Blackpool: North Pond Trail - Community Orchard - Community Woodland 2019

Map link

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Spring 2021 Visit

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2019 Visit

On the warmest day of the year, 2019, so far, 16° C, I took a stroll around 'North Blackpool Pond Trail'.

From all appearances, it's a linear walk beside a small brook between housing estates, old and new, and money has been spent on public art, signboards, enhancements and community facilities. At the northern end of the scheme is a small skate park (not seen by me today) and the 'Flyde Memorial Arboretum & Community Woodland'. The newly planted woodland has had perhaps 5 to 6 years growth.

The ground is wet in many parts, and a hardcore path runs approximately north to south. To the east is the Carleton Cemetery & Crematorium.

Also see: Kincraig Park and Lake

Walking south along the pathway, there are ample points along the route that crisscross the brook via wooden pedestrian bridges.

The brook does suffer from rubbish being thrown in.
This part looks relatively clear, although a rusting bicycle wheel can be seen in this picture.

On the eastern side of the brook, a relatively new tarmac path faces the new urban edge of the linear walk.
When I was there, a couple of joggers were making use of it, which together with the wooden bridges and western path makes an ideal circuit. 

Cutting across, through the new housing estate, is a public right of way that leads past the children's cemetery, and on into the Carleton Cemetery and Crematorium; the crematorium at the present time is being extended.

Returning to the brook path, I grabbed a peaceful seat watching the pond life. The robin was seen hopping about the hedgerow to the right.

The brook is off to the right, the land from the path to the brook being boggy.

This tree straddles the brook. One, perhaps, for Alan Winter (Winterboy) artist?

The southern entrance from Holyoake Avenue.

From the noticeboard:

History
This site used to be part of a large farm called Higher Moor, part of this farm was planted with fruit trees as a source of food for the farmer and his family. Having an orchard on your land was a UK wide trend since the 17th century, reflecting the puritanical principles of self-sufficiency and in 1655 it was even suggested that a law be passed to make the planting of fruit trees compulsory amongst landowning classes. Orchards have been a highly valued part of formal gardens, farmers land and public houses, for both their ornamental and productive qualities. In recognition of this tradition, orchards are a priority habitat under the UK Government's Biodiversity Action Plan.

The Project

• Also see nearby - Flyde Memorial Arboretum & Community Woodland

• North Blackpool Pond Trail - Facebook Group - Friends of North Blackpool Pond Trail, aim to encourage people to 'Access Nature' within their local environment.

Find more posts in this Blackpool Lancs, A-Z Index