Local Community, Nature, and History.
We are a local volunteer group that cares for Borsdane Wood and Rayner Park in Hindley, Wigan.
We look after these special green spaces by:
Borsdane Friends Group was formed in 2009, Rayner Park Friends Group in 2018, and both groups came together in 2022.
We are always happy to welcome new volunteers and visitors.
About the area
Borsdane Wood
Borsdane Wood lies to the north of Hindley in the Wigan Borough and is designated as an ancient semi-natural woodland.
There are several entrances to the wood, including access from Hindley via Rayner Park or Hindley Mill Lane.
A short unadopted road leads to a tunnel under the railway, which opens into the woodland.
The wood covers approximately 65 acres and is home to many different species of birds, trees, plants and fungi.
Much of the woodland has existed continuously since before 1600 and is made up mainly of native tree species.
In 1986, Borsdane Wood became Wigan’s first local nature reserve and it remains a highly valued and well-used green space.
Rayner Park
Rayner Park sits next to Borsdane Wood and provides a much-loved open space for the local community.
It includes walking routes, children’s play areas, picnic spots and quieter places to relax.
The park and woodland are separated by Borsdane Brook, which flows on towards the Mersey estuary.
Our Rich History
Discover how Borsdane Wood has developed over centuries, from ancient woodland to a valued community green space.
Our Flora and Fauna
Explore the wide range of wildlife, plants and habitats that make Borsdane Wood and Rayner Park such special places.
Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be taking place next Wednesday, 11th February at 6.30pm, in Tesco’s Community Room (upstairs). This is a great opportunity to find out more about what has been happening at Borsdane Wood and Rayner Park, hear about plans for the year ahead, and meet the people involved in supporting and caring for…
A lovely early glimpse of spring in Rayner Park, captured by Barbara Lyon, our group Secretary. This photograph shows small clusters of crocuses pushing through last autumn’s fallen leaves – bright yellow blooms alongside delicate purple flowers – bringing a welcome splash of colour to the woodland floor. It’s a simple but uplifting reminder that the…
We’re pleased to share our planned walk programme so far for the year. There will also be a bird walk and a bat walk added to the programme shortly.Please note that the bat walk will be a pre-registered event, as numbers are limited. Here is the current list of guided walks: Borsdane Wood Walks Important information Do I need to…
Borsdane Wood and Rayner Park Archives:
Borsdane Wood and Rayner Park Friends Group 