The Park (post code BB11 3RQ) is owned and managed by Burnley Borough Council and comprises 440 acres on the outskirts of Burnley. The Hall, which was the home of the Towneley family for more than 500 years, is at the southern end of the Park and is Burnley’s art gallery and museum. It is open from 12pm to 5 pm and the entry fee is £ 4 (free to children, students & Burnley residents). There is car parking near the Hall which is £ 1 per day, pay & display. Nearby are toilets & an excellent café.
The Park has a range of habitats. There are 24 acres of broadleaved woodland with access paths, also grassland, wetlands and 3 ponds. The river Calder runs through the centre of the Park. Of special interest is the Deer Pond, which was Burnley’s first nature reserve and is an important site for dragonflies & damselflies.
Leaders: Joan Dobson & Margaret Rees
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am. Cost: £ 8