A trip to the Rise

It was rather a wet start to the week with torrential downpours but I got my red waterproof jacket out, the one with the built in hood ideal for when it can be warm with showers and went out exploring.

Much of this area is reclaimed, some from the site of former Salt works that literally went under due to subsidence, a common local issue and part a local authority refuse site suitably landscaped and given a new title.

From where this picture was taken there are three pathways, one that leads to the local canal and two into the reclaimed area itself.

The central one leads through a steep drop which is terraced along a narrow path towards Lawton Heath over a brook where the Valley Cottage is underpinned to prevent it from sinking and where fresh sink holes are by no means uncommon.

The display board provides some background information on the area, a map and directions you may wish to explore.

The Rise itself has a higher section toward the backs of property in the village and a much lower area when the ground dropped (and slowly continues to over the years) which is kept more as meadowland.

The area often sees butterflies, a variety of birds and small mammals with views across the stream at base of the River Weaver which is much lower due to the subsidence which apart from taking the salt works also took a row of houses, a pub and chunk of agricultural land.

There are a few tables where you can sit and watch and further up some rustic seating.