Thanks Neil,
I'd also like to let people know about Marton Mere, a site of special scientific interest at the eastern edge of Blackpool, about 3-4 miles from the sea front.
It hosts around a quarter of the UK's breeding Bittern population and is a winter roost site for Long-eared Owls.
Here's a link:
Blackpool Council - Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve - Service Information