The Orchard

Wood, Forest in Lancashire Hyndburn

England

The Orchard

Leeds and Liverpool Canal south of Rishton Viewed from the railway, on a frosty morning. For a similar view from towpath level, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5786541">SD7328 : Towpath along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal</a>. — Leeds and Liverpool Canal south of Rishton Credit: Stephen Craven

The Orchard is a picturesque woodland area located within the county of Lancashire, England. Situated on the outskirts of a small village, this idyllic forest is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Covering a vast expanse of land, The Orchard is a delightful mix of dense woodland and open meadows, providing a diverse range of habitats for a variety of plant and animal species. The area is home to numerous native trees such as oak, beech, and birch, which create a stunning canopy that dapples sunlight throughout the forest floor. This natural setting offers a peaceful and tranquil environment, perfect for those seeking solace in nature.

Visitors to The Orchard can explore a network of well-maintained trails that wind their way through the woodland, allowing for leisurely walks or more vigorous hikes. The paths are lined with wildflowers and ferns, adding to the beauty of the surroundings. Along the way, there are several benches strategically placed, offering opportunities to rest and take in the breathtaking views.

Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of creatures that call The Orchard home. The forest is teeming with a variety of bird species, including woodpeckers, robins, and tawny owls. Deer can also be spotted grazing in the meadows during early morning or late evening hours. Small mammals such as rabbits and squirrels are a common sight, adding to the charm and enchantment of this woodland retreat.

Overall, The Orchard in Lancashire is a natural treasure that offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether it's a leisurely stroll, a family picnic, or a chance to appreciate the wonders of the natural world, this woodland oasis is sure to captivate all who visit.

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The Orchard Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.746525/-2.3976495 or Grid Reference SD7327. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Leeds and Liverpool Canal south of Rishton

Viewed from the railway, on a frosty morning. For a similar view from towpath level, see SD7328 : Towpath along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Stephen Craven

Canal bridge south of Rishton

In the centre is New Barn Bridge SD7329 : New Barn Bridge No.109. Nearer and to the right is a localised widening of the canal, which is shown on maps from over 100 years ago, but with no obvious purpose - it's not near any lock or wharf. In the distance, 14km away, is Pendle.

Stephen Craven

Oxford Street, Accrington

habiloid

Frederick Street, Accrington

habiloid

Blackburn Road, Accrington

habiloid

Oswaldtwistle Mills

Steve Daniels

Shops on Union Road in Oswaldtwistle

Steve Daniels

Accrington station from the footbridge

In the days of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway, this was a triangular junction station, of which only one pair of curved platforms remains, heading west towards Blackburn and north-east towards Burnley. The southern route no longer exists between here and Stubbins. Tesco Extra is built on the site of the former goods shed and sidings.

Stephen Craven

Accrington station footbridge

There are no ticket barriers on this station, so the bridge acts as a general public route for customers of the Tesco Extra that occupies the southern part of the original station site, as well as for rail passengers.

Stephen Craven

Accrington station access ramp

Still in construction, to provide easier access from Paxton Street to the eastbound platform.

Stephen Craven

Sprinter arriving at Accrington station

Unit 150102 calls with the 09.34 all-stations service to Colne.

Stephen Craven

Accrington railway station, Lancashire

Opened in 1848 by the East Lancashire Railway, soon to become part of the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway, this station was a major junction where the company's Burnley-Blackburn-Liverpool/Preston and Burnley-Bury-Manchester lines diverged. The latter line and platforms closed in 1966. View north east towards Huncoat and Burnley. In former times there was a bay platform to the immediate right and a large goods shed. Platforms to Bury were in the distance, beyond the footbridge, which used to have a roof. By the 1980s, it had become a very basic station - see SD7528 : Accrington railway station, Lancashire, 1983 but has since received a new booking office (2012) and step free ramps from street level (2022). For more information, see Link

Nigel Thompson

William Blythe Chemical Works

The William Blythe Chemical Works seen from the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

Peter McDermott

Leeds & Liverpool Canal

The Leeds and Liverpool Canal is the longest canal in Northern England at 127 miles long. The first of the trans-Pennine canals it took 46 years to build at a cost of five times the original budget, mainly because of the length and complexity of the route. It passes through 91 locks with a summit level of 487 feet at Foulridge near Nelson and Colne. It was originally conceived in the 18th century to carry woollen goods from Leeds and Bradford and limestone from Skipton but in its 19th century heyday it carried stone, coal and many other goods. The impact of the railways was not as great as with other canals and commercial traffic continued along the main canal until 1964. Regular work stopped in 1972 when the movement of coal to Wigan Power Station ceased. In the latter part of the 20th century the leisure potential of the canal was developed and it is now a popular destination for cruising, fishing, walking and cycling. See Link

for detailed information.

Peter McDermott

St Jame's

St Jame's Church at Church.

Peter McDermott

Aspen Colliery

Remains of the coke ovens at the Aspen Colliery.

Peter McDermott

Old coal staithe on Leeds and Liverpool Canal

Just west of Church swing bridge an embankment reaches the canal and terminates in the masonry in the centre of the view. From old OS maps this embankment connected a coal shaft with the canal.

Kevin Waterhouse