access

Mere Sands Wood visitor centre featuring the newly built access bridge against a blue sky

In 1999, visitors could explore two nature trails, watch wildlife from six hides, and enjoy panoramic views from a viewing platform. While the reserve was already a special place, facilities were more limited than they are today.

Since then, major improvements have transformed the visitor experience. Paths have been widened, old footbridges replaced with culverts, and new wildlife viewing screens added to improve access and reduce disturbance to habitats. These changes make it easier for everyone to enjoy the reserve.

One of the most striking additions is the upgraded visitor centre. Clad in wood from the reserve itself, the building blends into the landscape and features a welcoming café and shop. Floor-to-ceiling windows—fitted with bird-safe glass—overlook the lake and bird feeders, offering the chance to enjoy wildlife up close, even from indoors.

Growing community engagement

Mere Sands Wood has always been a beloved destination, drawing thousands of visitors each year. But in the years since Lapwing featured the reserve, it has grown into a true community hub.

Volunteering opportunities have expanded, with roles in the welcome centre, café, and maintenance teams allowing more people to support the reserve. New events, such as artisan markets, bring together local businesses and nature lovers, adding another dimension to the visitor experience.

These changes haven’t come at the expense of nature—instead, they’ve strengthened Mere Sands Wood’s role as a place where conservation and community go hand in hand.

A nature reserve for the future

Looking back at the Lapwing article from 1999, it's clear how much Mere Sands Wood has evolved. While the landscape may look a little different, its heart remains the same—a haven for wildlife and a place where people can reconnect with nature.

Thanks to years of careful conservation and community support, the reserve continues to flourish. Whether you visited decades ago or are planning your first trip today, Mere Sands Wood remains a place where nature thrives, and every season brings something new to discover.