Health Walk
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Thursday 24th May - A Walk from the Barn - would the sun break through? Brian led us into the Pinetum, the Rhododendrons were all in bloom
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I think the Rhododendrons are lovely, we could do with some new colours and azelias. Dave, a regular volunteer, works every week and more to help the rangers keep up with the Park. Rhododendrons are hated by naturalists, they are not a native to our shores and they ramble on covering the ground and smother all the native woodland plants. In 1953, on very adventurous cycle ride to rivington Pike, from Leyland, a friend and I discovered the wonderland of Lord Leverhulme's Gardens on the west side of Rivington Pike. For today's fifteen year olds it must be hard to image why they appeared so wonderous.
The private gardens contained terraces and pools, waterfalls, a Japanese lake and pagoda, Italian-style gardens, a seven-arched bridge and the Pigeon Tower with Lady Leverhulme's sewing room on the top floor we actually got to the top floor, it's all boarded up now. Anyone watch the US Masters Golf, beatyful course, decorated with Rhodedenrons, Azaleia, Cherry etc.
Then the gardens, pools and many stone buildings were in good condition. I think the land eventually became the property of Liverpool Corporation, who built the reservoirs in the nineteens century and only wanted the water, the rest they left to itself. There were many Rhododendrons in these gardens and over the years they almost obliterated the site and it is only in relatively recent times that they have been cut back and reveled the dereliction. If these gardens had been down south they would by now have been a national treasure.
However in the Pinetum, which boasts many foreign species of trees, which are valued by the Trust, I think they should be encouraged but contained. The Pinetum is a garden as opposed to being a natural expanse of nature reserve.
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Drivingt to the Park this morning the Hawthorn hedges and trees are a mass of white, the blossom, the densest it's been since 1975, the last hot summer I can remember - the experts said then it only happens every twenty years and I've been waiting ever since. The Hawthorn tree in our garden is covered in blossom, usually it has hardly any? Still if one's hoping for a good summer that's clutching at straws, well blossom. Strangely the Hawthorn in the Park doesn't seem to be as rich in blossom but then there's always an exception.
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The sun has broken through and we are goingto have a glorious morning. The trees suddenly struck me as interesting. There were nine of us this morning, at least two were away on holiday, one tied up, not literally, plus one in France
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I was looking for frog spawn, shows how little I know, but there are already tadpoles. to take many photos of the river
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Flowers alongside the uphill path to the field
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In our litte discussion groups. It's hearteningthat we change partners over teh course ofhe walk, we all seem to enjoy each other's company. This tree always impresses me. It's been uprooted for several years now but it seems to go from strength to strength.
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Waiting for us to catch up. The fisherman is absorbed in the ambience of the Reservoir.
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Why should anyone want Rhodedendrons when there are so many beautiful natural flowers and shrubs, these are along the path along the dam.
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down the steps to the picnic area
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The Bridge Over The River Lostock, the column approaching, the first wave of prisoners followed by the second wave and their air cover
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Oh, they didn't want the bridge, we were free to pass. This section of the walk is very steep and we are beginning to flag. Emerging from the wood near the nature reserve - June and Mary are smiling at being photographed - it's a good job all the walkers don't mind being photographed!
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A pilaging army of Canada Geese
(Canada geese are classed as invasive which means anything that has a negative detrimental impact on the natural biodiversity of a given area regardless of how they get into that area whether deliberately introduced or by natural means like migration. However the most signifacant factor which makes them invasive is the way they multiply and spread in a given ecosystem. Canada Geese wouldn't be a problem if there were far less of them on the park. Last year they got onto scramble track field into the first pond on the left of the track and after a week the pH of the pond had already shot up to 8.6 because of the waste they had excreted into the water. The grass they had nibbled down to nothing but stubble and we had to move the sheep, they had nothing left to graze on! - Kevin Bandage - CVP Facebook, 12th May )
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The flags are out, it is such a lovely day. Our first real rest, relaxed in the sunshine and warmth.
On the extreme right is Elizabeth, today was her first walk from the Barn, she's a regular on the Tuesday walks.
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A family of Moorhens, they didn't waste any time waiting to see if we were the enemy
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Cock Cabin Pond is such an interesting and peaceful setting
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The copiced bushes rich with new growth
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The wildflower meadows are in full bloom, Id love there to be poppies and harebells. Entering the shade of the Cinder Path. I wonder if young people understand why it is called the Cinder Path. Many years ago the local town's gas plants used to produce cinders as a byproduct which they were happy to give away - useful for making paths.
A really enjoyable walk, thanks Brian
Today's walk, it took us just over 85 minutes.