Fishwick, Preston, Lancashire

Fishwick Local Nature Reserve

Mixed-habitat reserve

Place photograph

6.3

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Check

Cost

Peaceful

Feel

WoodlandWetlandRiversideUrban historicWalkersWildlife loversPhotographersFamilies

Why it's Wildland

6.3

Once derelict land on Preston’s urban edge has been reshaped into a patchwork of woodland, wildflower grassland and wetlands. Its ponds, ditch system and remnant orchard give this green space a more particular character than a simple riverside walk.

Fishwick earns its place for the contrast between its urban setting and its carefully restored habitats: wetland ponds alive with small wildlife, flower-rich grasslands, and Throslock Wood, whose cover has lasted for centuries. Look beyond the paths for the old orchard’s ‘Golden Spire’ apples.

Peaceful · Secluded

Find your way

Open map

Fishwick, Preston, Lancashire

Opening map…

Explore around here Get directions

Know this place a little better?

Add photos Add video Add a waypoint Improve information Report a change

The experience

Follow the footpaths through Fishwick’s mix of woodland, grassland and wetland, then slow down at the ponds and remnant orchard. The official visitor source describes several miles of paths, seating and interpretation signs; choose a shorter stroll or extend your visit across the reserve and recreation ground.

Things to do

Explore the woodland, grassland and wetland

Use the reserve’s footpaths to experience its three documented habitat types. The official visitor source describes several miles of paths; no specific circuit is established by the supplied evidence.

Look for woodland ground flora in Throslock Wood

The official visitor source names bluebells, wild garlic, campion and celandines beneath the wood’s oak trees. Throslock Wood is identified as a Biological Heritage Site.

Pause by the ponds

The ponds and ditch system support aquatic plants and wildlife including sticklebacks, newts, dragonflies, snails and other invertebrates. Herons and kingfishers are reported as attracted to the site; sightings are not guaranteed.

Find the remnant orchard

Look for the remnant orchard and its ‘Golden Spire’ apples, a distinctive feature noted by the official visitor source.

Visit the recreation ground’s BMX track

The official visitor source says the recreation ground has a BMX track used by Preston Pirates BMX Club, with use outside club sessions mentioned. Check current access and arrangements before riding.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Under 1 hour; exact walk length not specified

A short habitat sampler

01
Choose a short section of the reserve’s footpaths.
02
Pause at a wetland pond and look for aquatic plants and small wildlife.
03
If time allows, visit the remnant orchard and look for its ‘Golden Spire’ apples.

Half day · 1–2 hours; suggested duration, not an official route estimate

Woodland, meadow and wetland wander

01
Explore the reserve’s footpaths through its woodland, grassland and wetland habitats.
02
In Throslock Wood, look for oak trees and woodland flowers including bluebells and wild garlic.
03
Pause at the ponds and ditch system to watch for dragonflies, newts and other wildlife.
04
Finish with a rest at a seating area; picnic seating is described by the official visitor source.

Verified history

Fishwick’s reserve and recreation ground cover approximately 26 hectares and have held Green Flag status since 2007, according to Visit Preston. The site was formerly derelict land and has been transformed through landscaping and restoration. Woodland planting began in the 1960s and 1970s; Throslock Wood, on the reserve’s eastern side, is described as having had woodland cover for several centuries.

Hidden details

A remnant orchard with a named apple variety — The reserve retains an orchard with ‘Golden Spire’ apples—an easily overlooked detail among the wider habitats.

Throslock Wood’s long woodland history — While much of Fishwick’s woodland planting dates to the 1960s and 1970s, Throslock Wood is described as having woodland cover for several centuries and is a Biological Heritage Site.

When to go

April · May · June · October · No specific time of day is established by the supplied sources; check conditions and visit when you can take time to watch wildlife quietly.

The official visitor source identifies bluebells and other woodland flowers, wildflower grasslands and wetland wildlife. Spring and early summer are a useful time to look for flowers; the supplied listing also describes autumn colour, but no exact peak dates are given.

Check the forecast and current path conditions before visiting. Some areas have natural terrain; muddy or uneven conditions are not specifically verified by the supplied sources.

What to look for

In Throslock Wood, look for bluebells, wild garlic, campion and celandines beneath the oaks. Seek out the remnant orchard’s ‘Golden Spire’ apples, and pause by the ponds to look for dragonflies, newts and other small aquatic life. Herons and kingfishers are reported as visitors to the site.

The story

Reclaimed former derelict land; woodland planting began in the 1960s and 1970s. Throslock Wood has had woodland cover for several centuries.

Best time to go

Spring to early summer for woodland flowers and fresh growth; autumn for colour. The reserve is described as visitable year-round, but check conditions before setting out.

Spring into early summer for bluebells, wild garlic and other woodland ground flora; autumn for changing colour. For wildlife watching, take time at the ponds and wetland features. Exact peak dates and wildlife sightings vary.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Families

Practical information

Opening & access

A nature reserve and recreation ground with footpaths and seating. The supplied sources describe it as a place for public walks; check current access and conditions before visiting.

Check before visiting

Parking

The supplied listing reports a small nearby car park off London Road; verify its location and availability before travelling.

Check before visiting

Toilets

Check before visiting; the supplied listing reports no on-site toilets.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

Check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Dogs

The supplied listing marks the site as dog-friendly; check current signage and any local rules before visiting.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

The supplied listing describes the main paths as well maintained but notes natural terrain may make some areas challenging for wheelchair users. Check current conditions and route suitability before visiting.

Check before visiting

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

Ponds, wetlands and a ditch system; no swimming or paddling activities are supported by the supplied evidence.