Sunnyhurst Wood

Sunnyhurst Wood is beautiful 85 acre wooded valley, with Sunnyhurst Brook flowing down through the wood from the West Pennine Moors.

The wood

Sunnyhurst Wood itself is a beautiful location for family walks and picnics.

Paths meander up the steeped sided valley beside Sunnyhurst Brook, past the paddling pool, over ornate bridges up to Earnsdale reservoir, onto Darwen moor, Jubilee tower and beyond.

Wildlife

A wealth of wildlife, both woodland birds and plant life can be found in the wood.

Red Robin photo by Simon Booth

Water is a special feature of Sunnyhurst: heron and kingfisher can often be seen at Dingle Lodges and the Moat.

Some 702 species of plant, bird, invertebrate and mammal have been recorded or observed in the wood, most are relatively common by undoubtedly many more remain to be discovered.

A breeding bird survey was carried out in 2007.  Download a copy of the report.

A brief history

Take a journey back in time by visiting the Cotton Town web site. On it there is a wealth of old maps, manuscripts, photos, books, pamphlets and posters illustrating some of Blackburn and Darwen’s fascinating history.

Prior to 1800 the area was farmland with few trees, but during the 1800s trees were planted by the owner, Henry Brock,to provide cover for game birds and hunting purposes.

The estate was then sold to Eccles Shorrock from whose family the land was purchased by the Corporation.

The necessary funds were raised by public subscription, through the efforts of Alderman John Tomlinson the then Mayor of Darwen to commemorate the coronation of Edward VII in 1902.

The area was then developed as a woodland park and the opening ceremony took place on June 2 1903 when the deeds where presented to the then Mayor, Councillor Robert Shorrock.

The wood was declared to be 'for the full use and enjoyment of the people of Darwen for ever’.

Today the wood is managed by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, but the community is very much involved in the wood through the active 'Friends of Sunnyhurst Wood' group. For more information contact 01254 701545

Download a brief history of Sunnyhurst, or download a more detailed survey of the historic features.