Lumb Brook Valley
Welcome | How to find us | How to contact us | Events | Leaflets/guides
Map | Wildlife | Further afield | Cyclist's code | Dog owners
Welcome to Lumb Brook Valley
One of the first descriptions of this area was written for Appleton as a whole and is found in the Doomsday Book. “Epletune”, it says, “was and is waste” and has, “ …. a wood there half a league long and forty perches broad”. In modern terms that would be approximately one and a half miles long by two hundred yards wide and could be the Dingle, although with such a scant description this cannot be certain.
One of the first known references to the ownership of the Lumb Brook Valley itself comes in an Ancient Charter (c.1190). At this time the land owned by Richard de Aston was handed to Adam de Dutton in reward for his homage and service at a rent of 12d (5p) per year.
From this period until the mid 18th century the lands in Appleton, including the Lumb Brook Valley, were in the possession of the descendants of de Dutton, who sometime between 1307 and 1322 adopted the name Warburton.
By the 1840s the Lumb Brook Valley and its environs were in the ownership of three landowners Rowland Eyles Egerton-Warburton, Thomas Lyon and Thomas Parr.
The bawming ceremony of Appleton Thorn
Appleton Thorn village is the only village in England where the ‘Bawming of the Thorn’ ceremony takes place in June each year. The thorn tree which stands beside the church is believed to be an offshoot of the Glastonbury thorn which grew from the staff of Joseph of Arimathea. It was brought to Appleton by Adam de Dutton, a knight of the Crusades and local landowner. Bawming, which means decorating the tree with flowers and ribbons, takes place each year whilst local children dance and sing the Bawming song:
“Up with fresh garlands, this midsummer morn,
Up with the red ribbons on Appleton Thorn.
Come lasses and lads to the Thorn Tree today,
To bawm it and shout as ye bawm it ‘hooray’!”
There has been woodland within Lumb Brook for at least one thousand years; therefore steps must be taken to ensure the woodland survives for the benefit of future generations. To this end the management of the woodland must be constantly updated taking into account all aspects of woodland life.
A phased management programme will involve the removal of some large trees (mainly sycamore) creating gaps in the canopy which will allow light to the woodland floor where underplanting of shrubs, wildflowers and replacement trees will take place. This will create a diversity of age and species ensuring the woodland future. Work will be carried out with the help of the local community. For further details contact the ranger service.
Notes for visitors
When you visit the Lumb Brook Valley please act responsibly and with consideration for others who are enjoying the area. Please use the litter bins provided or take your litter home and take care not to disturb the wildlife.
How to find us
From Warrington town centre take the A49 south through Stockton Heath. Turn left into Lyons Lane. At the roundabout turn right onto Longwood Road. Follow the road and turn left into Cann Lane and immediately left onto Dingle Lane. Parking is available on the side of the road and access by foot can be gained to the Dingle and Fords Rough.
It should be noted that due to the nature of the terrain the Dingle and Fords Rough are unsuitable for wheelchair access.
How to contact us
The rangers can be contacted by the following methods:
Tel/fax: 01925 232184
Email: rangers@warrington.gov.uk
or at:
The Ranger Cabin, Black Bear Park, Loushers Lane, Latchford, Warrington.
Lumb Brook Valley events programme
To find out what's on in Warrington, please view the downloadable booklet 
Leaflets/guides
The full leaflet/guide is available to download from our publications section (under Environment>Parks).
Map of Lumb Brook Valley
To view a map of this park, please visit the location maps section.
Wildlife and the environment
Water and woodland habitats within the area provide a home for a wide variety of wildlife. Moths, butterflies, four types of bat, foxes, small mammals and over 30 bird species make the Lumb Brook Valley an exciting wildlife haven.
A common sound to be heard in spring and early summer is the drumming of the great spotted woodpecker. This familiar sound is made as the bird searches out food or excavates a nest hole. The less common green woodpecker also feeds in trees but rarely ‘drums’ and can often be seen hopping around on the woodland floor searching for ants. Its call is easily recognised as a ‘yaffle’ or laugh-like sound.
The Woodland Trust
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading charity dedicated solely to the conservation of our native woodland heritage. The trust owns and maintains over a thousand woods throughout the UK, these woodlands are freely open for everyone to enjoy. The trust own and manage parts of the woodland within the Lumb Brook Valley including Fords Rough, Pewterspear Woods and parts of the Dingle.
To find out more about the trust telephone 01476 581111 or visit www.woodland-trust.org.uk
Further wildlife information can be found on the nature on your doorstep page.
Further afield
Lumb Brook Valley is a gateway to the countryside from where you can access a well maintained footpath network. These can include short walks through Stretton, Pewterspear and Appleton Thorn or longer connections to the Bridgewater Canal, the Trans Pennine Trail or the Mersey Valley Timberland Trail. It is recommended that you use the ordnance survey map for the area which can be found in the the location maps section. Contact the rangers for further information.
Cyclist's code
Click the link to view the cyclist's code.
Dog owners
Whilst we welcome responsible dog walking, we ask that dog owners please remember that this site is a nature reserve - click the link to view the notice to dog owners.
Last updated 17/02/2010 11:23:18
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