The network of flashes across the borough now have nature reserve status and for years have been host to a wide variety of events, both on water and dry land. Here are 34 pictures from the archives dating from 1996 to 2011 featuring plenty of boat action but also eco-projects, sport and birdwatching.
5. A 1986 open day at Wigan Sailing Club, Scotman's Flash
. Photo: SUBMITTED
6. A Wigan Flashes open day sees ranger Martyn Walker with youngsters Jessica and Nathan Ellison pond-dipping for creepy creatures
. Photo: Gary Brunskill
7. Groundwork and Prince's Trust workers at Kingsdown Flash, Abram, where they were taking part in a 12-week course in tidying up the lake surrounds and laying new paths
. Photo: John Leatherbarrow
8. Avid birdwatcher and Pennington Country Park fan Barry Hulme officially opened the new Ramsdale's Hide at Ramsdale's Flash, watched by Craig Higson, from the Environment Agency, left, Coun Jonathan Miller, other bird watchers and representatives from Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust
. Photo: Nick Fairhurst