Attendance at Haigh Woodland Park has rocketed - and so too has the number of volunteers helping to run it
There has been a large rise in visitor numbers to Wigan’s Haigh Woodland Park and the number of people volunteering to help run it has increased 12-fold
It has been a bumper year for Wigan’s jewel-in-the-crown Haigh Country Park in more ways than one.
From April July, the estate welcomed more than 275,000 visitors: an increase of 12 per cent on the year before.
And that’s before attractions such as the bothy yard horticultural hub has opened, or work has even begun on the transformation of Haigh Hall itself into a mixed-used cultural venue.
Counc Chris Ready, cabinet portfolio holder for communities, said: “The progress we’ve seen across the estate over the last year has been remarkable.
“More and more people are discovering and exploring this jewel in the crown of our borough and the businesses here on site are benefitting too.
“With the Food Festival weekend, the opening of Plantation Gates and the Lodges and of course the return of the land train, this has been a great year at Haigh and it’s only set to get better.”
More than 1,900 people visited the restored Plantation Gates and Lodges during July and August, with one comment from the visitor’s book saying, "I am blown away by what has been achieved at the Plantation Gates. It is incredible and I want to thank everyone involved in the amazing restoration."
The renovation, funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund has allowed visitors to see inside the Lodges for the first time ever.
Feedback for the restoration, in particular the immersive experience in the North Lodge, has been overwhelming positive. A message left in the visitor book reads: “Very informative and creative, the art installation looks amazing.”
But there has been another big Haigh increase: in people giving their time freely to help its smooth running.
In April 2025 there were 15 volunteers at Haigh, up to 77 in July, helping to enhance visitor experiences, support conservation work, and deliver events and activities.
Recently, Haigh hosted its annual volunteer event with 50 people representing the wide range of volunteer teams across the site.
This annual celebration, brought together volunteers and teams a Haigh to celebrate their amazing work, say thank-you for their commitment and recognise those who have made an exceptional contribution over the past year.
Every volunteer received a certificate and gift in appreciation of their service. Special awards were also presented to individuals whose dedication has stood out during the year.
There are opportunities to get involved in volunteering at Haigh across several teams including site support, horticulture, woodland rail, activities and events, visitor services and more.
Coun Ready said: “Our volunteers are at the heart of the success at Haigh and their invaluable support has helped the site welcome record visitor numbers during a particularly busy summer season.
“In the three months from April to July, they gave nearly 6,000 hours of their time, supporting visitors, events and activities and working across this amazing site.
“Haigh thrives because of its volunteer community and I would like to thank every volunteer, visitor, partner and supporter who has been on this journey with us so far.”
Find out more about volunteering at Haigh and apply here: Volunteer at Haigh.
Plantation Gates Lodges are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 2pm and throughout school holidays. The land train operates Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am.