Pennington Flash is a 70-hectare (170-acre) lake created at the beginning of the 20th century by coal mining subsidence, mainly from Bickershaw Colliery.

[2] During the 1960s and 1970s the idea to convert the flash for recreation was emerging and the country park was opened in 1981.

Over 230 bird species have been recorded on site including black-faced bunting, nightingale, marsh harrier, spoonbill and Leach's storm-petrel.

[1] Facilities include a small information centre, Pennington Flash café, a nine-hole municipal golf course, a car park with electric vehicle charging points, a children's play area, toilets, picnic and recreation areas, eight bird hides,[3] fishing on certain shores, sailing, windsurfing and rowing through Leigh and Lowton Sailing Club.

[4] There is a network of tracks and footpaths suitable for walkers, cyclists, horse riders, joggers and wheelchair users.