PENNINGTON Flash country park, near Leigh, is a triumph for conservationists -- because it was once one of the most productive coal mines in the country.

It is easily reached from East Lancashire via junction 23 of the M6 and then following the brown signs alongside the A572. Apart from parking, it is free.

So much coal was extracted from the mine that the ground sank. The hollows caused by the subsidence filled with water and were called flashes.

Since 1981 the old mine workings have been landscaped and Pennington Flash is surrounded by a country park of more than 1,000 acres.

I spent some wonderful days at Pennington and all the wardens are keen naturalists. The list of birds passing through is always impressive but especially between November and April.

Canada geese, mallards and gulls were begging to share the picnics of the visitors but out on the flash, among the boats from the club on the opposite bank, I saw a real mixture of birds.

These included tufted duck, pochard, little grebe, great crested grebe and goosander. Hides have been carefully sited and offer excellent views. Even before the park was opened fishermen used the flashes. These days there are two additional small ponds which are full of fish.

Last year the Mersey Basin Campaign, the Environment Agency and United Utilities developed a fish survey and a netting programme took place in the smaller ponds. Some very large fish, especially pike, were found and several specimens, including roach, chub and perch, were transferred to the large flash. It was a wonderful experience to see these magnificent fish being carefully handled.

There are explanation boards around the site with the footpaths being well signed, but I always visit the visitor centre before setting off. Look out for the chalk board on which are listed the species spotted during the previous few days.

You should remember not to consider the staff as wardens, which gives the impression that they are there to keep order. Actually they are very knowledgeable countryside rangers. They like to talk to visitors, be they six or 90, and welcome your sightings. They will also help with sightings which confuse you.

The flash welcomes school parties or other interested groups. The rangers can be contacted on 01942 605253.