Brockholes Nature Reserve, Lancashire, Winter
Recently I had the joy and honour of staying over at my best friend’s place in Preston, Lancashire.
Recently I had the joy and honour of staying over at my best friend’s place in Preston, Lancashire.
I lived in Preston for many years, leaving in 2012 to move further up north in Kendal, Cumbria. As such, it’s been a decade since I’ve seen Preston. The city has changed a lot.
Well, let’s be accurate. Some parts of the city, around the thriving University of Central Lancashire, have changed dramatically as the University continues to steer the economic direction of the city. Other parts of the city, away from the University, have barely changed or—worse—have totally degraded.
Both scenarios were a shock to see.
To cap off a lovely weekend, my friend and I had a wee waltz around the Brockholes Nature Reserve, located on the eastern outskirts of Preston. The Nature Reserve is situated in the flood plains of the River Ribble, and features the UK’s first floating visitor centre. The weather was pretty terrible all weekend, but thankfully during our hike it brightened up enough to actually snap some photos, in between the furious downpours.
All photos shot on my Fujifilm X-T2 using my Fujinon 23mm f/2.0 and Laowa 9mm f/2.8 prime lenses. Developed in Lightroom and finished in Affinity Photo.
As we left the car park to walk the 3-mile “Discovery” trail around Brockholes, the clouds above did not promise settled conditions.
Thankfully, the unsettled conditions resulted in this wonderfully clear double rainbow arching over the ponds.
Nearing the floating visitor village the sun broke out behind us, illuminating the landscape whilst another dark squall approaches overhead.
The floating visitor village was designed by Adam Khan Architects, built by Price & Myers, and opened to the public in 2011. It houses shops, an exhibition area, an activity room for schools and community groups, a restaurant and a conference centre.
After knocking back an espresso with a flapjack, it was time for one last prowl around this magnificent feat of architecture.