Meresands Wood / Rufford

The car park at Meresands Wood was proving very popular this morning. By the time our 8 cars were parked up, there were not many spaces left. Martin has decided to walk with us today.

A shaded walk through the perimeter of the wood took us to one of the many hides. The birds unfortunately are massed at the far side of the lake and were only able to be seen with any clarity with binoculars. 

Leaving the shade of the wood, the day is warming up nicely. Passing Rufford cricket club, with no one around, we availed ourselves of the club seating, to have our morning brew in the warm sunshine.

       Vic, Jim and Mike are socially distancing themselves from us, and from each other.

                          A lovely wild flower garden borders the cricket club.

Crossing the A59 we turned down Station Lane, passing the historic St Mary the Virgin Parish Church.

Just passed the church, we crossed over the canal bridge and turned east along the canal tow path.

At the first bridge, (a swing bridge), we crossed to the other side of the canal to take our vitales in the pleasant warm sunshine on the opposite bank.

 After dinner, we continued along the tow path to the next bridge at Croston Road where we parted company with the canal, to head back towards Meresands Wood.

                                                             Crossing the A59 Liverpool Rd

                                     We passed by this pleasant country cottage.

Lots of different crops are grown in the fertile soil in this part of Lancashire. This is a field of onions.

A mobile generator provides power to drive a pump that keeps the dykes filled with water.

                         Crossing a small footbridge, we re-enter Meresands Wood.

We were soon back at the car park were we finished our flasks before dispersing off home.

                                                         Well done Martin.

                                                                      DK