Birchwood Forest Park
Welcome | How to find us | How to contact us | Events | History | Leaflets/guides
Map | Angling | Wildlife | Cyclist's Code | Dog owners
Welcome to Birchwood Forest Park
Birchwood Forest Park is the name given to all the green areas throughout Birchwood. The town is made up of the three villages – Gorse Covert, Oakwood and Locking Stumps. The villages and open spaces are all linked by a comprehensive network of footpaths, which in turn link the parkland to the surrounding countryside.
The park covers an area of 500 acres and stretches from the M6 in the west to the M62, junction 11, in the east.
Created after the demolition of Risley Royal Ordnance Factory, where thousands of bombs were made during the second world war, Birchwood Forest Park provides a rich and varied mosaic of landscapes. Most of the park is managed by Warrington Borough Council. Other organisations which manage some sections include the Woodland Trust, Frontis Housing and private enterprise. The footpath network, suitable for prams and wheelchairs, is excellent for jogging cycling and walking. Discover hidden ponds, birch woodlands and remnant mosslands. Enjoy magnificent views from Pestfurlong Hill. Take a stroll through the wildflower meadows of Birchwood Brook. Or simply come and relax in one of the secluded picnic areas.
For the more active there are children’s playgrounds, football and cricket pitches, a 5-a-side pitch and a skateboard park. A large car park is situated close to the ranger centre where toilets and changing rooms with showers are available.
For more information about sports facilities or to make a booking please contact the outdoor facilities section on 01925 442727.
How to find us
By car: Leave junction 11 of the M62 and follow the A574 (Birchwood Way). Turn left at the first mini roundabout and right at the next into the car park. The car park close to the ranger centre has designated parking bays for blue badge holders.
By bus: From Warrington bus station the no. 24 and 25 stops at Ordnance Ave and Moss Gate.
By train: The park is easily reached from Birchwood station.
The main area of Birchwood Forest Park, known as Birchwood District Park, has mainly level tarmac paths and regular resting points making this part of the park particularly suitable for wheelchairs.
How to contact us
The rangers can be contacted on:
Tel/fax: 01925 824239
Email: rangers@warrington.gov.uk
or at:
Ranger Centre, Birchwood Forest Park, off Moss Gate, Birchwood, Warrington WA3 6QX.
(The ranger centre is not open at all times. Please ring if you require further information)
Birchwood Forest Park events programme
To find out what's on in Warrington, please view the downloadable booklet 
History of Birchwood Forest Park
Information relating to the history of Birchwood Forest Park can be found in the heritage section.
Leaflets/guides
The full leaflet/guide is available to download from our publications section (under Environment > Parks).
Map of Birchwood Forest Park
To view a map of this park, please visit the location maps section.
Angling in Birchwood
For further information about fishing at Oakwood Gate Pond please telephone the rangers at Birchwood Forrest Park on 01925 824239.
Please note: Angling is not permitted on any other ponds in the park.
Wildlife and the environment
Native woodland belts in Birchwood provide stunning and ever-changing scenery throughout the seasons. In early spring the white blossom of the blackthorn is dominant, giving way to the hawthorn and cherry blossom in May. Wild roses add colourful splashes to the foliage in summer, whilst meadow areas flourish with flowers such as northern marsh orchids, bee orchids, grass vetchling and common centuary.
In autumn seeds and berries provide food for a variety of wildlife. Jays and grey squirrels can be seen busily collecting acorns and nuts, or a fox may be glimpsed enjoying a feast of blackberries.
In winter noisy flocks of long-tailed tits, goldfinches and migrant redwing are attracted into the park to feed on the abundance of berries and seeds.
Gateway to the countryside
Birchwood Forest Park is an excellent base from which you can explore the local countryside and rights of way network.
- From the entrance to Birchwood Brook Park near Birchwood station, follow the blue signposted route to Woolston Park.
- From Silver Lane near Pestfurlong Hill you can walk southwards to Rixton Claypits, or you could follow the footpath network northwards across the fields to Culcheth Linear Park.
The Woodland Trust
Some of the woodland belts within Birchwood are owned by the Woodland Trust, a charity concerned with the conservation of Britain's woodlands. Habitats are managed for the benefit of wildlife and to encourage public access and enjoyment.
The northern section of Gorse Covert including Pestfurlong Hill and smaller woodland areas around Oakwood Gate Park are owned by the Trust. The Birchwood Rangers patrol these areas and are happy to pass on any enquiries you may have to the Woodland Trust Officer.
To find out more about The Woodland Trust woods in your area, please telephone 01476 581111.
Further wildlife information can be found on the nature on your doorstep page.
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 10:15:14
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