Work starts on "Duck Pond" Sunnyhurst Woods

Work has begun on the paddling pool which is commonly known locally as the duck pond in Sunnyhurst Woods, Darwen. The beauty spot was damaged in the 2002 floods. Much of the woods was damaged on the storm on June 14 2002 caused over £100,000 worth of damage along the banks of Sunnyhurst Brook which runs through the woods.

The downpour washed away paths, damaged bridges and created massive holes where the river of water created a new path.

Friends of Sunnyhurst Woods arranged various fund-raising events shortly after the floods to help Blackburn with Darwen council meet the huge repair bill. With the help on kind donations the damaged paths and duck pond were restored to their former glory.

Six years on and work has started on the duck pond again, this time probably following months of planning. The work will no doubt help prevent future damage on the scale seen in 2002. With more freak weather being witnessed every year it seems that Sunnyhurst Woods needs to prepare the paddling pool to accept more rain water following heavy downpours.

In recent years various parts of the country have felt the full force of nature with flash floods damaging hundreds of homes and in some cases resulting in the loss of lives.

Closer to home Sunnyhurst Woods has recovered from the damage to recveive the prestigious Green Flag award this year. Work being carried out on the Duck Pond and the restoration of Ellis Gibson pond higher up the stream will only help to increase the woods reputation.