Runcorn
Woodland Trust wood
Size:
1.08 ha (2.67 acres)
Grid reference:
SJ548826
Map reference:
Explorer 275
OS Landranger 108
Small, but perfectly formed, Fountains Wood is a hidden gem in an urban landscape. The wood is home to an abundance of wildlife, including the increasingly rare water vole, and once belonged to the nearby Augustinian monastery of Norton Priory. It links up with local recreational routes, so it’s a great place for a walk.
Fountains Wood is a 1.1-hectare (2.7-acre) urban wood. It is located in the Windmill Hill area of Runcorn, about 3.5 miles east of the town centre and about 6.5 miles southeast of Warrington.
The woodland is situated next to the Bridgewater Canal, Phoenix Park and the Windmill Hill housing estate. It is connected to the wider footpath network by the Bridgewater Canal tow path.
From Runcorn, head east along the A533 and join the A558 (Daresbury Expressway). Take the exit towards Windmill Hill. At the roundabout, take the first exit onto Manor Park Avenue, then at the next roundabout carry straight on and take the second exit onto Windmill Hill Avenue North. At the next roundabout, take the third exit onto Windmill Hill Avenue West, then follow the road signs for Lockgate West.
The nearest train station is Runcorn East, 2.7km (1.7 miles) from the wood.
Visit National Rail for more information.
The nearest bus stop is Southwood Avenue, which is on the housing estate around a five-minute walk from the wood.
Visit Traveline for more information.
Fountains Wood has three access points: one from the canal towpath, another from Phoenix Park to west, and a third opposite the houses on Lockgate West on the eastern side of the wood.
There are sections of tarmac footpaths that skirt the western and southern boundaries of the wood and the Bridgewater Canal towpath on the northern boundary.
An unsurfaced footpath runs through the wood which can become muddy in winter.
The only parking for the wood is on the roads within the housing estate close to the wood.
The closest public toilets are at the Halton Lea shopping centre about 3km (two miles) from Fountains Wood.
While it might be small in size, Fountains Wood is hub of activity when it comes to wildlife. Great crested grebe, mute swan and Canada goose can be seen along the canal, as well as common hawker and ruddy darter dragonflies which flit above the water. The increasingly uncommon water vole also resides in this wood, as do the fox and grey squirrel.
Look out for:
This small woodland consists of a variety of broadleaf trees, including semi-mature sycamore, oak, silver birch, ash, hawthorn and holly. Look to the ground during the spring time for a peek at the pockets of stunning bluebell and sunny lesser celandine sprinkled throughout the wood.
Look out for:
Despite its small size, Fountains Wood still manages to offer several habitats which appeal to a variety of wildlife. Predominantly made up of broadleaved woodland, the wood also sits near the canal, which is home to dozens of water birds.
Explore:
From 1134 until the dissolution of the monasteries, Fountains Wood was owned by the Augustinian monastery of Norton Priory. The site then became part of the Brooke family estate, and the Bridgewater canal, which forms the northern boundary of the wood, was built across the land in the 18th century. The family sold the estate in the 1920s. The site was given to us in 1995, along with a number of other woodlands in Runcorn.
Although the wood is small in size, the unsurfaced footpath featured throughout links up with longer recreational routes in the area, making it the perfect place to enjoy a walk. You can extend your outing by taking a stroll along the Bridgewater Canal or continue on to the museum and walled garden at the ancient Norton Priory.
The most excavated monastic site in Europe, Norton Priory Museum displays thousands of artefacts from its 900-year history.
Visit Norton Priory Museum & Gardens for more information.
Visiting woods
Dogs are welcome for walkies in our woods. Take a look at our tips and guidelines for ensuring we keep our woods safe and special for dogs and wildlife.
Visiting woods
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Visiting woods
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