Haigh
Woodland Trust wood
Size:
26.46 ha (65.38 acres)
Grid reference:
SD590080
Map reference:
Explorer 276
OS Landranger 108
Planted in 1995 as part of Greater Manchester's Red Rose Community Forest, Lady Mabel’s Wood complements mature woodland in neighbouring Haigh Hall Country Park. Home to a wonderful range of bird and butterfly species and bordered by the Liverpool Canal, there’s plenty to see as you explore this vibrant wood.
Lady Mabel's Wood is a 26.5-hectare (65.4-acre) site located on the outskirts of Wigan, approximately 5km (3 miles) from the centre.
It is bordered by Wigan Lane and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and adjoins Haigh Hall Country Park and golf course to the east, mature woodland to the south and pasture to the north and west.
From Wigan, take the A49 northbound and continue for just over 3km (around 2 miles). Drive past the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary on your left then turn right onto Leyland Mill Lane. When you reach a mini roundabout, carry straight on and join Hall Lane, following signs for Haigh Hall Country Park. After around 0.8km (0.5 miles) you will see Lady Mabel’s Wood to your left.
The nearest train stations are Wigan Wallgate and Wigan North West, just over 5km (3 miles) from the wood.
Visit National Rail for more information.
The nearest bus stop is located at St David’s Crescent which is 4.8km (3 miles) from the wood.
Visit Traveline for more information.
There are four pedestrian entrances: two on the southern boundary bordering Hall Lane and two on the eastern boundary next to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
The site has a moderate slope with a south-western aspect. It is well used and has 2.2km (1.3 miles) of flat, level, formal and informal paths which link to other local footpaths such as the canal towpath and open space at Haigh Hall Country Park. The paths and access offer circular and through walks and provide easy access to site features. The public rights of way network also links Lady Mabel’s Wood to two other Woodland Trust sites – Crawford’s Wood and Kirkless Wood.
The paths can be muddy and slippery when wet.
There is no car park on site, but limited parking is available in lay-bys on Hall Lane to the South.
The nearest public toilets are at Haigh Hall Country Park, approximately 200 metres/218 yards from the site, which are suitable for disabled users.
Lady Mabel’s Wood is a paradise for bird lovers, with species ranging from green woodpecker to heron enjoying the varied habitats. Be sure to look out for some of the butterflies and moths that flutter in the wood.
Look out for:
Though still a relatively young woodland, Lady Mabel’s Wood has developed into a wonderful place to visit with a great mix of broadleaf trees, hedgerows, woody shrubs and a wildflower meadow, which together attract a wide range of wildlife.
Look out for:
The mix of habitats at Lady Mabel's Wood make is a valuable space for wildlife.
Explore:
Lady Mabel’s Wood was created in 1995 as part of Greater Manchester’s Red Rose Community Forest.
The site was originally bare land used for opencast mining but was renamed Lady Mabel’s Wood in 1998 after consultation with local people to mark the area’s history. Lady Mabel was a 14th-century noblewoman who walked barefoot from Haigh Hall to a cross in Wigan as penance for taking a second husband after mistakenly believing her first had died in action.
This wood is one of more than 50 across the UK where it's possible to dedicate trees, benches or larger areas of woodland. Mark a special occasion or celebrate the life of a loved one with a meaningful gesture that lasts.
Choose a dedication
