Late Autumn in Rivington

When does autumn become winter? Is it when there are more leaves on the ground than on the trees, or is it when the rain gets even colder? Well, whatever the season and whatever the weather my two dogs still need their walks, so it was off for a paddle around some of the woods and meadows of Rivington.

In spite of the incessant rain and the soggy ground, Brett and Sam still find something to amuse them.


This quiet little dell that leads onto one of the hay meadows is a riot of blue in late spring when the bluebells come out. As the bluebells die away the ferns spring up and last right through the summer months. At this time of year though they are rotting back to where they came from to provide nutrients for next year's growth.


At the end of the dell is this larger mass of ferns which, during late summer are nearly five feet tall. It's one of my dog Sam's favourite places to play hunt the ball. He loves to have me throw the ball in amongst the ferns so he can go and sniff it out. Unfortunately for him the ferns are now well on their way to bewcoming compost.


This is one of several hay meadows that contain a great deal of colourful flora during late spring and summer. Compare the picture here (taken in July this year) with this one.


Well at least Brett and Sam find the days of rain have given them something to play in.


The replica of the ruins of Liverpool Castle look rather forlorn in the gloom of a rainy day. According to Wikimapia this replica had an interesting history:

"The story goes that when Lord Leverhulme was interested in the land bordering the resevoir owned by Liverpool Corporation he approached the Corporation, saying that if they wanted the land for catchment they could have first choice of buying it. Liverpool Corporation replied that they had no interest nor claim on the land and he was free to purchase it if he wished. Leverhulme bought and developed the land, partly as a private house with gardens, and open parkland. Once set up, the park he donated to the people of the nearby town of Bolton. Meanwhile Liverpool Corporation decided they did want the land after all and tried to place a compulsory purchase order on the area owned by Leverhulme. He protested and after objecting to the claims of Liverpool Corporation the issue was heard by a parlimentry committee who, after much deliberation declaired that Liverpool could purchace the land from Lever, but...

1. They could not take control of the land in Leverhulme's lifetime
2. They were to pay an ammount exceeding the actual value of the land as compensation to Leverhulme,
3. They should not develop the site in any way,
4. The park should stay freely open to the public.

Liverpool Corperation grudgingly agreed to the terms. Leverhulme then set about building the replica of Liverpool Castle as an insult to Liverpool Corporation, (the original being a historic building that he and many others thought should never have been destroyed). Never intended to be a perfect copy It was built to demonstrate the condition it was in at the time of its destruction. He sited it near a small creek in the bank of the resevoir as this almost replicated the Castles original site next to 'The Pool', an inlet on the River Mersey."


The view inside the forecourt of the castle also looks decidedly wet.


This is a view from the battlements looking across Lower Rivington Reservoir.


One of many memorial benches that are placed alongside some of the paths around Rivington. This one, dedicated to Edna Parker, is at the end of one of the paths leading to the castle and is a favourite spot for many strollers who like to sit and admire the view. Not today though, unless you want a wet backside.


This avenue of trees running alongside one of the hay meadows still retains some of its colourful leaves.


This view from one of the paths leading up towards the Terraced Gardens, looking over the Rivington area, shows that there is still a good deal of colour left in spite of the rain.


And this gorse bush, that runs most of the length of this path, adds to the late autumn colour.


As we continue to ascend this path the view from the side, this time looking over towards Lower Rivington Reservoir, helps keep my mind off the rain.


Now here's something I didn't expect to see at this time of year. The lovely flowers of the foxglove, albeit only a single stalk trying to brave the weather.


A short visit to the Japanese Gardens shows that the work by the landowners (I think that is United Utilities) to restore the area to some semblance of its original glory is beginning to pay off. They've cleared paths and removed much of the rhododendrons that harboured a fungus that was killing some of the oak trees, as well as clearing away the rubbish that people who should know better have left in their wake.


Walking round the back ot these gardens I came across this little waterfall that flows into the ornamental lake.


And here is a short video of the waterfall.