Skaters on Lancashire's frozen wetlands are on "thin ice" after warning from nature trust

People are risking their lives by skating and walking on frozen lakes at Lancashire's nature reserves, the Wildlife Trust has warned.
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The Trust is warning winter sports enthusiasts that the North West's nature reserves are "not the place to get their skates on" after video emerged of a person skating on a frozen lake at the weekend.

The person was found skating on the flooded Lunt Meadows near Crosby in Merseyside on Saturday and is one of a number of people who had laced up their skates for a glide around the region's icy wetlands.

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Trust volunteers also had to warn dog walkers about the dangers of thin ice after they were found treading along a frozen lake at Foxhill Bank in Oswaldtwistle.

People are putting their lives at risk by skating and walking on frozen lakes at Lancashire's nature reserves, says the Wildlife TrustPeople are putting their lives at risk by skating and walking on frozen lakes at Lancashire's nature reserves, says the Wildlife Trust
People are putting their lives at risk by skating and walking on frozen lakes at Lancashire's nature reserves, says the Wildlife Trust

Campaigns manager Alan Wright said: “It is concerning to hear that our wetland nature reserves are being used for Dancing on Ice practice, but we need to warn people that this is dangerous.

"These lakes are deep because of the recent floods and there will be areas where the ice is going to be thin.

"Our reserves, by their nature, are remote places and if anyone gets into difficulties, there will only be a few, if any, people around to help," he warned.

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The Trust has also stressed that skating and boating on lakes when the weather grows warmer can also be harmful to the wild creatures that inhabit the nature reserves.

One person was found skating on the flooded Lunt Meadows near Crosby in Merseyside on Saturday (February 13)One person was found skating on the flooded Lunt Meadows near Crosby in Merseyside on Saturday (February 13)
One person was found skating on the flooded Lunt Meadows near Crosby in Merseyside on Saturday (February 13)

"Frozen lakes pose a significant risk to life and must not be used for any recreation or entertainment," said Ben Turpin, the Trust's health and safety advisor .

"The Trust’s ability to provide immediate emergency response is limited and these incidents put extra pressures on staff and resources.

"It is also recognised that over half of the people who have drowned under ice are those trying to rescue other people or dogs, so please ensure you treat frozen lakes with the respect and care they demand."

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At the weekend, the Trust also received a report of a rubber dingy snagging on a post, concealed under the water, and deflating at another nature reserve.

Trust volunteers had to dog walkers of the dangers of thin ice after they were found treading along a frozen lake at Foxhill Bank in OswaldtwistleTrust volunteers had to dog walkers of the dangers of thin ice after they were found treading along a frozen lake at Foxhill Bank in Oswaldtwistle
Trust volunteers had to dog walkers of the dangers of thin ice after they were found treading along a frozen lake at Foxhill Bank in Oswaldtwistle

Alan said: "We do not manage these areas for sporting activities because they are primarily for wildlife and for people who want to see wildlife.

"If someone decides to set sail on a wetland there are plenty of hazards and you are disturbing the birds and other beasts during the most important time of the year, the breeding season.

"There is a good chance you will scare birds from their nests and fledglings later in spring.

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"There are specialised places where you can take part in these activities in much safer conditions and leave our nature reserves for people who appreciate undisturbed wildlife."

The recent freezing temperatures even led to England's biggest lake - Lake Windermere - freeze over for the first time in more than 10 years (see link below).

The Wildlife Trust manages more than 35 nature reserves in the region, including Brockholes Nature Reserve and Boilton, Red Scar and Tunbrook Woods in Preston.

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