Nearest towns: Bamber Bridge, Preston, Leyland, Chorley
Grid reference: SD 565 238, Landranger 102, Explorer 285 & 286

650 acres along the valley of the River Lostock as it flows from Whittle-le-Woods to Bamber Bridge. About half of the land is let for agricultural use, mainly grazing. The river meanders through fluvio-glacial deposits of sand and gravel and, in the northern section of the park, there is an artificial lake stocked for coarse fishing, (where breeding birds include Great Crested Grebe), and several ponds. Kingfishers and Herons are frequently seen.

There is a variety of small broadleaved and mixed woodlands which have been extended by recent, mainly broadleaved planting. Most woods are carpeted with Bluebells in the spring and a good range of birds is commonly seen, including Sparrowhawk, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Long-tailed Tit and Goldcrest. Further variety is provided by the rough tall herb areas and Willow and Alder plantings near the river, hedges and unimproved or semi-improved grassland areas. Apart from picnic areas, grass in public access areas is cut as for a hay crop to encourage wildflowers and butterflies. The Park Trust runs a small flock of Jacob Sheep to help with grassland management.

There are nature conservation areas where access is restricted to limit disturbance. This includes broadleaved woodland, part of the lake and unimproved damp pasture.

For further information on guided walks, conservation work parties, school visits, etc, contact:

Cuerden Valley Park Trust
The Barn, Berkeley Drive
Bamber Bridge, Preston
PR5 6BY

tel: 01772 324129
email: rangers@cuerdenvalleypark.org.uk
website: www.cuerdenvalleypark.org.uk/

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Other Reserves ... Reserves Home Astley Moss Aughton Woods Barnaby's Sands & Burrows Marsh Boilton, Nab, Red Scar & Tunbrook Woods Booth's Plantation Cop Lane Cross Hill Quarry Croston Marsh Cuerden Valley Park Dean Wood Fleetwood Marsh Foxhill Bank Freeman's Pasture Freshfield Dune Heath Gathurst Wharves Haskayne Cutting Heysham Moss Heysham Nature Reserve Howick Hall Wood Longworth Clough Lord's Lot Bog Mere Sands Wood Moor Piece Moston Fairway Over Kellet Pond Pleasington Old Hall Wood & Wildlife Garden Salthill Quarry Seaforth Nature Reserve Summerseat Nature Reserve Upper Coldwell Reservoir Warton Crag Wigan Flashes Willow Farm Wood

Location
South of Preston and north of Chorley. Easy access from junctions 28 and 29 on the M6 and junctions 8 and 9 on M61. Car parking as shown on the map. Regular bus service from Chorley and Preston along the A6. Nearest railway stations at Bamber Bridge and Leyland.

Cycle Route

Access
Open at all times with car parks and network of paths. Access for the disabled: because of the topography, some paths are stepped but all the kissing gates are large enough for wheelchairs. The track from Town Brow to the picnic area for the lake is along level ground. An electric scooter is available for use within the Park Monday to Friday, Information can be obtained from the Barn, Trust headquarters and visitor centre. Vehicle access to the lake for disabled anglers (and others) can be arranged.

Status
The Park is owned and managed by Cuerden Valley Park Trust. The Wildlife Trust's Headquarters, The Barn, is situated within Cuerden Valley Park.