Mere Sands Wood by Charlotte Varela
Welcome to Mere Sands Wood
Every time we go to Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s Mere Sands Wood, we find peace and encouragement, a new beginning… It’s part of who we are and we are the richer for it.
Explore our peaceful wildlife haven
Nestled amongst the peaceful agricultural landscape of Rufford, Mere Sands Wood is a true wildlife haven, home to dragonflies, kingfishers, bitterns and so much more!
Take a look at some of our most frequently asked questions below
Learn more about our self-guided walk from Rufford Station
Created in collaboration with Community Rail Lancashire, this wonderful route allows you to enjoy a gentle stroll to the reserve, whilst enjoying some interesting features along the way.
Fly agaric by Dawn Monrose
A secret garden
Mere Sands Wood is a wildflower and fungi haven. Spring and summer bring orchids, yellow-wort and yellow bartsia, while autumn and winter usher in fly agaric, earthballs and common stinkhorn.
Ade Clarke @ClarkePictures
Accessible nature trails
95% of paths are suitable for wheelchairs and prams, while six of our hides are fully accessible.
Mere Sands Wood by Phil Smith
A mosaic of wild spaces
Dry heath, woodland, wetland and sandy, wet meadows combine to create a true wildlife refuge. You may even spot rare species like red squirrels in the conifers!
Our Visitor Centre and Cafe
Beautifully clad in wood from the reserve, the visitor centre blends into the reeds and is the perfect place to relax during your visit. Come inside for a brew and a bite to eat in our cosy cafe before browsing the nature-themed shop. Enjoy the view of the lake or birds on the feeders through our floor-to-ceiling windows - fitted with bird-safe glass from Pilkington AviSafe™.
Ed Bailey
Ed Bailey
Ed Bailey
Wildfowl, waders and abundant wildflowers thrive in this tranquil oasis of lakes and woodland.
Star species
With woods, lakes, meadows and heath meeting in one magical nature reserve, there is so much wildlife to see at Mere Sands Wood. Some species only stay for a brief holiday, while others live here all year-round, but one thing's for sure - there is always something special to spot.
Mere Sands Wood by Charlotte Varela
Bill Oddie and Kate Humble at Mere Sands Wood
Fly agaric by Neil Aldridge
Cormorants at Mere Sands Wood by Alan Wright
Walkers at Mere Sands Wood
Kingfisher at Mere Sands Wood by Ryan Pentall
Mere Sands Wood by Phil Smith
©Jon Hawkins
Species-rich grassland is important for a range of orchid species. Image by Mark Hamblin/2020VISION
Mere Sands Wood Walking Routes
Learn more about Mere Sands Wood's walking routes with Reserve Officers Danny and Becky.
