Nature Watch, with Ron Freethy

WALKING around the East Lancashire reservoirs can be very rewarding for those of us who love natural history.

Walverden was planned in the 1850s to supply Nelson at the time when cotton was king.

In the early days all the water boards were fiercely protective of their catchments.

Nelson insisted that its water gathering areas would be "absolutely free from any kind of animal life, domestic or agricultural, so that it is not possible for any kind of animal manure or animal refuse to drain into the water."

To say that these areas were fiercely wardened is an understatement but, thankfully, there is a complete contrast in the present policy of all water companies.

North West Water is no exception to this change in atitude.

Walverden is now an excellent walking area and yet very close to the town centre.

From there follow Netherfield Road and then ascend Brunswick Street. You then need to have courage as the car park is situated at the back of the reservoir dam but reached through a large industrial estate.

The dam is 10.8 metres (36 feet) above the feeder stream and the trench was excavated to a depth of 7.8 metres (26 feet). The reservoir now holds 25 million gallons (112.5 million litres of water.

Walverden now has a number of facilities on offer.

Coarse fishing is available each day during the season and tickets can be obtained on site.

There is an area reserved as a wildlife refuge and angling is not allowed in this section.

A bird hide has been strategically placed on the southern bank.

During the spring and summer the reservoir and the surrounding red beds provide ideal habitats for coot, moorhen, reed bunting, mallard, great crested grebe and dabchick.

Other species use Walverden as a feeding station, especially swifts, swallows and martins.

All this natural history can be enjoyed while following the circular route along the reservoir.

The overflow weir provides the turbulence which is perfect for resident dippers and grey wagtails.

For those who enjoy a longer walk, a footpath leads from Walverden to another of East Lancashire's reservoirs at Coldwell.

This walk is also full of fascinating wildlife.

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