You do not have to travel far in East Lancashire to enjoy the wildlife around woodlands and water.

Hapton is on the road between Burnley and Accrington, and close to the main road is Castle Clough car park and picnic site. These are situated on Mill Lane.

Why Castle? Indeed there was a castle here in the 12th century and, in 1242, it was described as a fortified manor house. L ater it belonged to the Towneley family, who used it as a hunting lodge.

Thanks to the work of the Forest of Burnley project, founded as a result of a Millennium grant, Castle Clough is now the focus of a delightful network of woodland footpaths.

All who love water pouring over weirs, and like crossing shallow fords, should not miss this area. There are dippers on the stream and great spotted woodpeckers have adapted well to the maturing trees.

I have visited this area four times over the last year and it is interesting in each of the four seasons.

My last visit was in August and the rain was pouring down, as had been the case since the hosepipe ban was imposed in July. The area looked beautiful and the sound of running water added atmosphere. My previous visit had been in early May when the bluebells were in full bloom.

Now the hosepipe ban has lifted, we can perhaps look forward to a sunny September, but don’t bank on it.