The Rainford Mosslands is a place of wide open spaces. It is the breeding site of many Skylarks and Lapwings, as well as Grey Partridge, Buzzard, Yellow Wagtail, Corn Bunting, Woodcock and Snipe. Below is typical Snipe breeding habitat.

There are many Silver Birch plantations which are the home of Woodcock and the daytime flying moth, Orange Underwing, which flies in March and April, in full sun, high up in the canopy.

Hard to believe all this is in St. Helens? You should try the place in winter, when up to 5,000 Pink-footed Geese visit the site, and birds of prey include Hen Harrier and Merlin, and Tree Sparrows, Yellowhammers and various finches are numerous.