This reclaimed colliery spoil heap at SJ545940 which stands on mosses and wetlands, was acquired from British Coal in 1990 by Groundwork, supported by the Countryside Commission, who have subsequently transformed the area into an urban common. Tipping stopped at Bold Moss in 1973, and nature is now taking over. 

Wildlife

The area now boasts a distinctive range of plants, including wild orchids and cotton grass. As the site matures, bare land is giving way to rough and flowery grasslands, with woodlands of willow and birch emerging. Remnant areas of wetlands, raised bog and marsh remain on the edges of the Moss, with several areas of reedbeds where Reed Warblers can be found. 

This is an excellent place to see the nationally declining Skylark, with Reed Bunting also present. The ground-nesting Snipe can be seen in the damp, marshy areas of Bold Moss. With the planting of over 40,000 trees, the creation of several pools and over 3 miles of footpaths, this once derelict land has become an important wildlife sanctuary. 

Over 80 species of birds visit the moss. It is also a superb area to see good numbers of butterfly and dragonfly species, with 16 species of dragonfly and 18 species of butterfly being recorded at this site, making it the top site in St. Helens for dragonflies and butterflies. 

We began moth trapping on Bold Moss in 2000, and virtually every visit produces a new species for St. Helens, and it is well on the way to becoming a top site for moths in the borough.

Access

There are numerous entrances onto the moss and a leaflet is available from the Groundwork Offices. 

Recently, a new section has been developed to the south of the original site. This area is accessible via a bridge over the railway line, which was opened in 2000.