Horwich has a site of Special Scientific Interest at Red Moss, to the south of the town, which local groups campaigned to protect from land-fill and other unsuitable uses. Red Moss is considered to be a vital "green lung" for the town. It is a lowland raised peat mire with important sphagnum mosses and it is a diverse ecological habitat. There are many varied flowers and insects. The moss is revitalised and growing after many years of neglect and could become a unique planned Nature Reserve.

The surrounding countryside on the north of Horwich is protected by the Green Belt and has many fine wooded areas as well as open moorland. The reservoirs in the town provide interest to the scene as well as ecological variety.

New planting on traffic islands in the roads near the stadium have included trees which will give a copse effect and encourage the native orchids to flourish in the area.

The Town Council encourages an interest in the environment through the annual Horwich in Bloom competition. Horwich in Bloom tries to influence the street scene with an emphasis on front gardens, containers, hanging baskets and in the encouragement of entries from industry and commerce.

A Flower, Fruit and Vegetable show are held in the town each year to encourage the gardening fraternity.

Local schools have all been involved in environmental projects and many have created gardens, ponds and wildlife areas.

Organisations are encouraged to take part in clean-up campaigns to create a tidy, litter-free environment.