Northwich Community Woodlands

Northwich Woodlands is a rich and green environment to the north of Northwich town centre. It is made up of nine areas, each with a different character and history. The Weaver Navigation and the Trent and Mersey canal flow through the heart of the Northwich Woodlands adding further variety to the landscape.

Marbury Country Park - Stroll through the historical landscape beneath magnificent lime avenues, through the arboretum or along Budworth mere. The parkland and ancient woodland provide a rich haven for a host of wildlife from bats to beetles. Don’t miss the mass of bluebells in the spring. There is also a children's play area, an orienteering course and a range of events throughout the year.

Anderton Nature Park and Anderton Boat Lift - Anderton Nature Park was one of the first areas of the Northwich Woodlands to be reclaimed. Follow the Wildflower Trail and discover why so many unusual plants grow there.

Next to the park is the Anderton Boat Lift. Built in 1875 and restored to full working order in 2002, the Boat Lift provides visitors with a unique experience. Boat trips can be booked at the Operation Centre which also contains an interactive exhibition, a café, children's play area and shop.

Witton Mill Meadow - Enjoy a stroll alongside the reed fringed Witton Brook where birds such as reed warblers may be heard calling in spring. In summer the meadow is awash with flowers and buzzing with life.

Dairy House Meadows - Dairy House Meadows was once farm land but little remains to indicate this now apart from the name and some old hedgerows and boundaries. Today it is home to some of Britain's rarest amphibians such as the great crested newt. A footpath winds around the meadows and at a high point there are lovely open views across Forge Pool and to Marston Meadows beyond.

Ashton's and Neumann's Flashes - Many unusual species thrive here! Several seaside plants grow in the salty soil while the rare dingy skipper butterfly can be seen on the lime beds. Watch the waders and water fowl from three new bird accessible hides or enjoy the circular multi-user route ideal for family walking, cycling or gentle horse riding.

Uplands - Uplands has been recently planted with mixed woodland and forms a pleasant link between Anderton and Marbury via a pretty clough and over Marbury Brook where kingfishers can often be seen.

Hopyards - Come and explore the grass maze, established for everyone with a spirit of fun.

Carey Park - Carey Park forms the green link between the town and the rest of the Northwich Community Woodlands and has superb views from the hill top view point.

Waterways - The industrial heritage of the area is linked closely with the Weaver Navigation and Trent and Mersey canal. The Trent and Mersey Canal takes a pleasant woodland course through the Northwich Woodlands linking two significant historic sites, the Anderton Boat Lift and the Lion Saltworks. This route can be enjoyed by walkers, cyclists and boaters. Boat trips can be arranged along both the Weaver Navigation and Trent and Mersey canal at the Boat Lift Operation Centre.