A former opencast mine near Wigan has been transformed into a vast green space following a major environmental project led by infrastructure company Costain in collaboration with National Highways.

The 34-hectare site, now known as the Sandyforth Green Gateway, has undergone significant ecological restoration aimed at increasing biodiversity and improving public access. The initiative included seeding more than 24 hectares with grassland, creating seven ponds and wetland habitats, and building a network of new footpaths to welcome visitors to the revitalised area.

This project forms part of the environmental legacy of the £260 million upgrade of the M6 motorway between junctions 21a and 26. As part of the SMP Alliance, Costain was the on-site partner for the upgrade, which added an additional lane in both directions along the 10-mile stretch to enhance mobility and support economic growth across the North West of England.

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Tom Kenyon, project director at Costain, said: "Throughout the delivery of this vital M6 upgrade we've ensured the scheme improves the lives of local communities not only through better journeys and social mobility, but through a positive environmental legacy as well.

"Together with National Highways and our supply chain partners, we've applied our engineering and ecological expertise at Sandyforth to increase biodiversity and rejuvenate the natural environment across an enormous area, contributing to a sustainable, decarbonised future for the region for decades to come."

A multimillion-pound agreement between National Highways and Wigan Council will ensure the site’s maintenance for up to 30 years. The new green space is expected to attract visitors and enhance the visual landscape along a section of the M6 used by around eight million vehicles each year.