BOLTON has been labelled one of the worst places in the north west for its wildlife diversity.

Data from the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) shows the numbers of different species spotted across the UK.

A survey of towns and cities across the north west put Bolton in the bottom 10 for wildlife diversity with just 305 different species of animal.

However, not too far away, Preston sits third on the list with 1,503 different species living there.

The most commonly sighted animal in Bolton according to the NBN data is the mallard with 185 separate reportings of the wild duck.

The peacock butterfly with its distinctive red wings with blue, yellow and black eyespots, is the second most spotted species of animal around Bolton ­— the butterfly is common to the whole of the UK and spring is a good time to look out for them.

The NBN data shows 10 mammals common to the borough, however one of these listed (and the most commonly seen) is the domestic cat.

The Grey Squirrel is the most common wild mammal around Bolton with hedgehogs a close second.

The NBN data, looked at by Farawayfurniture.com, shows Bolton has just 91 insects, 81 birds, 10 mammals and 15 types of fish.

Looking to the areas surrounding Bolton including the expansive moorland that borders the town shows a happier picture of wildlife diversity though.

In the rural areas 25 different mammals can be found including fallow and roe deer, Pipistrelle and Daubenton's bats and three different kinds of shrew.

Including the surrounding moorland more than 1,200 species call the borough their home.