River Darwen Parkway and Higher Croft Woods

55 hectares on the south side of Blackburn, along the River Darwen

Spread across 55 hectares on the south side of Blackburn (along the River Darwen), the Blackburn to Manchester railway line and alongside Highercroft Brook.

There is a Sustrans cycle route going through the site, which links to Witton Country Park and Pleasington via the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

These diverse habitats are home to a wide variety of birds, mammals and insects.

The area is a designated Biological Heritage Site (BHS), which signifies its importance for nature conservation in the county. The site also received a Local Nature Reserve status in 2005.

Location